By Jim Boyce | We’ve witnessed a rise in quality Chinese wine producers during the past decade but their sales often lag due to low visibility, high prices and poor distribution. Even in the Ningxia region, darling of the scene, finding top labels is tough. Last month, I made five wine recommendations for China Daily, with nods to producers that are relatively easy to find. In short:
- Grace Vineyard (Shanxi / Ningxia): Wines from 元70, with my favorites the ‘Tasya Reserve’ reds, including the Cabernet Franc and Aglianico (~元190), and 2009 reserve sparkling wine (~元290).
- Kanaan (Ningxia): The Riesling and semi-sweet white blend (~元150) are both worthy but the ‘Pretty Pony’ Cabernet-Merlot (~元295) is my top pick.
- Silver Heights (Ningxia): ‘Family Reserve’ Cabernet blend (~元300) is best when decanted. If on a budget, try the red and white ‘Last Warrior’ blends (~元140).
- Chandon (Ningxia): These Champagne-method bubblies made by LVMH in Ningxia are good value (元170).
- Tiansai (Xinjiang): Reds such as the Marselan and Cabernet Franc are hard to find so go for the Chardonnays (from ~元170).
As noted in the article, there are other options, too, including Helan Qing Xue and Legacy Peak in Ningxia, Hansen in Inner Mongolia, Chateau Nine Peaks in Shandong and Ao Yun in Yunnan. Here’s hoping more wineries improve their distribution and pricing so we can easily try their wines, too. Read the entire China Daily article here. And learn more about Chinese wine at sibling site Grape Wall.
Check out 京B Daily for weather, air quality, and other updates. Plus sibling blogs Grape Wall of China and World Baijiu Day.
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