World Marselan Day

French scientist Paul Truel created Marselan by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache in a lab back in 1961. His goal was to create the perfect grape for the Languedoc region, marrying the structure of Cabernet with Grenache’s heat resistance.

Marselan succeeded in the Languedoc’s warm climate, but it really flourished on the other side of the world in China. It’s now one of China’s flagship varieties, and it’s also thriving in all sorts of other countries – Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Spain, Israel, Turkey and even Serbia.

On April 27 each year, the grape’s devotees gather to celebrate World Marselan Day. There are tastings and events across China, Europe and the Americas, helping wine lovers discover this burgeoning grape variety.

Why April 27?

To celebrate this variety and Professor Truel’s greatest accomplishment in the wine world, among other creations like Caladoc – a crossing of Grenache and Malbec, and Chasan – a Chardonnay and Listan hybrid, World Marselan Day is celebrated on his birthday, 27th April.

Marselan found a natural home in the hot, dry Languedoc-Roussillon region. However, the small grapes led to low yields, so it wasn’t immediately popular with local winemakers.

The Languedoc was known as Europe’s “wine lake” during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, with overproduction issues lingering until around 2010. In an era when quantity mattered more than quality, growers weren’t interested, and Marselan languished for decades.

Everything changed when the grape arrived in China in 2001, planted at the Sino-French Demonstration Vineyard in Hebei province.

Marselan thrived in China’s diverse wine regions, from Ningxia’s arid, high-altitude desert and the vast Xinjiang region to the humid coastal vineyards of Shandong. The grape adapted to conditions that challenge many European varieties, and its naturally thick skin provided excellent disease resistance.

Scroll down to discover 10 award-winning Marselan wines from around the world

A global grape in the making

Today, China has emerged as the grape’s global champion. It grows more Marselan than any other country, with hundreds of hectares under vine. Many experts now view Marselan as the grape that could give Chinese wine a distinct identity on the world stage.

However, it’s also thriving around the world. More than 20 countries produce Marselan, and it’s also enjoying a resurgence in its homeland.

Producers in the Languedoc are increasingly focusing on quality over quantity, and many are championing Marselan. In 2021, it was also approved as a blending grape in Bordeaux, which suggests that Marselan can maintain its upward curve in the future.

Brazil

Casa Valduga, Terroir Exclusivo, Serra do Sudeste 2020
Silver, 91 points
Meaty character on the nose, with notes of juicy black fruit, cigar box and smoke. Smooth and luxurious. Elegant style. Alcohol 14%

Jolimont, Querências do Sul, Campanha 2022
Silver, 90 points
Rather sumptuous style, developing red fruit and meaty aromas with oaky nuances. Dense and solid on the palate. Smooth texture. Alc 14%

China

Domaine Pushang, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2022
Gold, 96 points
Dive deep into the waves of damson and blueberry fruit, earthy balsamic tones and intoxicating violet fragrance; bold and structured with broad tannins and herbaceous acidity. Alc 15.5%

Dongfang Yuxing Winery, Geruihong, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2024
Value Gold, 95 points
Look out for a deep cassis and peppery spice inkiness, carried across the nose and on into the palate by the wine’s juicy structure and silky tannins. A wine with ageing potential as well as youthful appeal. Alc 13.2%

Éclat Winery, Yanqi, Xinjiang 2023
Silver, 94 points
Some floral nuances of roses with touches of pepper, smoke and aromas of dark and red cherries. Smooth rounded tannins. Alc 13.6%

Chateau Copower Jade, Fei Tswei Reserve, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2020
Silver, 92 points
Savoury and leathery nose with aromas of minty black cherries and plums. Well integrated tannins, elegant and stylish. Velvety mouthfeel. Alc 14.5%

Silk Road Vineyards, Bird's Nest, Yili, Xinjiang 2023
Silver, 90 points
Elegant aromas of raspberries, elderflower, smoke and hints of vanilla. Harmonious, with a lovely texture and ripe tannins. Alc 13.5%

Yinong Winery, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2023
Silver, 90 points
Generous nose showing aromas of Morello cherry, damson, blueberry, violets and touches of earthy notes. Delicate and harmonious palate, ripe tannins. Alc 14.2%

Israel

Artisanal, Creation, Jerusalem Hills, Judean Hills 2020
Silver, 90 points
Vibrant fennel notes and black fruit alongside liquorice, woody herbs and dried tomato complexity dancing with firm and ripe tannins. Alc 13.5%

Serbia

Virtus, Mlava, Šumadija-Great Morava 2020
Silver, 91 points
Spiced plum, with clove and Christmas spices on the nose. Well structured, with plenty of freshness on the palate. Alc 14.5%

See all DWWA 2025 award-winning wines

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