Results for Chinese wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards continue to establish its reputation as a quality-led wine producing country.
At the 2022 competition, China received a record-breaking 232 medals – its biggest-ever medal haul to date, and up 156 medals from the previous year of the awards.
Of note, the number of Gold medals awarded more than quadrupled since last year, rising from four in 2021 to 17 in 2022, serving to showcase the quality of wine being produced across the country. With a further 64 Silver medals and 151 Bronze, China’s wine-producing reputation is proving to go from strength to strength.
On awarding top medals at the competition, regional chair for Asia Poh Tiong Ch’ng commented: ‘When the line between fruit, structure and freshness is seamless, that’s, for me, a Gold wine.’
Scroll down to see the top Chinese red wines from DWWA 2022
Red wines saw particular success with three Golds awarded to China’s ‘signature grape’, Marselan. This France-originated crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache continues to showcase its potential to thrive in varied growing conditions, with wines from Ningxia, Hebei and Shandong awarded top marks.
To ring in the Chinese New Year on 22nd January and highlight some producers to keep your eye on, we’ve selected 15 award-winning red wines from the 2022 competition to try, each receiving 92+ points.
Whether familiar with Chinese wines or looking for where to start, discover benchmark examples of the quality red wines China is becoming known for…
Chinese New Year: 15 award-winning Chinese red wines to try
Grace Vineyard, Deep Blue 2019
Silver, 94 points
Savoury fruit on the nose, with fleshy red plums, liquorice, spices and dark chocolate. Big and warm, velvety and stylish. Alc 15%
Hebei
Chateau Kings, Oak Barrel Selected Marselan, Changli 2020
Gold, 95 points
Young wine showing plenty of ripe black cherries and kirsch, with layers of dark chocolate and hints of savoury nuances. Round and fleshy, with silky tannins. Alc 14.5%
Helan Mountain East, Ningxia
Chateau Tigerose, Marselan 2020
Value Gold, 96 points
Quite expressive, showing loads of ripe and baked black fruits, cedar, clove and meat. It is opulent and well-structured, with spicy flavours of star anise and fennel. Alc 15.5%
Chateau Mihope, Limited Release 2019
Gold, 95 points
Complex and intriguing bouquet of black pepper, cassis, pencil shaving and cedar, with fresh notes of black currant leaf. Interesting, complex and layered. Supple tannins. Alc 14.5%
Hongsibao Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Gold, 95 points
Playful and vibrant nose, displaying scents of blueberry, mulberry, cassis, red currant and elegant woody notes. Polished and velvety texture of firm ripe tannins. Alc 13.5%
Huida Sunshine Ecological Winery, Qian Hongyu, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Gold, 95 points
Beautiful fruit profile, showing elegance through savoury aromas of ripe capsicum, dark plums, fleshy blue fruit and aromatic sweet spices. Polished tannins, fleshy and harmonious. Alc 14%
Roland Margaux, Oak Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Gold, 95 points
Lovely nose displaying minty notes, with blueberry and blackberry aromas seasoned by vanilla and toasty undertones. Very vibrant and polished on the palate, pure and playful. Alc 14.5%
Renyiyuan Winery, He Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Silver, 94 points
Intense nose of very ripe blue and black fruit, with lashing of vanilla and violets. Plush and big yet harmonious. Alc 15%
United Winery, Charme Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Silver, 94 points
Moderate aromas of sweet dark fruits, dark peppercorn and delicate oak nuances. Vibrant and plummy on the palate. Minty finish. Alc 14.8%
Lu Zhe Fei, Lufeng Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Silver, 92 points
Focused nose showing aromas of cassis, raspberry and blue fruit. Juicy and concentrated, with tight tannins and an elegant structure. Alc 14.8%
Shandong
Shidai, Zhiwei Marselan, Yantai 2019
Gold, 95 points
Beautiful and youthful nose displaying complex scents of nutmeg, violet, fresh blueberries, with smoke and meaty touches. Smooth texture, delicate with herbal and cedary flavours. Alc 14.6%
Xinjiang
Rui Tai Qing Lin, Guofei Guose, Cabernet Sauvignon Heshuo/Hoxud 2019
Gold, 95 points
The nose shows varietal typicity with ripe cassis, blueberry, dark cherry and raspberry aromas, framed by sweet vanilla and coconut. Bold and dense, refreshing finish. Alc 14%
Zhongfei Winery, Zunxiang Syrah, Yanqi 2019
Gold, 95 points
Aromatic and complex nose, showing savoury meaty and bloody nuances under red and blue fruit overtones, framed by peppery notes. Harmonious and poised, easy tannins. Alc 15%
Château Crescent, Berry Selection Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Yili 2020
Silver, 94 points
Juicy aromas of dark berries and mulberry fruit, with hints of classy oak. Big, ripe style with a firm savoury aftertaste. Alc 15%
Tiansai Vineyards, Skyline of Gobi Collection Syrah-Viognier, Yanqi 2019
Silver, 94 points
Lovely aromatics, rich creamy dense blue fruit qualities with a nice floral lift. Elegant and harmonious, with a savoury finish. Alc 14.5%
