By Sergi Castro, sommelier at Jean Leon
If there was something that defined Jean Leon, it was his zest for life. He was a great host who knew how to organize parties for the enjoyment of his guests. And we keep this spirit alive, just like the great wines he created in his Penedès winery.
We love looking through the calendar for these celebrations, wherever they come from, to suggest one more reason to celebrate — always welcome!
This year, on October 6th, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, is celebrated. It is one of the most important festivities in the Chinese calendar, bringing family and friends together in the garden or on the terrace to dine and celebrate under the shining full moon, ending dinner with the traditional “mooncakes.”
The Full Moon Festival has its origins in ancient harvest celebrations. Traditionally, it marked the end of the crop gathering. It is a moment of gratitude for the fruits harvested. The full moon is seen as a symbol of fullness and prosperity, and it has always been the centerpiece of the celebration.
The mooncake is a traditional Chinese pastry, filled with red bean paste in the sweet version, or with egg or meat in the savory one. It is a delicacy especially enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The mooncake is the culinary symbol of this festival. It is a small pastry whose meaning goes beyond its taste: it symbolizes family reunion and wishes for good fortune in the next cycle, serving as a gesture of generosity and goodwill.
How do we suggest you celebrate it?
If you’re a home cook, you can easily find a recipe for mooncakes. If not, your trusted Chinese restaurant will surely be able to prepare them or get them for your celebration.
What matters most is that, even if it’s a Monday, you gather your family or friends for a beautiful celebration. Pick up your Chinese “takeaway” with your mooncakes and some bottles of Jean Leon 3055. We recommend 3055 Chardonnay or 3055 Rosé, fresh and light, pairing perfectly with everything: rice, noodles, meats, and fish. And if you don’t have a garden or terrace to enjoy the full moon, improvise a picnic on a rooftop or in a park.
We should make the most of every opportunity the calendar offers us to celebrate.
Are you in?
