China Uncorked

The Best of Chinese Wine

Alberto Fernandez, General Manager of Torres China

Red:

Silver Heights, ‘Family Reserve’, Ningxia, China 2008

This blend of three Cabernets has aromas of red currants with a hint of cherries and spice. Good fruit structure with creamy characters from aging 12 months in American oak.

White:

Grace Vineyard with Torres, ‘Symphony Series’, Shanxi, China 2009

This 100 per cent Muscat wine exhibits immense floral aromas with firm acidity and an off-dry finish, which pairs well with Chinese cuisine, especially spicy dishes, and is also enjoyable when consumed on its own.

Lu Yang, Award-winning Sommelier

Red:

Silver Heights, ‘The Summit’, Ningxia, China 2008

This 2008 vintage is more focused and robust than 2007, showing dark cherry, blackberry, spices and floral aromas. Medium to full body, juicy acidity and persistent tannin, the wine is well-structured and consistent on mid-palate. This great effort shows the world what Chinese wine is capable of – Silver Heights is definitely the leading light for small wineries in our industry.

White:

Grace Vineyard with Torres, ‘Symphony Series’, Shanxi, China 2009

The name 'Symphony' tells the story of this wine, the choice of variety is clever and brilliant. This kind of aromatic variety is perfect to introduce wines to people. It has an attractive and clean nose, with aromas of melon, grape juice, peach, lemon and light floral notes – very refreshing and juicy palate, with crispy acidity and light structure. Well-made and balanced, by no means is it a complex wine, but by all means enjoyable and lovely.

Jim Boyce, Editor-in-Chief of www.grapewallofchina.com

Red:

Grace Vineyards, ‘Tasya’s Reserve’, Shanxi, China 2003

One of my favourite Chinese wines is Grace Vineyard's Tasya’s Reserve Cabernet Franc 2003, made when Gerard Colin was still at this Shanxi operation. While it might be too funky for some people, I like it.

White:

Grace Vineyards, Chardonnay, Shanxi, China

The premium Grace Vineyard Chardonnay is better, but the entry-level version is good to try because it costs around RMB 60, close to the price of entry-level wines from Chile, South Africa and elsewhere. It's good for a comparative wine tasting.

Please visit www.everwines.com to purchase the above wines.