Xige Estate 'Jade Dove' Chardonnay 2022

Founded in 2017, Xige Estate is one of the younger and yet most successful Chinese wineries, equipped with a first-rate technical team, state-of-the-art winery, and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The Estate farms about 2100 hectares that are all actually planted to vines (the estate also grows thousands of trees), with about twenty different grape varieties. The average age of the vines varies: about 1000 ha are of 25-26 years old vines (planted in 1997-1998); 1100 hectares are of only 1-6 years old vines (planted between 2017 and 2022). The oldest vineyards are the former, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Gernischt, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and few other varieties in very small proportion.

Terroir is important at Xige. Whilst other wineries have been busy figuring out the exact sub-demonination and region to label their wines, Xige have been promoting the “appellation” they are situated in. The labels carry the name “Dove Mountain” because it is the key wine region within the Qingtongxia sub-region of the Ningxia Eastern Helan Mountains wine appellation. 

12 months in French Oak (30% new, 70% 1 year). Refreshing and clean entry with balanced acidity. Aromas of sweet melon, grapefruit, and hints of creamy and toasty notes.