Chinese wine: history, where it is made, technology + popular brands
Alcohol from China is little known and not particularly popular among our compatriots.
Chinese alcohol is primarily associated with a drink made from plums. In fact, the country has grape products, special alcohol made from cereals, and an unusual ancient Uyghur wine.
The history of Chinese winemaking in brief
The first alcohol, in particular from wine fruits, appeared in China about 4 thousand years ago.
This is evidenced by numerous finds in the form of ceramic pots with the remains of fruit.
Local viticulture was most actively developed during the Han Empire (200s).). to n.э.): vine seedlings were brought to the country, which quickly spread on plantations in the vicinity of the capital.
However, after some time, the wine business fell into decline and resumed only in the VI century. э.
Industrial production of wines in China began at the end of the XIX century. The local businessman and politician Chong Fat Jie was at the origin of the industry.
In 1892, the first large winery "Zhanyuyi Winery" was opened in Shandong Province (Yantai City).
At the present stage, the country is consistently among the top ten world leaders in terms of sales of grape drinks.
The number of wineries has almost reached a hundred. Unexpected, considering how little we know about Chinese wine.
Regions and features of winemaking in China
The first grape variety to be cultivated in China was an unusual vine with elongated fruits (probably called "maju").
In the XX century, European species were actively spreading in the country, among which Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot prevailed.
The most famous local vines are the ancient ones: "Long Yan" ("dragon's eye"), Hong Jixing ("red chicken heart"), "grapes from Yunnan", "Nunai" ("milk") and others.
Among the modern popular ones: "Qing En Ding Xu" (Long Dragon Spike), Xinghua (Red Sun), "Red Champion", "Momotaro".
Native varieties are characterized by large berries, fleshiness and high yields.
The taste of these fruits is different from what Europeans are used to.
Chinese winemaking specializes in red dry wines, so dark grape varieties are more common here.
The main wine-growing region is Shandong province
Where about half of all alcoholic beverages are produced. It is a developed region in the east of China.
The autonomous region in the northwest of the country, Xinjiang Uygur, deserves special mention, where amazing homemade wine has been made since ancient times.
In trade, it can be recognized by the brand "Merceles". It is sold exclusively within the PRC.
In addition to these two regions, winemaking is also active in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, major Chinese cities and counties:
Beijing
Zhangjiakou (Hebei Province)
Yibin (Sichuan)
Tonghua (Girin)
Taiyuan (Shanxi)
Traditions and technologies of wine making in China
Local drinks made from grapes in factory conditions are made according to the classic French scheme in compliance with modern requirements and techniques.
It should be borne in mind that Chinese industrial winemaking is just beginning to develop and is already giving good results.
Many experts predict a bright future for it, suggesting that Chinese wines will eventually be able to compete with the best drinks from Bordeaux.
The method of making homemade Uyghur wine, which is passed down from generation to generation, deserves special attention. It includes:
Manual crushing of fruit.
Strain the mass through a silk cloth.
Boiling the juice with water and sugar.
Putting the boiled product into clay vessels.
Addition of various ingredients (mulberries, goji berries, sea buckthorn, cloves, other spices and herbs), the full list of which depends on the region.
Aging for a month or more.
Bottling, where the wine can be stored for a long time.
It is interesting that in many villages they prepare such a drink together, after the harvest, in a huge vessel, accompanying the ritual with festive events.
Rice and fruit wine
Another unusual wine is made from rice and drunk warmed during ceremonies.
This alcohol is called "Shaoxing" and belongs to the ancient traditional drinks.
This strong wine (18-20 °C) is served in tiny cups. Tastes like madeira or sherry.
Fruit alcoholic beverages (made from lychee, mulberry, plums, apricots, with the addition of honey, tea leaves, perilla, raisins) and wines made from various grains and cereals (wheat, millet, corn) are also common in China.
It is interesting that the country is cautious about drinking alcohol: they drink it in small portions to cheer up.
Famous brands
Among Chinese wine producers, the largest are:
"Great Wall Wine" (the main enterprise in terms of production volume)
"Tonghua Grape Wine Company" (the second most important company)
"Changyu Pioneer Wine (the oldest winery in China)
"Dynasty Winery (a joint French-Chinese venture)
There are also products of the Dragon Seal, Niya, Dragons Hill and ShangriLa brands.
It is interesting that local winemakers do not adhere to any specific classification of drinks: the label can contain absolutely any information, which complicates the choice.
The Chinese pay a lot of attention to packaging, which does not always correspond to the quality of the product, so you should not focus on the design of the bottle, it is better to start from the price.
When planning to buy Chinese wine, it is worth considering that you will have to buy it in the country of production and it is not cheap there.
It is extremely difficult to find decent grape products from the Middle Kingdom in Ukraine, because they mainly bring only inexpensive Chinese fruit and berry drinks.
Update: 11.11.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth