You have to wonder. How does a Washington State winery decide to brand one of its wines Kung Fu Girl? It’s an answer not easily found but after a lot of digging, I discovered this. Apparently, eccentric winemaker Charles Smith was eating Chinese takeout and watching an epic martial arts movie and decided to create a wine to match the experience. Thus, Kung Fu Girl Riesling was born. I can’t vouch for the authenticity of the story but that’s the tale told.
If that story was part of the initial marketing, it seems to have taken hold. Many reviewers suggest Asian food options as pairings for the wine. Coincidence? Surprisingly, few reviewers make any reference to the packaging as inspiration for their recommendations. For them, it seems wine and packaging are like church and state.
If the front label doesn’t inspire you to order Asian takeout, perhaps the stereotypical image of rice and chopsticks on the back label will light your lantern.
This is not a new product or packaging. Kung Fu Girl Riesling has been around for over a decade. Before social media outcries of cultural appropriation and cancel culture. Would a brand dare to introduce such a package today?
On the positive side, the image is of a woman in a battle-ready stance. She is poised and fearless with the grace of a butterfly and the fire of a dragon. I’m taken back to the countless times my children watched Mulan.
Riesling, this one, or any others in an off-dry style are often recommended as complements to spicy Asian food. Kung Fu Girl Riesling meets the challenge of conquering the heat. It is a decent but not exceptional example of this varietal. It sports the typical white fruit flavours with a touch of sweetness but with limited acidity. Order in and cue the Disney channel.
