Chinese five-spice: flavouring profile

Chinese five-spice is led by anise, not warmth: star anise and fennel set its sweet, liquorice-like signature, with clove, cassia and the tingling Sichuan pepper behind, and because it seasons fatty, lacquered pork and duck in sweet-savoury soy glazes, it wants a fruity, supple wine with the acid to cut the richness.