No matter how subtle your sincerity
there will always be someone who senses it
Deep within the Tengger Desert
lies a pristine experimental vineyard
with no human habitation for dozens of kilometres in every direction
save for a single
small stream, fed by snowmelt from the Qilian Mountains, flowing quietly by
Here
lies the potential future of Chinese wine
Malbec, originating in France, has made Argentina’s name
while Burgundy reigns supreme worldwide with Pinot Noir
As a new entrant on the world wine map,
China has introduced
59 wine grape varieties from across the globe
into this experimental plot.
With traceable, pure lineage
and pollution-free growing conditions,
Peng Shuai, winemaker at Bonafu Winery,
joined this remarkable project in 2018
responsible for registering the germplasm resources of introduced varieties in China
and using neutral winemaking methods
to present the most authentic expression of each variety within China’s terroir
Documenting key technical points
testing ageing potential
seedlings and finished wines are made available to Chinese wineries and winegrowers
for industry professionals to taste, plant and promote
How fortunate we are
to journey alongside Chinese wine
We look forward to witnessing this journey with you
‘For THE LORD’ is not a flagship product of Domaine des Arômes in the traditional sense, but rather a long-term exploration undertaken by winemaker Peng Shuai, focusing on different wine regions and grape varieties beyond the classic ones. In recent years, in regions such as Ningxia and Gansu, he has been crafting wines from Syrah, Arneis and Malvasia using the simplest, least interventionist methods possible, hoping to observe the richer possibilities for the future of Chinese wine through growing conditions, terroir characteristics and varietal expression.
“For THE LORD” is not merely a self-reference to the estate owner or winemaker. It serves more as a reminder: in a wine, it is not only humans who truly call the shots. The land, climate, wind, vintage, the animals, microorganisms and various plants in the vineyard, and even time itself, all shape the character of the wine more profoundly than human will. Oh My God, they are the true Lords of the Estate.
Wines on display
Malvasia for THE LORD
If we were to talk about the dangers one might encounter at the winery, we would certainly have to mention the risk of being stung by hornets. That sudden, sharp pain is an experience none of us at the winery would wish to repeat. Hornets also love grapes; they bite through the skin and fly off, so we have no choice but to lure them with a thick sugar syrup.
These golden-hued hornets, brimming with the energy of the sun, intensify the wine’s impact on the palate and impart a rich, honeyed aroma. The formic acid they secrete, left on the leaves and blossoms, enhances the vitality of the plants. Hornets are like dogs flying through the sky, providing three-dimensional protection for the winery’s airspace.
The finest Malvasia, much like Tocai, is grown in limited quantities in Italy’s Friuli region. It boasts concentrated aromas and a powerful impact; varieties of lesser quality are typically used to produce sparkling or fortified wines or blended with other varieties to enhance aroma and body. Its red counterpart is known as Black Malvasia.
Malvasia exhibits a relatively stable survival rate and yield in the Tengger Desert, but its bunches are long and sparse, with berries as small as wild berries, differing significantly in appearance from common wine grapes; it is sensitive to the cold, damp climate. In winemaking, it produces wines of robust strength and vitality, with pronounced tropical fruit and yeast aromas; excellent acidity ensures a balanced and full-bodied profile.
Syrah for THE LORD
Pinot Noir for THE LORD
Black Muscat for THE LORD
Domaine des Arômes Arôme Dry Red Wine 2023
Domaine des Arômes Arôme Dry Red Wine 2016