UK-based wine retailer Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) is set to offer four Chinese wines – one red and three ice wines - in its stores across the UK from this week.Four Chinese wines offered by the retailer include 2008 Chateau Changyu Moser XV, Chateau Changyu Gold Label Ice Wine, Chateau Changyu Black Label Ice Wine and Chateau Changyu Black Label Ice Wine.
The 2008 Chateau Changyu Moser XV is a blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties that are grown in the Central Western Ningxia region of China. It is priced at £39. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months to to create a robust and full-bodied flavour.
Chateau Changyu Gold Label Ice Wine is a light wine which is made from Vidal grape juice. The wine offers citrus and tropical fruits, blossom and honey flavor profiles. It is priced at £19.
Chateau Changyu Blue Label Ice Wine is a golden colored wine that offers spicy honey notes along with lychee and pear aromas. It is priced at £35.
Chateau Changyu Black Label Ice Wine offers a spectrum of apricot, pineapple and vanilla flavors and is priced at £65. All the three ice wines are from Liaoning region in China.
These four wines will join BBR's portfolio of wines including Ch Petrus from Bordeaux and Domaine Romanée-Conti from Burgundy and will be available from its St James Street store and online through its website.
Berry Bros. & Rudd wine buying director Mark Pardoe said while this may be a small selection of wines, they are a sign of things to come.
"Chateau Changyu has led the way in bringing in expertise from the Old and New World wine makers and is creating some top-class wines. However, there will be other winemakers hot on their heels and we expect to taste wines of great quality from more Chinese producers. Amongst the so-called 'new New World' wine regions, China is definitely in the ascendant," he added.
