Puchang Vineyard Saperavi, Turpan, Xinjiang 2018

The third wine of the night — a Georgian grape grown in the Turpan desert, poured for its vivid, wild character.

Region: Turpan, Xinjiang, China | Grape: Saperavi | Vintage: 2018 | Style: Dry Red | From vines over 25 years old

Winemaking
Late-harvested to reach full ripeness under Turpan's intense desert sun, staying true to Saperavi's Georgian roots rather than chasing a Cabernet-style profile.

High Cru Tasting Notes
Deep, almost opaque garnet. Blackberry, bayberry and black cherry, with herbal, wet-stone and cocoa notes underneath. Medium-high acid, vivid and juicy, with firm, slightly rustic tannins and a long, spiced finish.

Food Pairing
Xinjiang big-plate chicken (da pan ji) and wood-ear fungus with beef — the wine's fruit and acidity stand up to the chilli and oil, while its earthy, savoury notes echo the wood-ear.