Grapes
China learned wine with French grapes, is finding its identity in Marselan, and hides in its northern forests a wild vine that exists nowhere else. Meet the grapes, family by family.
China's signatures
The classics
赤霞珠
RED
Cabernet Sauvignon
China's most planted red grape and the backbone of its best reds
美乐
RED
Merlot
The soft partner of Cabernet in China's Bordeaux-style blends
霞多丽
WHITE
Chardonnay
China's leading white grape, for still and sparkling wines
雷司令
WHITE
Riesling
A German classic that pioneers are proving can thrive in China
Other reds
品丽珠
RED
Cabernet Franc
The fragrant Bordeaux grape that adds freshness and perfume to China's finest blends
黑比诺
RED
Pinot Noir
Burgundy's great red grape, finding a cool corner of China in the Hexi Corridor
西拉
RED
Syrah
The spicy Rhône grape that adds depth to China's most ambitious reds
小味儿多
RED
Petit Verdot
Bordeaux's late-ripening spice grape, finding the sun it needs in Ningxia
沙布拉维
RED
Saperavi
Georgia's red-fleshed grape, making gold-medal wine in the oasis of Turpan
Other whites
Ancient and heritage
Native to the north-east
Beyond China
Grape explorer
Light to full body, soft to sharp acidity. Click a seal to meet the grape.
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