Changyu Cabernet D’Est

UPDATE – Cabernet Gernischt confirmed to be Carmenere grape variety.

We have just taken our first delivery of a new Chinese red wine from Changyu Estate. This is not our first Asian wine, however, we used to supply Dragon Seal, which was made by French company Pernod Ricard, back in the mid 1990s – I wonder what happened to that joint venture?

Chanyu Wines: A Chinese Wine Pioneer

The Changyu Pioneer Wine group is one of the oldest and most dynamic Chinese wine producers in China. The history of viticulture and wine production in China can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, which was from 206BC to 220AD. This historic Chinese winery can trace their heritage 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, this established Chinese brand has managed to keep going, despite being taken over by the state at one point. In 1990, they entered into a joint venture with French wine giant Castel. The focus has always been on producing European, and particularly Bordeaux-style wines.

Changyu Vineyards

Changyu Cabernet D’Est is produced from 75 hectares of vines that have been organic for three years. From the 2012 vintage, this premium Chinese wine should be able to be labelled as such. The vineyards are located in Ningxia, China’s newest wine-growing region, in the Helan Mountain area, located in Central Western China on the fringes of the Gobi Desert and close to the Yellow River.

This emerging wine region 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 – ideal continental climate conditions for quality wine production.

Made From Cabernet Gernischt

Changyu Cabernet D’Est is made from the little-known Cabernet Gernischt grape variety, which is thought to be a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc although some think it is Cabernet Franc. This international grape 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 more fruity full-bodied red wine.

Changyu Cabernet D’Est Tasting Notes

Changyu Cabernet D’Est has a good, clear, ruby red colour. On the nose, there are red fruits, sweetish notes of blackcurrant and slightly grassy, herbaceous flavours from this quality Chinese red. Perhaps a little bit green. The palate is soft and round with good tannins, more red fruit and a little hint of green pepper. It is medium to light-bodied and has good length. This premium wine selection is very reminiscent of perhaps a Saumur Rouge or Chinon from the Loire, showing how this Chinese terroir can produce wines with Old World style characteristics.