Press release
China to host the first Marselan Selection competition in Ningxia from 3 to 6 October 2023
Ningxia, China – From 3 to 6 October 2023, China is organising the first Marselan Selection competition. As a pre-eminent global event, the competition will take place in the heart of the Ningxia wine region and will bring together 52 wine experts from around the world to taste and judge Marselan wines.
The event has attracted an impressive number of participants with a total 258 wines competing. Among them, 160 come from Chinese vineyards and 99 are of international origin. (France, Uruguay, …)
The competition will bring together 52 wine experts, including university lecturers, sommeliers, educators, importers and distributors from 11 countries such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.
Helan Mountains, in the heart of Ningxia
The event will take place in the heart of the officially recognised wine region of the Helan Mountains in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains are famous for producing exceptionally high quality wine grapes, producing wines with a supple, soft and balanced palate.
Marselan, a grape variety originally from France, has carved out a unique place for itself in China. In 1997, China and France launched a collaborative project in the wine arena. Marselan, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, was imported directly from France. Since then, Old World-born Marselan has found favour in the New World and become a rising star in China.
Marselan wines, particularly those from the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, have regularly won top accolades in international competitions. Marselan wines also rank highly in the annual list of the 100 best Chinese wines published by famous wine critic James Suckling. Over the past few years, acreage of Marselan in China’s leading wine regions has soared, with vineyards in Huailai in Hebei, Yanqing in Beijing, Penglai in Shandong, Heshuo in Xinjiang, Tianshui in Gansu, and many others.
The competition results will be announced during the awards ceremony at the end of the event.
About Marselan Selection
Marselan Selection is an international competition showcasing wines made from Marselan, a variety of grape renowned for its success in China. The event is attended by wine experts from across the globe who assess the quality of Marselan wines produced in China and around the world. The first Marselan Selection will take place in Ningxia, China, from 3 to 6 October 2023.