China has a rich history of winemaking that dates back to over 4,000 years ago. The ancient Chinese drank wine made from rice, honey, and fruits, but it was not until the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) that grape wine was introduced to China.
Despite its long history, the Chinese wine industry has only recently started to gain recognition on the global stage. In recent years, China has seen an increase in the number of wineries, vineyards, and wine production, making it a significant player in the global wine industry.
Winemaking History & Terroir
Winemaking in China started around the Han Dynasty, when grape wine was introduced to the country. However, it was not until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) that wine production became more widespread. During this period, the Chinese began to use new winemaking techniques and started to produce wine in large quantities.
In recent years, the Chinese wine industry has seen significant growth, with an increase in the number of wineries and vineyards. The majority of Chinese wineries are located in the northern regions, such as Shandong, Hebei, and Ningxia. The country's terroir, which includes factors such as soil, climate, and topography, plays a significant role in the style of the wine produced in these regions.
Grape Varietals & Wine Styles
China is home to a wide variety of grape varietals, both international and indigenous. Some of the most common international grape varietals found in China include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Riesling. These varietals are grown in most wine regions in China, and the style of the wines produced from them are similar to those found in other countries.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most important grape varietals in the Chinese wine industry. It is a classic Bordeaux grape varietal, known for producing full-bodied red wines with high tannin levels, and good aging potential. The grape is widely grown in China, particularly in the regions of Shandong, Ningxia, and Hebei, where the climate and soil are well-suited to its cultivation.
Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon in China are typically full-bodied and have high tannin levels. They are known for their rich, dark fruit flavors and aromas, with notes of black currant, cedar, and tobacco. The wines have good aging potential and can benefit from cellaring for several years.
Carmenere
Carmenere is a grape varietal that is originally from Bordeaux, but it is now widely grown in China. It is known for producing red wines with a medium-bodied structure, moderate tannins, and a fruity aroma. The grape varietal is particularly grown in the regions of Shandong, Ningxia, and Hebei.
Wines made from Carmenere in China are typically medium-bodied, with moderate tannins and a fruity aroma. They are known for their flavors of red and black fruits such as plum, blackcurrant, and blackberry, and often have a hint of spice and a slightly herbal note. These wines are generally considered to be easy drinking and can be enjoyed young.
Merlot
Merlot is another grape varietal that is widely grown in China, particularly in the regions of Shandong, Ningxia, and Hebei. The grape varietal is known for producing red wines with a medium-bodied structure, moderate tannins, and a fruity aroma.
Wines made from Merlot in China are typically medium-bodied, with moderate tannins and a fruity aroma. They are known for their flavors of red and black fruits such as plum, blackcurrant, and blackberry, and often have a hint of chocolate or vanilla. These wines are generally considered to be easy drinking and can be enjoyed young.
Marselan
Marselan is a grape varietal that is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. It is a relatively new grape varietal that is being grown in China, particularly in the regions of Shandong, Ningxia, and Hebei. The grape varietal is known for producing red wines with a medium-bodied structure, moderate tannins, and a fruity aroma.
Wines made from Marselan in China are typically medium-bodied, with moderate tannins
Some local varietals include:
Shiliu
Shiliu is a white grape varietal that is native to China. It is known for producing wines with a floral aroma and a light, delicate taste. The grape has a high sugar content and is usually used to make sweet wines. The grape is particularly grown in the Northern Region of China.
Niu Niang
Niu Niang is a red grape varietal that is also native to China. It is known for producing red wines with a fruity aroma and a medium-bodied taste. The grape has a moderate tannin structure and is usually used to make dry red wines. It is grown in the Northern Region of China, particularly in the Shandong and Hebei provinces.
Longyan
Longyan is a white grape varietal that is native to China. It is known for producing wines with a high acidity and a crisp, refreshing taste. The grape is particularly grown in the Fujian province, located in the Eastern Region of China. The grape varietal is known to be more resistant to disease, and thus it is a popular grape varietal among Chinese winemakers.
Beichun
Beichun is a red grape varietal that is also native to China. It is known for producing red wines with a fruity aroma and a medium-bodied taste. The grape has a moderate tannin structure and is usually used to make dry red wines. It is grown in the Northern Region of China, particularly in the Shandong and Hebei provinces.
Major Wine Making Regions
China has several major wine-making regions, each with its unique style of wine. Some of the most prominent regions include:
Shandong
Shandong is a wine region located in northeastern China, known for its dry red wines. The region's terroir is similar to that of Bordeaux, with a similar climate and soil. This has led to an increase in the cultivation of international grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Changyu Pioneer Wine, China's largest winery, and Domaine de Long Dai, a French-Chinese winery, are two of the most popular wineries in the Shandong region.
- Changyu Pioneer Wine was founded in 1892 and has a long history of winemaking in China. They produce a wide range of wines, including dry red wines, semi-dry red wines, and sweet red wines.
- Domaine de Long Dai, on the other hand, was established in 2008 as a French-Chinese joint venture and produces high-quality Bordeaux-style wines, in partnership with Château Lafite Rothschild.
Ningxia
Ningxia is a wine region located in northwest China, known for its sweet red wines. The region has gained international recognition in recent years due to the Bordeaux vs Ningxia blind tasting competition held in 2016, where wines from Ningxia were favorably compared to wines from Bordeaux. The region's terroir includes a dry, arid climate and a high altitude, which allows grapes to ripen fully and develop a high sugar content.
Notable wineries in the Ningxia region include Silver Heights, Chandon, Helan Mountain, and Great Wall.
- Silver Heights is a family-owned winery known for producing high-quality red wines using traditional winemaking techniques.
- Chandon, a subsidiary of Moët & Chandon, is a winery that produces sparkling wines using traditional methods.
- Helan Mountain, by Pernod Ricard, is one of China's most renowned wineries, and their wines have won numerous awards.
- Great Wall is a large domestic winery that produces a wide range of wine styles, including dry red wines, semi-dry red wines, and sweet red wines.
Hebei
Hebei is a wine region located in northern China, known for its semi-dry red wines. The region's terroir includes a continental climate and fertile soil, which allows grapes to ripen fully and develop a high sugar content. Hebei is home to several small wineries including Kanaan Winery, and the region is known for its traditional winemaking techniques.
Xinjiang
Xinjiang is a wine region located in northwest China, known for its unique terroir, including hot, dry summers and cold winters, as well as its high altitude (around 800 meters above sea level) and desert-like conditions. The region is also known for its political struggles with the Uyghur population. The Turpan Valley, in particular, is considered one of the most important wine regions in China due to its unique terroir and ancient winemaking traditions.
Puchang is a popular winery in the Xinjiang region that produces high-quality red wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery is known for its use of local grape varietals that are well-suited to the region's climate and terroir, as well as international grape varietals such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Muscat.
Shaanxi
Shaanxi is a wine region located in central China, known for its dry red wines. The region's terroir includes a continental climate and fertile soil, which allows grapes to ripen fully and develop a high sugar content. The region is home to several small wineries, and the region is known for its traditional winemaking techniques
In Conclusion
China has a rich history of winemaking that dates back over 4,000 years. In recent years, the Chinese wine industry has seen significant growth, with an increase in the number of wineries and vineyards. China is home to a wide variety of grape varietals, both international and indigenous
