GuildSomm Podcast China with Gus Zhu MW
Jan 7, 2025
Gus Zhu, the first Chinese national Master of Wine and a research scientist at Cork Supply, shares insights into the burgeoning wine scene of China. He traces the historical evolution of winemaking in the country, spotlighting the rise of Riesling and the promising Marcellon grape. Zhu discusses regional challenges like extreme climates and frost management, and highlights innovative practices by wineries. He also unveils the unique characteristics of the Great Shangri-La region, revealing how China aims to make its mark on the global wine stage.
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Late Start of Chinese Winemaking
- Winemaking culture in China started later than in Europe due to the prevalence of rice over grapes for alcohol.
- Chinese ancestors focused on converting starch into fermentable sugar, more akin to sake than grape wine.
Preference for European Grapes
- Local Chinese grape varieties taste unpleasant due to high acidity, tannins, or undesirable aromas.
- European Vitis vinifera grapes dominate China's wine industry for their palatable aromas and flavors.
Wine Culture Maturation in China
- China's wine culture evolved from label drinking influenced by Hong Kong and Bordeaux to a diverse taste-based consumption.
- Consumers now embrace varied grape varieties like Chardonnay and Riesling beyond Cabernet Sauvignon.