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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Casual Wine Drinking Culture
- Chinese people casually enjoy diverse wines with multiple dishes without strict food pairing rules.
- They often share many different wines at meals simply based on preference and enjoyment.
Marcellan: China's Emerging Grape
- Marcellan, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache crossing, thrives in China due to disease resistance and suitability to local conditions.
- It can produce both bulk and premium wines with varied regional expressions.
Key Climatic Divide in China
- China's wine regions can be understood by two contrasting climates: extreme continental northwest and semi-monsoonal east coast.
- Lack of Mediterranean climate means unique viticulture challenges but promising wine quality.
