Chateau Rongzi, with its distinctive terroir and profound cultural heritage, has written its own chapter in the landscape of Chinese wine.
Chateau Rongzi’s 10,000 mu or 665 hectares of cool climate vineyards are situated between Latitudes 35° and 36° North, similar to some of the best vineyards of France, Italy, Spain, and California. Perched on hilly terrain 1,100 to 1,300 metres high in Xiangning County, Shanxi Province, the vineyards have the most advantageous exposure to fully ripen grapes, producing wines that are elegant, of lower alcohol, and possessing enhanced freshness and layered complexity.
The vineyard’s terrain is unique, featuring a chicken-foot-shaped residual plateau that facilitates natural drainage and ventilation, creating a distinct microclimate.
The name of Chateau Rongzi originates from a legend dating back over 2,700 years. During the Spring and Autumn Period (c.770-476 BCE), the Di Rong tribe settled in the area north of present-day Xiangning. Rongzi (also known as Huji), the daughter of Chieftain Hu Tu, later married Prince JI Guizhu of the neighbouring State of Jin and gave birth to LI Chonger—who would become Duke Wen of Jin, one of the five hegemons of the era.
As a young woman, Rongzi picked wild Gelei grapes in the hills of Beiyuan. One year, after an abundant harvest, she and her companions stored the surplus grapes in leather bags in a sealed pit. Months later, they discovered the grapes had naturally fermented into a fragrant, translucent liquid. The liquid in the leather bags was, in fact, the earliest wine – named Tsji (缇齐) – in Shanxi which, as recorded in the Shiji or Records of the Grand Historian, was served in the royal court by Rongzi’s son Duke Wen of Jin.
Chateau Rongzi takes its name from the legend of Rongzi, who made the earliest wine dating back more than 2,700 years.
RONGZI COLLECTION is a limited series of wines from the estate’s vinotheque. These are older wines cellared until they reach their peak of maturity and enjoyment. Their evolved fruit and silky tannins make them delicious on their own and equally outstanding with cuisine.
RONGZI COLLECTION Cuvée I 2012 was blended by Chief Winemaker ZHANG Huining in collaboration with Jean-Claude BERROUET (Chief Winemaker at PETRUS from 1964 to 2008) when he was Consultant to Chateau Rongzi for ten years. A very refined, elegant Cabernet blend inspired by the great reds of Bordeaux, the wine offers a complex, tertiary aroma of sandalwood and blackcurrant cassis. On the palate, the same bouquet and fruit carry through, supported by fully evolved, smooth tannins and a long, persistent finish with great freshness.
Chateau Rongzi Chief Winemaker ZHANG Huining (left) worked with Jean-Claude Berrouet and was mentored by the PETRUS Winemaker to produce wines of intensity, elegance, finesse and harmony.
Chateau Rongzi Marselan 2024 is the first unoaked Marselan blended by Chief Winemaker ZHANG Huining in collaboration with wine consultant CH’NG Poh Tiong. Marselan’s parents are Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, yet the grape possesses predominantly the personality of just one of its forebears. This is where China has made its biggest mistake with Marselan: instead of recognising it as more like Grenache, it treats the hybrid decidedly like Cabernet, particularly by ageing it in new 225-litre oak barriques. When such Marselan grows old, it tastes more like wood juice than wine. Chateau Rongzi Marselan 2024, aged in stainless steel tanks, offers the fragrance of flowers including violets. The palate opens with ripe red and black cherry fruit, balanced by ripe, silky tannins. The fruit is intense, persistent, and long, as are the smooth tannins. The finish is a delicious roundness of freshness.
Chateau Rongzi’s wines have garnered Gold Awards at prestigious international competitions such as the Berlin Wine Trophy in Germany, the Brussels International Wine Competition, and the Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Awards. To date, the winery has accumulated a total of 21 patents, 3 scientific and technological achievements, and more than 200 professional awards from both domestic and international competitions. Petit Rongzi Black Label 2018 won the Grand Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025.
Singapore Forever 29 November 2026!
