Changyu Longyu Estate: A Fine Wine Journey in Ningxia
Located in Ningxia province, the Changyu Longyu Estate represents a significant venture in China’s fine wine landscape. Established in 2013, this sprawling estate features a château modeled after Bordeaux grand designs and attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually. The estate showcases the long history of Changyu—one of China’s first commercial wineries founded in 1892 by Cheong Fatt Tze. Initially named Zhang Yu Wine Company, it imported a diverse range of vines, including Cabernet Carmenère, under the guidance of Austrian technical adviser August Wilhelm Baron von Babo.
In 2006, Changyu began planting 373 hectares of vines in the Helan Mountain East Foothill zone, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling. They sourced old French clones to yield some of the smallest Cabernet Sauvignon berries globally. The experimentation process involved identifying optimal growing conditions, with the vineyard manager noting that the project had no predefined guidelines for success.
Today, around 250 hectares have been cultivated to produce high-quality grapes, with key regions like Qingtongxia known for their rich soil and advantageous climate. The growing conditions in Ningxia—with warm days, cool nights, and significant diurnal variation—aid in achieving good phenolic ripeness. However, vineyard operations have evolved. Initially labor-intensive, the inclusion of drone technology and information-based systems has increased efficiency and traceability.
Factors influencing grape quality include low rainfall leading to small berries and strong winds promoting natural ventilation, both reducing disease prevalence. However, climate change poses challenges, such as increased sugar levels in grapes, requiring growers to adjust harvesting tactics to balance sweetness and acidity.
The harvest season spans mid-September to early October, with strict manual selection processes to ensure premium grape quality. The winemaking process follows with meticulous techniques, from fermentation to aging, ensuring only the best juice is used in their flagship wine, Longyu 12.
With a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Longyu 12 is crafted using 100% new French oak and typically aged for 18 months. The brand also produces various vintages, such as Longyu 8 and Longyu 9, each with distinctive profiles to cater to both local and international markets.
As the Chinese wine market evolves, understanding consumer preferences is essential. There’s an ongoing debate between producing wines with robust tannins and softer styles that are increasingly preferred. Changyu continues to experiment and adapt, keeping pace with changing consumer tastes while ensuring the production of exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Ningxia.
For more insights on Chinese winemaking, visit World Of Fine Wine.