Grape wall: which varieties are the ones to watch in China?

When Wang published The Chinese Wine Renaissance: A Wine Lover’s Companion in 2019, her aim was to offer a taste of China through its winemaking history.

Earlier this year, Wang announced that the Académie du Vin Library would be distributing the 2nd edition of her book, updated to reflect the changing face of China’s wine industry in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eloise Feilden caught up with Wang to see which grape varieties the banker-turned-wine expert believes are exhibiting potential in China. So which grapes are coming out on top as the market matures?

“Marselan is definitely the one to watch for China,” Wang said. The variety, a Cabernet Sauvignon x Garnacha cross first obtained by Paul Truel in 1961, this southern French grape has found significant appeal among winegrowers in Mainland China.

Wang dubbed Marselan the “overwhelming rising star” of Chinese viticulture. “It’s true that if you want an example of the best Marselan produced anywhere in the world today, you would look to China,” she said with confidence. “China is setting the standard for good quality Marselan.”

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