Puchang Vineyard Rkatsiteli 蒲昌白羽 2023

Winery Background and History:

Puchang Vineyard is situated in the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang, one of the driest and most sun-intense wine-growing regions in China. Founded with a commitment to organic and minimal-intervention viticulture, the estate has emerged as a key player in the evolving Chinese fine-wine landscape. Its location, known as “Fire Island” for its extreme summer heat, paradoxically produces grapes with high acidity, concentration and mineral purity. Puchang is recognised for exporting a unique expression of terroir rarely seen in Chinese wines.

Producer and Wine Maker:

Under the guidance of its winemaking team, Puchang Vineyard applies a precise, low-yield farming regime and modern cellar practices that emphasise clarity and terroir expression. The winemaker selects only top-quality fruit from carefully managed blocks, prefers minimal pumping and gentle extraction and generally uses neutral vessels or older oak to preserve varietal purity. The team combines international technical insight with local viticultural conditions.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The vineyards are planted in the Turpan Valley, Xinjiang, at high altitude with gravel-sandy soils, intense daytime heat, cool nights, large diurnal temperature swings and extremely low rainfall. Thanks to ancient underground karez irrigation, vines receive a controlled water flow, promoting deep root growth and thick skins. These factors create grapes with strong natural acidity, vivid fruit, and precise mineral structure, despite the harsh environment.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are hand harvested, sorted and gently pressed. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel under controlled temperatures to retain freshness and varietal character. Minimal oak is used—often neutral or older barrels—so the fruit remains central. The wine may see brief lees contact and stirring to enhance texture, but avoids heavy new oak or over extraction. After fermentation the wine is aged briefly in bottle before release to maintain freshness and clarity.

Tasting Notes:

This 2023 Rkatsiteli opens with luminous pale gold colour and lifted aromas of white peach, green apple, lime zest, honeysuckle, and a subtle flint-like minerality. On the palate it is medium to full bodied, vibrant and fresh, with crisp acidity, fine texture, a hint of herbal spice and a taut mineral finish. The wine balances richness and precision, while retaining a distinct sense of place and glow from the Xinjiang terroir.

Food & Wine Pairing:

Perfect with lightly spiced Asian dishes, grilled white meats, seafood with herb butter, sushi or sashimi, roasted vegetables with citrus, creamy soft cheeses or goat cheese. The bright acidity and mineral drive carry well with spice and salt, while the body supports richer textures. It also pairs elegantly with fresh summer salads topped with feta, lemon-dressed prawns or light pork dishes.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve well chilled at 8-10°C in a white wine glass with moderate bowl to preserve aromatics and freshness. If opened ahead, allow 10-15 minutes in the glass to open up. Should you wish to enjoy its fuller texture, it may be served slightly warmer at 12°C. Avoid serving too cold (which can mute the flavour) or too warm (which can tip it heavy).

Storage and Aging Potential:

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark environment at stable temperature around 12-14°C with moderate humidity. While this wine is crafted for earlier drinking and showcases vibrant freshness, it will develop in bottle over 5-8 years, gaining richer texture, subtle secondary notes, and deeper mineral complexity.

Grape Varietals & percentage used: Rkatsiteli 100%

ABV: 13%

Scores:

James Suckling: 94