Wine from ‘Bordeaux of China’ Ningxia is on the rise but can it rival French bottles?
Emmanuel Macron ‘loved’ it. Now red wine from Ningxia, in northern China, is finding fans around the world while remaining ‘uniquely Chinese’
In 2023, among the picturesque greenery of the Pine Garden reception hall in Guangzhou, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron met informally to discuss the crisis in Ukraine and trade relations.
As they discussed the state of the world, the two presidents drank Jade Dove red wine from Xige Estate in Ningxia, China.
Chinese wines have come a long way, and began winning international competitions in the 2010s. More than a decade later, the challenge is to build an identity so distinct that oenophiles, whether international or domestic, seek out bottles from China.
“When French President Macron visited China, the Jade Dove single vineyard cabernet loong was served at the official dinner,” says Christelle Chene, Xige Estate’s international affairs director and worldwide brand ambassador. “I know that Macron asked for a few more bottles to bring back to France. So, you know, I think he loved it.
“Especially for the reception of a French president, that is a guy who drinks a lot of wine. So it’s a really good promotion for that wine.”
Chene says Macron’s delegation was also gifted Xige Estate’s top wine, a 2017 vintage red.