Tiansai Vineyards Skyline of Gobi Reserve Chardonnay, Yanqi, Xinjiang 2024 · 天塞酒莊 珍藏霞多麗 2024

The second wine of our Chasing Terroir: Xinjiang x Ningxia dinner — an oaked Chardonnay with the body to carry into the meal, from the Gobi-edge vineyards of Yanqi.

Region: Yanqi, Xinjiang, China | Grape: Chardonnay | Vintage: 2024 | ABV: 13% | Style: Dry White, Oaked | Volume: 750ml

Terroir
In the Yanqi Basin at the southern foot of the Tianshan, at about 1,100 m, with an arid continental climate and sharp day–night swings. Sandy, gravelly soil drains well and reflects light, so the grapes absorb sunshine evenly; abundant light and heat, a long ripening period and thick-skinned, aromatic fruit make it an ideal terroir for Xinjiang grapes.

Winemaking
Grown at the edge of the Gobi desert and aged in oak, giving the wine its creamy texture and toasted, nutty depth.

High Cru Tasting Notes
Bright straw-gold. Toast and sea salt open into orange blossom, tangerine, green apple and butter. Medium-high acid, medium-full body, with kumquat, honeyed pear and a distinct saline-savoury edge through to a long finish.

Food Pairing
Soy-braised beef and Xinjiang cold-tossed noodles (liangpi) — the wine's buttery, toasted notes echo the braise, while its acidity cuts the fat and answers the noodles' vinegar and chilli.