If Cabernet Sauvignon is the universal language of wine, Marselan is increasingly becoming a “key word” for understanding Chinese terroir. The 3rd Ningxia International Marselan Competition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles will take place in Yinchuan on 19–20 August 2026.

Jointly organised by the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) and partners from Ningxia’s wine sector, the competition returns for a third edition. This international gathering dedicated to Marselan will once again put Ningxia in the global spotlight and showcase the growing strength of one of China’s most emblematic grape varieties.

01

Two successful editions: the world of Marselan converges on Ningxia

Since its launch in 2023, the CMB International Marselan Competition has been successfully held in Ningxia for two consecutive editions. In a very short time, it has developed into one of the world’s most influential professional competitions devoted specifically to Marselan wines.

In October 2023, the inaugural edition was held in Yinchuan. A total of 259 wines from 11 countries, including China, France and Italy, competed. Of the 67 medals awarded, 57 went to Chinese wines. The Eastern Foothills of Helan Mountain wine region in Ningxia led the results with 38 medals, demonstrating the level achieved by Chinese Marselan on the international stage.

In August 2024, the second edition returned to Ningxia and reached a new level of participation. A total of 332 wines from 12 countries were blind-tasted by 44 international judges. Among the 88 award-winning wines, 73 were Chinese. Of the four Grand Gold Medals awarded, three went to wines from Ningxia.

In only two years, the competition has continued to expand and has become a core platform for global exchange and presentation of Marselan wines. Chinese Marselan, with its concentrated fruit, generous body and refined character, has earned strong recognition from international juries under the rigorous CMB evaluation system.

02

The third edition is about to begin: a new chapter for Marselan

The 3rd Ningxia International Marselan Competition will take place in Yinchuan in August 2026, with judging announced for 19–20 August. Building on the high standards of the previous editions, the competition will deepen its alignment with international evaluation systems and continue to strengthen Marselan’s global quality benchmark.

 

Judging panels will conduct blind tastings across multiple dimensions, including colour, aroma and palate. The evaluation will cover both varietal Marselan and blends, different vintages and different price segments. The entire process uses the CMB scoring system. All scores are transmitted in real time to the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles headquarters and verified through professional statistical analysis to ensure objective and authoritative results.

Competition results are subject to a strict control framework. Three award levels are offered — Grand Gold Medal, Gold Medal and Silver Medal — with the total number of medals capped at 28% of all entries. Grand Gold Medals may account for no more than 1.5%, Gold Medals no more than 10%, and Silver Medals no more than 16.5%.

After the competition, participating wines will also receive a dedicated tasting report including an aroma wheel, wine-structure analysis and professional comments from the jury. These reports provide valuable technical feedback to producers while also creating an important bridge for market communication and consumer understanding.

03

Rooted in Chinese terroir: Marselan enters its “Ningxia era”

Marselan was created in 1961 in Marseillan on the Mediterranean coast of southern France as a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Its genetic background combines strength and elegance, giving the variety good disease resistance and adaptability, deep colour and promising ageing potential. For many years, however, plantings remained limited in France and around the world.

In 2001, Marselan was introduced to China through a Franco-Chinese wine cooperation programme. The first trial plantings were established at the Sino-French Demonstration Vineyard in Huailai, Hebei, on an initial area of about 2.75 hectares. As its potential was progressively confirmed, the variety spread rapidly across China’s major wine regions. After more than two decades of development, Marselan plantings in China exceed 60,000 mu — around 4,000 hectares — across 11 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

China has become one of the world’s important Marselan-growing countries. The Eastern Foothills of Helan Mountain in Ningxia account for nearly 65% of China’s Marselan plantings. Abundant sunshine, pronounced day-night temperature differences and a dry climate provide ideal conditions for ripening. The resulting wines typically show deep colour, concentrated fruit, a full-bodied structure and refined texture, forming an increasingly recognisable style.

Through continued exploration by China’s wine industry, Marselan is gradually becoming a representative expression of Chinese terroir. It carries the craftsmanship of its wine regions while also acting as a link to the international market. As global professional attention continues to grow, Marselan is taking an increasingly important place on the map of Chinese wine and communicating a distinctive Chinese identity to the world.