Puchang Vineyard Saperavi 蒲昌沙布拉维 2018

Puchang Vineyard is located in Turpan, Xinjiang, established with the goal of proving that high quality fine wine can be produced in the extreme desert climate region of Western China. The estate was founded by Madeleine Du and became one of the earliest wineries in China to adopt strict organic farming certification, gaining attention internationally for producing wines that reflect purity, terroir integrity and natural vineyard expression. Puchang’s philosophy has always been minimal intervention in both vineyard and winery, allowing Xinjiang’s unique natural environment to speak through its wines. Their approach has helped define China’s new premium fine wine identity in global wine circles.

Producer and Wine Maker:

The estate team follows strict organic viticulture and focuses strongly on single varietal expressions. The production philosophy is based on scientific vineyard observation, controlled low yields, and clean expression of terroir. Puchang works with international consultants and technical advisors to match organic vineyard management with modern winery precision, while respecting the natural character of each vintage. The winemaking leadership ensures consistency and structure while allowing natural fruit definition from Xinjiang desert grapes. The team focuses on purity, balance, fine tannins, and longevity, avoiding over extraction or new oak dominance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The vineyards are located in Turpan Desert Basin, Xinjiang, in one of the driest agricultural zones on earth, with extremely low rainfall, intense sunlight, large diurnal temperature fluctuations, deep gravel-sandy soils and high mineral content. The desert environment naturally supports organic viticulture due to extremely low disease pressure. The area benefits from the ancient karez underground irrigation system that provides natural water flow without soil flooding. This creates grapes with thick skins, concentration, acidity retention, and fine grain tannin. The combination of altitude, aridity and sunlight creates a very distinctive signature compared to other Saperavi producing regions globally.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are hand harvested and sorted manually to ensure purity of fruit. Fermentation is done in controlled temperature stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal character. Maceration is managed carefully to balance structure and finesse, avoiding harsh extraction. The wine is aged in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel to maintain fruit precision and freshness, while allowing integration and roundness. The goal of vinification is to protect aromatic clarity and the naturally vivid fruit expression derived from Xinjiang desert terroir. Minimal intervention and low manipulation guide the entire cellar process.

Tasting Notes:

This wine shows deep dark ruby color with high density. Aromatically it presents black plum, blackberry, black cherry, dark spice, dried herbs, earth, and subtle graphite minerality. The palate is full bodied yet elegant, with tightly structured but fine tannins, balanced acidity, and long length. The fruit profile is ripe but never overripe, supported by desert terroir freshness. The finish is persistent and dry, with spice complexity and lifted mineral subtlety that builds and lingers on the palate. The overall style expresses both power and refined linear precision, with age worthy backbone.

Food & Wine Pairing:

Ideal with roasted lamb, wagyu beef short ribs, peppered steak, charcoal grilled meats, Xinjiang style lamb skewers, Mongolian BBQ, dark soy braised dishes, smoked game meats and spice driven Chinese northern cuisine. It also pairs well with mushrooms, truffle sauces, Mediterranean lamb dishes, roasted eggplant, charred vegetables, hard aged cheeses, pecorino and cave aged cheddar. The wine’s tannic structure supports high protein and fat dishes extremely well.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16°C to 18°C in a Burgundy or Bordeaux style red wine glass with larger bowl to open aromatics. Decanting for 45 to 60 minutes recommended to soften tannins, release aromatics and enhance complexity. Avoid serving too warm to protect structural definition and acidity balance.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Store in a cool, temperature stable cellar between 12°C to 14°C with controlled humidity and avoid light, vibration and heat exposure. With proper storage conditions, this wine has strong aging capacity and can continue to evolve positively for 8 to 12 years from vintage release, gaining additional aromatic complexity, spice depth and softer integrated tannins with bottle age.

Grape Varietals & percentage used: Saperavi 100%

ABV: 13%