What they say

Both in the awards (the first Ningxia Wine Awards) and at several wineries, it was clear that Ningxia’s raw material (assuming that is what we were tasting) is impressively consistent. Moet may be betting on sparkling white (rose doesn’t sell in China), but the great majority of what is currently produced in Ningxia is red — mostly Cabernet and Merlot, as is the Chinese way. The wines have an attractive frankness of fruit, rarely more than 13 percent alcohol, nicely balanced by natural acidity and — oxidation apart — were generally both clean and expressive. Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine, British wine critic, journalist and wine writer

The possibilities of marketing Ningxia to the wine world are endless. The grapes have the possibility to be incredible as the growing season is so conducive for ripe, balanced and tasty fruit. But the vineyards need to be extra vigilant about varieties planted (the right choices) and ensure they are planting the varieties they think they are planting (utilizing good plant sources). It is fantastic that the region is promoting itself as the Bordeaux of China, the climate for these varieties is fantastic. Jennifer Bound, New Zealand winemaker

Ningxia has opened up a whole new world of wine possibilities for the international arena. Not only is the area catapulting at a great pace but is also terroir and cultivar driven and most well-known for Cabernet Sauvignon, the star of Ningxia. The vast dramatic landscape of mountains, rivers and deserts is part of the enigma of Ningxia that makes it so intriguing. Alwyn Liebenberg, winemaker from South Africa

As a new wine region, the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain has unique advantages and potential in natural factors such as climate and soil. For example, there are adequate light and heat resources, large temperature differences between day and night, deep soil layers, little rainfall and Yellow River irrigation. These natural conditions can ensure that grapes obtain a relatively satisfactory maturity, which is the basic condition for making quality wines. Patrick Soye, French winemaker

I have tasted and judged around 142 different Chinese wines a year for the international wine guide Gilbert & Gaillard, the majority from this region, and Ningxia has everything it needs to become one of the leading wine regions of the world. Fortunato Alessio, Italian winemaker

The rising Ningxia will be just like Australia in the coming future, creating its own unique history and characteristics. And it is undeniable that with distinctive advantages in both climate and soil conditions, Ningxia is very suitable for cultivating wine. I have witnessed local winemakers’ efforts in creating wines with Ningxia characteristics. Ningxia’s terroir is special and there are many variable and unique wineries. Chris Sargeant, winemaker from Australia