Grape Wall of China

A China Wine Blog: The Scene in the World’s Largest Market

Stop whining, start wining…

Posted on | September 18, 2007 | No Comments

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Getting provincial: Shandong’s Catai…

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or Shanxi’s Grace?

For those who complain that Chinese wine is rotgut, here’s a chance to shelve big wineries such as Great Wall, Changyu, et al and give the work of smaller China wineries a shot. This Friday, Sequoia Cafe features a blind tasting of a red and a white from four of the more interesting outfits, including:

Huadong (Shandong), which a few years back received praise from the likes of Jancis Robinson for its Riesling.

Taillan (Hebei), a French joint venture outside Beijing run by winemaker / Sequoia Cafe regular Alain Leroux.

Grace (Shanxi), considered by many to make China’s best quality and value wines – this is served at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and has performed well in my own blind tastings.

Catai (Shandong), an Italian joint venture, which has wine ranging in taste (IMHO) from tasty to terrible.

The wines will tend to be the wineries’ entry-level offerings, thus buying a few bottles – if you like them – won’t bust your bank account.

The event is 100 kuai per person and includes the wines, the usual appetizers, and good company. If interested in attending, contact Frank Siegel at frank.siegel@gmail.com / 13701-178-073. Tell him you read about it on Beijing Boyce.

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  • About Grape Wall of China


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    A nonprofit blog by wine professionals and consumers.


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    Email: beijingboyce at yahoo.com

  • Grape Wall Contributors


    In alphabetical order (see full list)


    Nicolas Carre
    Sommelier


    Chantal Chi
    Writer


    Yvonne Chiong
    Sommelier, consultant


    Judy Leissner
    Grace Vineyard CEO


    Alain Leroux
    Wine maker, consultant


    Li Demei
    Wine maker


    Huiqin Ma
    Professor


    Campbell Thompson
    The Wine Republic co-owner


    Brian Yao
    Consumer


    Frankie Zhao
    Pro-Wine Training & Consultancy owner


    Jim Boyce
    Consumer, blog administrator