Changyu Cabernet D’Est, Ningxia Region

Description

The Changyu Wine group is one of the oldest and most dynamic Chinese wine companies. The history of viticulture and wine production in China can be traced back to the Han Dynasty which was from 206BC to 220AD. Changyu can trace their history back to 1892 when cuttings from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace were planted, European winemakers were employed and China’s first “European” vineyard was created. Since then Changyu has managed to keep going, despite being taken over by the state at one point. In the 1990 they entered into a joint venture with French wine giant Castel. The focus on wine from China has always been on producing European, and particularly French-style wines. Changyu Cabernet D’Est is produced from 75 hectares of vines, that have been organic for three years. From the 2012 the wine should be able to be labelled as such. The vineyards are located in Ningxia, China‘s newest wine-growing area, in the Helan Mountain region, located in Central Western China on the fringes of the Gobi Desert and close to the Yellow River. This is quite an arid area but with good sunlight hours which allows the grapes to ripen fully. Situated at 1100m, the warm days are coupled with cool nights which means the resulting wine retains freshness. Changyu Cabernet D’Est is a blend of 85% Cabernet Gernischt, 7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.5% Merlot. Changyu Cabernet D’Est is made from the little-known Cabernet Gernischt grape variety, which was thought to be be a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc although some think it is Cabernet Franc. This variety apparently became extinct in Europe some time ago. The grapes tend to be larger than Cabernet Sauvignon and produce a less tannic but spicier and fruity wine. UPDATE – Cabernet Gernischt has now been comfirmed, by DNA analysis, to be none other than Carmenere!