Marselan was born in 1961 when grape scientist Paul Truel (1924-2014) successfully crossed Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache in the south of France. In spite of its dual parentage, Marselan exhibits more the DNA of Grenache rather than Cabernet (like some children who resemble more of one, rather than a combination of both, parents).
A tell-tale personality is Marselan’s floral perfume which includes violets. The fruit profile can be red, blue, purple and black – often a combination – with the tannins considerably smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Paul Truel (left) photographed in 1999 on the 50th Anniversary of Domaine de Vassal, the research vineyard of France’s National Agronomy Insitute or INRA. To his left are research ampelographers Jean-Michel Boursiquot and Thierry Lacombe.
In May 2025, CH’NG Poh Tiong resigned from his position as the inaugural Asia Regional Chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards, a role he had held since the competition began in 2004.
His first taste of Marselan was in China in 2001 or 2002. He has also tasted Marselan in its birthplace in the south of France at Domaine Mas de Rey, which produces one of the best examples. The winery, just outside Arles, has Marselan vines that are around 30 years old.
As Marselan exhibits so much more the personality of Grenache over Cabernet, the biggest mistake is to age Marselan in new oak (of any proportion).
After all, Chateau Rayas, considered one of the greatest Chateauneuf-du-Pape, is a pure Grenache and has never seen any new wood.
As wine consultant to Chateau Rongzi in Shanxi Province – with the blessing of Founder Proprietor ZHANG Wenquan – CH’NG Poh Tiong, together with Chief Winemaker ZHANG Huining and the team, blended and created Chateau Rongzi Marselan 2024 without any trace of oak.
Situated up to 1,300 metres above sea level on the famed Loess Plateau (with traces of fossilised shellfish) formed some 2.5 million years ago, Chateau Rongzi is located in Xiangning County, not far from the legendary Yellow River.
On 29 November 2026 at Singapore Forever, a walkabout tasting at The Tower Club, Chateau Rongzi will be showcasing Marselan 2024.
Chateau Rongzi Founder Proprietor ZHANG Wenquan (right) and CH’NG Poh Tiong.
Chateau Rongzi Chief Winemaker ZHANG Huining and CH’NG Poh Tiong.
Situated up to 1,300 metres above sea level on the famed Loess Plateau (with traces of fossilised shellfish) formed some 2.5 million years ago, Chateau Rongzi is located in Xiangning County, not far from the legendary Yellow River.
