Jin Shan Zhang buys chateau for ‘Chinese-French cultural exchange’

Chinese entrepreneur Jin Shan Zhang has just bought Entre-deux-Mers estate Chateau Grand Moueys – where he plans to open a restaurant, hotel and 9-hole golf course.

Jin Shan Zhang, who owns a travel agency in China, as well as one of the largest fruit alcohol brands in the country, bought the estate from the German Bomers family, owners since 1989.

Chateau Grand Moueys covers 170ha, with 58.5ha of vines. Since discussions with Zhang began during May of 2011, Stéphane Derenoncourt has been brought in as wine consultant.

Zhang differs from other new Chinese owners in Bordeaux by announcing his intention to create a ‘Chinese-French cultural exchange’ at the chateau.

He has also signalled to make sure at least a part of the chateau’s distribution will remain in Europe, if only around 20% of production.

By July 2013, the intention is to fully renovate the chambre d’hotes rooms in the property, and to open an upscale Chinese restaurant on the ground floor.

Tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course already have planning permission, and there are plans to extend the rooms to become an hotel with spa if the response proves sufficient.

The restaurant will be run by Lei Wu An, a restaurateur in Guangxi province, with Chinese chefs invited for residencies.

‘From 2013, we hope to welcome around 10,000 Chinese visitors a year,’ Zhang, 48, told Decanter.com, ‘but the chateau will also be open to European guests.

‘We will retain the luxury French feel of the wine and the estate, and hope to marry this with Chinese culture.’

[Image: sudouest.fr]

Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux