Chateau Rongzi COLLECTION Cuvée I
the flagship expression of one of China’s most internationally recognised estates, crafted in the dramatic high-altitude vineyards of Shanxi’s Loess Plateau. As global wine lovers increasingly explore emerging fine wine regions, Chateau Rongzi has gained acclaim for its elegant Bordeaux-inspired wines. Guided by the legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet of Chteau Pétrus, this rare cuvée reveals the remarkable sophistication and ageing potential of China’s mountain terroir. Tasting Notes & Experience
Deep garnet with a violet rim, the bouquet reveals ripe blackcurrant, cedar and tobacco leaf layered with hints of sandalwood and cassis. The palate is velvety and poised, balancing dark cherry fruit with vibrant high-altitude freshness. Silky, fully evolved tannins carry through to a long mineral finish of savoury cocoa, forest floor and refined elegance. Key Details
- Winery: Shanxi Chateau Rongzi
- Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 11% Marselan, 2% Merlot
- Region: Shanxi, China
- Vintage: 2012
- ABV: 13.5%
- Volume: 750ml
- Other: Gluten-free Craftsmanship & Story
Located on China’s vast Loess Plateau in Shanxi Province, Chateau Rongzi cultivates vineyards between 950 and 1,300 metres above sea level where intense sunshine and dramatic day-night temperature shifts produce wines of exceptional balance and freshness. Founded in 2007 by Zhang Wenquan, the estate gained international prestige through the consultancy of Jean-Claude Berrouet, former winemaker of Chteau Pétrus. Through meticulous vineyard management, hand harvesting and French oak maturation, the winery crafts refined Bordeaux-inspired blends that demonstrate the growing sophistication of China’s emerging fine wine regions. Special Features
COLLECTION Cuvée I represents the pinnacle selection from Chateau Rongzi’s vineyards, drawn from the estate’s most exceptional parcels and released only after careful cellaring to allow the wine to reach peak maturity. The vineyards sit on mineral-rich loess soils at elevations around 1,100 metres where strong sunlight and dramatic diurnal shifts preserve acidity while developing complex flavours. Each winter, vines must be buried beneath the soil to survive freezing Siberian winds — a demanding tradition unique to northern Chinese viticulture. Produced using gravity-flow techniques and matured in fine French oak under the guidance of Jean-Claude Berrouet, this cuvée combines ancient terroir with Bordeaux precision, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth, elegance and ageing potential. Recognition & Accolades
As the flagship wine within the Rongzi Collection series, Cuvée I represents the estate’s most refined and age-worthy expression. While this limited vinothèque release has not yet accumulated extensive competition entries, Chateau Rongzi itself has earned widespread international recognition across major wine competitions, reflecting the rising reputation of its high-altitude Shanxi vineyards.
With the winery already securing numerous awards and international praise for other wines in the range, collectors and critics alike are watching closely as wines such as Cuvée I continue to gain global attention. As China’s emerging fine wine regions attract increasing interest, flagship wines like this are widely expected to receive further critical acclaim and competition recognition in the years ahead. Food Pairings
This mature Bordeaux-style blend pairs beautifully with richly flavoured dishes that echo its depth and refinement. Slow-roasted Wagyu beef cheek or braised beef short rib highlight the wine’s cassis fruit and silky tannins, while herb-crusted lamb racks seasoned with cumin or Sichuan pepper complement its subtle spice and cedar complexity.
As the wine opens further, its tertiary notes of sandalwood, cocoa and forest floor shine alongside dishes such as truffle mushroom risotto or roasted game birds. Aged cheeses like Comté or long-matured Gouda provide a superb match, where the wine’s evolved tannins and lingering mineral finish create a beautifully balanced and memorable pairing. Perfect for Gifting or Sipping
A rare and refined flagship wine, an exceptional discovery for collectors and adventurous wine lovers alike. Mature, elegant and internationally acclaimed, it represents the pinnacle of Chateau Rongzi’s winemaking and the exciting future of China’s emerging fine wine regions. Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery
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