Chinese wines' potential uncorked in Australia

Experts impressed

Gianmattia Giordano, group sommelier for Hunter Street Hospitality, which is behind award-winning, high-end restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, said the company recently introduced a selection of Chinese wines. Diners can explore not only Ningxia's wines but other leading Chinese products.

While it is a relatively new category, awareness is growing and Chinese wines have generated strong interest, particularly in Australia's sommelier community, he said.

"We believe it's important to showcase outstanding wines regardless of where they come from, and Ningxia has established itself as one of the world's most exciting emerging wine regions," he said.

"Ningxia's high altitude, dry climate and significant day-to-night temperature variation produce wines with concentrated fruit, fresh acidity and well-structured tannins," Giordano said.

The region is best known for its cabernet sauvignon and French Bordeaux-style wine blends, although varieties such as marselan are also showing great promise, he said.

"One of Ningxia's greatest strengths is that it combines exceptional natural resources with the expertise of leading winemakers and viticulturists from around the world, many of whom have been drawn to the region's potential and are helping shape its evolution into a world-class fine wine region," Giordano said.

Jase Wong, owner of Shanghai-inspired Modu Bar and Kitchen in Perth, said it introduced Ningxia wines this year as part of its commitment to showcase the diversity of modern Chinese food and beverages.

"As an Asian fusion venue, we wanted our wine program to go beyond the familiar and offer guests something unique that complements our cuisine," he said.

"We currently feature a selection of premium wineries from Ningxia, with an emphasis on cabernet sauvignon blends that pair well with our menu."

Tamburri said one of the things that stood out during her Ningxia visit was the strong presence of women winemakers.

Many were entrepreneurial, had studied or worked overseas, and were bringing international experience back to their own estates.

There is also a cultural shift in Ningxia, similar to what is happening in Australia, with younger winemakers "beating the drums for the region", she said.

Feedback from her customers has been very positive, she said. Many didn't know that China produces wine, where Ningxia is located, or even that there was a wine region in China, she said.

Tamburri said customers became interested after she explained the story behind the wines and were pleasantly surprised by how good and well-made they were, which she described as "the exciting part for us as retailers".

"Consumers are coming back and repurchasing, like they would any wines from other international regions."