Ningxia wine region-vineyard and Helan Mountain in northwestern China
China’s vast landscape and scattered plantings pose challenges to defining its wine regions. Our simple guide starts with the three generic wine districts, then details the provincial wine regions of each, and finally identifies the terroir-driven sub-regions.
Map credit: JP MAP GRAPHICS LTD
North China (West) Wine District
XINJIANG
This inland region boasts the largest area under vine in China and is the country’s main source of table grapes. With sufficient sunshine and land, Xinjiang saw a rapid increase in wine grape plantings in the past 20 years. The key sub-regions of Xinjiang are:
Yili Valley
Deep in the West Tianshan Mountains, the Yili Valley is sandwiched between ridges in the north and south. Warm Atlantic air is captured here, bringing annual rainfall of 400mm. It’s Xinjiang’s most humid sub-region, and one that prides itself on the diversity of grapes.
Producers to know: Silk Road Winery, Yizhu Winery, Chateau Crescent.
The natural views near the Kuerdening vineyard of Silk Road, located in Yili Valley, Xinjiang. Credit: Silk Road Winery
Yanqi Basin
This is a Mesozoic rift basin between the main and branch ranges of the Tianshan Mountains. The snowmelt-formed Bosten Lake, boasting 1,646km2 (in 2020), moderates its continental climate, which sees only 80mm of rain annually.
Producers to know: Tiansai Vineyards, Zhongfei Winery, Xiangdu Winery, Chateau Guofei
Tianshan Mountain North
This expansive sub-region encompasses the vast north foothills of the east-west-oriented Tianshan Mountains. The big cities located within its realm guarantee a market for wine production. At 44°N latitude, it is China’s most northerly wine region for dry wines.
Producers to know: Citic Niya, Chateau Changyu Baron Balboa, Tangtingxialu Winery
Turpan-Hami Basin
With less than 20mm of annual rainfall, this dry, hot sub-region relies on the ancient ‘qanat’ irrigation system which transports groundwater from a series of sloping underground tunnels. It is a source of characterful sweet wines.
Producers to know: Chateau Loulan, Puchang Vineyard
HEXI CORRIDOR (GANSU)
Gansu is not a widely known region due to its long, narrow landscape and the subsequent inconvenience of transport. Wuwei and Zhangye are the key sub-regions here, with Pinot Noir and Welschriesling the top performers in this cool, continental region.
Producers to know: Mogao Wine, Qilian Wine Company, Guofeng.
Sunset over vineyards in the Ningxia wine region. Credit: Ningxia Wine Bureau
HELAN MOUNTAIN EAST (NINGXIA)
Among China’s wine provinces, Ningxia stands out for the significant role it plays in the local economy. This semi-desert region gets only 200mm of rain a year but is nourished by the Yellow River. Early spring frost is the main challenge. The sub-regions are:
Shizuishan
This often-overlooked northerly sub-region has limited land under vine, yet showcases quality wines.
Producers to know: Chateau Hedong, Jiuximing Zhuang Co
Yinchuan (incorporating Helan)
Shielded by the Helan Mountains to the west, Yinchuan, the provincial capital, is Ningxia’s main sub-region at 1,000m-1200m altitude. Rocky in the north (especially in Jinshan), vineyards high up on steep slopes ripen early; the flatter areas in the south have mixed soils of gravel, silt and clay. Nearly half Ningxia’s wineries are based here, including its oldest producer, Xixia King.
Producers to know: Helan Qingxue, Longyu Estate, Silver Heights, Copower Jade, Lansai Winery, Devo Winery, Chandon Ningxia (LVMH), Helan Mountain (Pernod Ricard), Chateau Terroir (GreatWall), Kanaan Winery and Legacy Peak.
Qingtongxia
Near the southern end of the Helan Mountains, aerated by chilling winds from the Gobi desert. Well-drained sandy soils slope from southwest to northeast.
Producers to know: Xige Estate, Huahao, Stone & Moon
Hongsipu
The southernmost sub-region in Ningxia, with the highest average altitude of 1,200m. Barely…
Source : https://www.decanter.com.master.public.keystone-prod-eks-euw1.futureplc.engineering/sponsored/china-around-the-regions-540147/
