Today, the special economic area of Shandong continues to attract foreign investment, with 2,500 Korean companies and 1,500 Japanese companies alone now based here, according to Yin Guowen, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Yantai Municipal People’s Government. In July 2019, its international appeal took on another dimension, as a symbol of the country’s evergrowing wine industry, when the doors were finally opened on the long-awaited Château Lafite Rothschild winery in Qiu Shan Valley.
Lafite has paid homage to the history of the region in the name chosen for its new winery. Long Dai (pronounced ‘lung dye’) refers to the sacred Mount Tai in Shandong, said in legend to have been thrown into the sea by the Eight Immortals in a fight against a sea dragon.
Shandong is where Zhang Bishi founded China’s first ‘modern-era’ vineyard and winery in 1892, but the past decade has seen the focus of Chinese wine shift to other regions – Ningxia, most obviously, as well as Hebei and Shanxi, and even Yunnan. Although China is now the 10th biggest wine producer globally and increasingly winning awards for its homegrown wines, it is still looking to establish a consistent international image when it comes to quality.
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Decanter.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Decanter.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wine wisdom
Our regular learning section helps you get more from your glass
Around ABRUZZO
A stunning, under-explored, year-round destination with an extraordinary natural setting, Abruzzo’s appeal lies in its rustic villages and a sunny-natured, hospitable local character
UMBRIA A wine lover's guide
In the heart of Italy lies an undulating landscape dotted with hilltop villages and draped with olive groves, where winemakers are breathing new life into long-neglected indigenous grape varieties
Lessons in LAMBRUSCO
Coming from the same region of northern Italy as some of the world’s most famous names in food, the wide range of Lambrusco wines provide ample scope for complementing meals both local and international, while refreshing the palate, too
Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?
In every industry, it's pretty much the hottest topic right now, but what does the S-word mean when it comes to cocktail-making? Leading experts give us their take and share eco-conscious recipes to replicate at home
VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône
The Southern Rhone appellation is emerging as a community-led force of innovation and sustainability.
Polkadraai Hills
This lesser-known corner of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region is starting to turn heads, thanks to its special soils and a close-knit community of talented young winemakers
BY FARR
The enigmatic Nick Farr, of Australia's celebrated By Farr winery, is famously reluctant to entertain the wine media or submit samples for tasting. So we jumped at an opportunity to visit the family estate in Geelong to taste some of the country's most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess
Brunello di Montalcino 2019
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess
