"XiaoLing" is the main brand of Yunnan Shanjianggu Wine Co., Ltd., and its name means "Nine clouds on the mountains", symbolizing the magnificent rivers and mountains of the motherland and the proud soul of people. Xiaoling Winery combines the winemaking philosophy of Burgundy in France with the Tibetan culture of the snowy plateau of Shangri-La to create a series of extraordinary wines with Chinese characteristics.
Image source: Xiaoling Winery
In 1846, French missionaries came to the foot of the Tibetan Plateau and established missionary societies in Cigu, Cizhong and Padang in the upper reaches of the Lancang River, and planted the first vines in Tibet to make wine. As a result of the war, the last missionaries were forced to leave China, leaving the vineyards tended by local Tibetans.
Image source: Xiaoling Winery
At the end of the last century, the local government began to encourage viticulture in the Lancang River valley and along the Yangtze River in order to revive the winemaking industry, thereby promoting the development of remote areas. In 2014, Xiaoling Winery was born next to the Church of Zgu, which was the birthplace of viticulture by missionaries.
Image source: Xiaoling Winery
Xiaoling Winery is located in the Deqin region of Yunnan Province, along the upper Mekong River, at the junction of Yunnan and Tibet, close to the Kawagebo Snow Mountain, which is nearly 7,000 meters above sea level. The vineyards are located at 28° north latitude, at altitudes between 2,000 and 2,800 meters above sea level. The soil varies with altitude, but is dominated by deep silty clay rich in gravel and limestone.
Image source: Xiaoling Winery
It is blessed with unique climatic conditions: long hours of sunshine per day, large temperature difference between day and night, and is not prone to frost. Under these conditions, the vines have a long growing season, which favors the slow accumulation of phenolics and aromatic compounds. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Baco Noir and Chardonnay.
Image source: Xiaoling Winery
The vineyards of Xiaoling Winery are managed separately by plot, and all of them are managed by hand, with a series of production control measures such as bud wiping, leaf thinning and fruit thinning. The winery actively promotes sustainable field management methods that respect nature and protect the environment. During the harvest, the grapes are selected in clusters or grains, depending on the conditions of the growing season. After the grapes are manually destemmed, they are slightly broken or left whole, depending on the winemaking needs. During the vinification process, the fruit is fermented and aged separately according to the plot and variety.
Image source: Xiaoling Winery
The wines of Xiaoling Winery are mainly red and white wines, all of which are of outstanding quality and outstanding performance. The winery's official wine, Xiaoling Ecological Dry Red Wine, has received more than 90 points from the Robert Parker Team for many years, and the 2019 vintage has received a praise of 94 points, stunning the world with its excellent quality.
2019 Xiaoling Ecological Dry Red Wine
2019 XiaoLing, Cizhong, China
[RP 94 minutes] [JS 95 minutes]
Winery Notes
Rich in ruby red colour with aromas of black fruits, pines and juicy cherries, the wine is sweet and full-bodied, with flavours of blackcurrant, mushroom, fennel and herbs, ripe tannins, silky texture and a long finish.
Celebrity reviews
Parker Team 94/100
"The wine has a deep ruby red colour and a very young nose, with notes of blackcurrant, mulberry and black cherry after decanting, with herbaceous notes of green pepper and sage, as well as hints of cloves, toasted and smoky. On the palate, the wine is young and full-bodied, with fine tannins and bright acidity. This is Xiaoling's most impressive wine to date. ”
James Zacklin 95/100
"This wine is a full-bodied wine with subtle aromas of gooseberry, blood orange and lavender, with notes of tobacco, iron, sandalwood and tar, a juicy and mellow palate with fruity aromas and delicate tannins that provide a solid structure. This Xiaoling is more powerful, but still retains its delicate and elegant quality. ”