Silver Heights, Marselan, Ningxia, China

Wine Type: Red

Grape(s): Marselan

Country: China

Region: Ningxia

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 13.5%

Winemaker: Emma Gao

Winery: China’s isolated high-altitude region of Ningxia is nestled against the base of the imposing Helan mountain at more than 1,000 metres above sea level, towards the border with Inner Mongolia. Here, low rainfall combines with significant swings in temperature from warm days to cool nights, combining with great luminosity to create the ideal environment for growing grapes. These conditions allow many wineries to work organically in the vineyards. Although grapes were grown here 2000 years ago, the Ningxia of today began in 1998 when swathes of vines were planted after years of extensive research confirmed the enormous potential of the region.

Silver Heights is a significant name in Chinese fine wine, located in Ningxia’s East Helan Mountain appellation. Founded in 2007 by Gao Lin and his daughter, Emma Gao, who has become one of China’s most high-profile winemakers. Emma trained in Bordeaux and has brought an artisanal, low-intervention philosophy to Silver Heights, championing organic and biodynamic practices. The estate produces elegant, terroir-driven wines. Established in 2007, its vineyards sit at an altitude of 1,200 meters, ranking among the highest in China. The abundant sunshine and high-quality stony soil allow grapevine roots to penetrate deep underground to absorb moisture and minerals, producing spicy wines typical of the Helan Mountain terroir. The dry continental climate and high-altitude vineyards lend themselves to wines of purity and structure, with wild yeast fermentations and minimal sulphur use.

Tasting Notes: Marselan is a popular grape in China and is fast becoming a signature variety. Aged for 12 months in old oak barrels, this is a bold yet refined red, exuding a seductive aroma of succulent black cherries, wild berries, preserved plums, and blueberry pie, with a full yet silky palate that finishes with hints of smoke and game.

French scientist Paul Truel created Marselan by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache in a lab back in 1961. His goal was to create the perfect grape for the Languedoc region, marrying the structure of Cabernet with Grenache’s heat resistance.

Food pairing: The wine pairs well with robust foods such as roasted aubergine, spice-rubbed chicken, hard-aged cheeses, and curried pork.