BY CH’NG POH TIONG
The writer is Regional Chairman of Asia for the UK’s Decanter World Wine Awards since its inception in 2004. He is also the contributor for China and Japan for the world’s best-selling wine book Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine Guide.
Lily Zhang is Founder Proprietor of Copower Jade
The Chinese name for Copower Jade is “Fei Tswei” or Jade.
The Chinese winery is situated in Ningxia, about 1,100 kilometres west of Beijing.
Ningxia’s nickname is the “Bordeaux of China”.
The reason for that is because Ningxia’s red wines – particularly Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot – have consistently scooped medals at international wine shows.
Another of Ningxia’s award-winning wine is Marselan, a hybrid created in France by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache.
Copower Jade planted its environmentally-friendly organic 500-hectare vineyard in 2013. Situated on the eastern foot of the famed Helan Mountain in Ningxia, the vineyard has an elevation of 1,145 to 1,162 metres above sea level.
At this high altitude, the vines capture all the light and sun to fully ripen the grapes. Entirely hand harvested, Copower Jade only makes wines from grapes that it grows.
The wines have won awards in international competitions including Decanter World Wine Awards.
Copower Jade is situated in Ningxia, about 1,100 kilometres west of Beijing
Situated on the eastern foot of the famed Helan Mountain in Ningxia, the 500-hectare vineyard has an elevation of 1,145 to 1,162 metres above sea level
Tasting Notes
Copower Jade Reserve Chardonnay Viognier 2018
Comprised of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Viognier, this medium-bodied white opens up with subtle floral/roses/appley fruit and lots of freshness. Wonderfully balanced, it makes for an ideal aperitif and a delicious pairing with dim sums, sushi, sashimi, tempura, pakoras, and seafood.
Copower Jade Reserve Cabernet Franc 2018
Cabernet Franc produces some of China’s most exceptional red wines especially in Ningxia and Xinjiang. Ripe capsicum/blackcurrant fruit interwoven with a hint of mint, spice, and ripe crisp tannins. Incredibly balanced and fresh. An excellent pairing with chicken, pork, duck, lamb, beef and steaks. Decant 15 minutes.
Copower Jade Reserve Marselan 2018
Marselan was created in France in 1961 when Frenchman Paul Truel (1924 – 2014) crossed Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache. Regarded as one of the world’s leading ampelographers, Truel’s creation is now the adopted grape of Chinese winemaking as some of China’s best reds are produced from the hybrid. Floral, violets, smoky, chocolatey, and rich dark cherry fruit. Smooth, ripe tannins. Delicious on its own and an outstanding pairing with duck, lamb, mutton, stews, and mushroom dishes. Decant 15 minutes.
Copower Jade Winemaker’s Selection 2018
The blend is about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance made up of Merlot. Fruity blue/blackberries with a liquorice note. The tannins are ripe and smooth with freshness on the finish. An ideal pairing with duck, lamb, beef and steaks. Decant 15 minutes.
Copower Jade Premium Reserve Merlot 2018
Blackcurrant/blackberry fruit and ripe tannins with a crisp finish. Medium-bodied, this 100% Merlot is engaging on its own and delicious with tandoori/roast/deep-fried chicken and pork. Decant 30 minutes.
Copower Jade Premium Reserve Marselan 2018
Fragrant on the nose. Violets, a whiff of figs, super-ripe strawberries, cherries, plums, chocolate and liquorice. Exceptional fruitiness carried by ripe, smooth, supple tannins. There’s a balancing lift of freshness on the finish. Delicious with roast suckling pig, duck, lamb, mutton, stews, and mushroom dishes. Decant 30 minutes.
Copower Jade Premium Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Ripe, intensity and sweetness of fruit. Rich blueberries and blackcurrants. Smooth, ripe, supple Rolls Royce tannins. A full-bodied, masculine, 15% alcohol red but without any heaviness. Delicious on its own and an excellent pairing with steaks, beef, lamb, mutton, stews, and mushroom dishes. Decant 30 minutes. Serve this and all the other reds cool (about 20 degrees Celsius).