China

Question 1

What are the principal grapes used in China?

Answer 1

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere

Question 2

Name some major international investors in Chinese winemaking.

Answer 2

Remy Martin, Pernod Ricard, LVMH

Question 3

Describe the general climate of China.

Answer 3

Continental, with very cold, arid winters

Question 4

How do Chinese vine growers combat the cold winters?

Answer 4

In most regions, vines have to be buried to survive the low temperatures and the arid conditions (vines underground retain more water)

Question 5

What viticultural challenges are present near Beijing and coastal parts of China?

Answer 5

Warm, humid summers that bring fungal disease risks; often vyds planted on flat land with poor drainage and fertile soils

Question 6

Which Chinese region has arguably the best environment for viticulture, and why?

Answer 6

Yunnan in the far south; sub-tropical humid climate, but vines are planted on high-altitude slopes which moderates temps and humidity

Question 7

What are most Chinese vineyards planted with?

Answer 7

Varieties suitable for table grapes or raisins

Question 8

What is the model for Chinese winemaking?

Answer 8

Bordeaux red winemaking, with prolonged maturation in barriques

Question 9

What is the issue with labeling requirements and taxation for Chinese wine?

Answer 9

wine has traditionally been treated as a food product, but taxed as an industrial product (adds 10% to the price of wine)