‘China’s grape’ | Celebrate World Marselan Day in Beijing

By Jim Boyce | China’s grape. That’s what many are calling Marselan, a grape that arrived here twenty years ago and spread across nation. The ensuing wines are impressing professionals and consumers alike, and Hulu, The Mercants and VinVino in Beijing will feature some of them this week as part of the second World Marselan Day.

For more about why this grape matters, check this post I wrote for The Beijinger.

If you are ready to jump right into tasting, Hulu has a four-wine lineup tonight. It starts with a delicious bubbly by SunGod (Hebei), one that was some ten years on less (!), and a refreshing Riesling by Kanaan (Ningxia). Then it’s on to two Marselans: a light delicate one by Excelsis (Shandong) and a bolder fruitier spicier one by Grace Vineyard (Shanxi).

Four wines, four regions, plus tasty food by Hulu! Use the qr code to book a table. And expect a repeat of this dinner next Wednesday.

Consider that dinner pre-gaming for World Marselan Day on Saturday., April 27, the birthday of Paul Truel, who created this cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache in 1961.

VinVino will feature Grace Marselan at rmb58 per glass. Those in search of more local flavor can try Chandon bubbly (Ningxia) and Grace Reserve Chardonnay, also at rmb58.

The Merchants will hold a tasting from 7 PM to 10 PM, with Marselan by Amethyst (Hebei), Petit Garden (Ningxia) and Tiansai (Xinjiang), and several winery reps in attendance. Try a flight of three for rmb99 or full glasses at rmb65.

Duck restaurant Sheng Yong Xing is also serving Marselan by the glass.

And anyone anywhere can participate simply by enjoying some Marselan and taking a photo / sharing it on social media with #worldmarselanday .

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