Changyu Noble Dragon N158 Red wine

The Changyu Noble Dragon N158 Red Wine is a premium red wine produced by the Changyu Pioneer Wine Company, one of China's oldest and most renowned wine producers. Below are detailed ingredients and information about this wine.

Ingredients of Changyu Noble Dragon N158 Red Wine:

1. Grapes:
   • The specific blend of grapes used for the Noble Dragon N158 Red is not always disclosed, but wines from Changyu typically feature a blend of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and sometimes Cabernet Gernischt (a variety unique to China). It is likely that the N158 wine includes one or more of these varieties, depending on the vintage.
   • Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold tannins and deep, dark fruit flavors, while Merlot adds softness and roundness to the wine. Cabernet Gernischt, a variety grown in China, is known for its fruity and smooth characteristics.
2. Fermentation Yeast:
   • During fermentation, either natural or cultured yeast is used to convert the grape sugars into alcohol.
3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):
   • Like most wines, sulfur dioxide is likely added to prevent oxidation and preserve the freshness of the wine.
4. Oak (Barrel Aging):
   • Some of the wine undergoes aging in oak barrels, which imparts additional flavors like vanilla, toasted nuts, and spices, depending on the length of aging.

Winemaking Process:

1. Harvesting:
   • The grapes are harvested at the optimal ripeness to ensure the right balance of sugar, acidity, and flavor. Harvest times are usually determined by careful monitoring of the grapes' ripeness.
2. Crushing and Fermentation:
   • After harvest, the grapes are crushed to release their juice. This juice is then fermented in stainless steel or oak fermentation tanks, where yeast is introduced to convert sugars into alcohol. The fermentation process usually takes place at controlled temperatures to preserve the fruit's fresh flavors.
3. Aging:
   • After fermentation, the wine is aged for several months in oak barrels (either new or used) to develop complexity, structure, and more nuanced flavors. The length of aging varies but typically ranges from a few months to a year. The oak imparts flavors like vanilla, spice, and a smooth texture.
4. Blending:
   • After aging, the wine may be blended with other lots to achieve the desired flavor profile, ensuring consistency and balance.
5. Bottling:
   • The wine is filtered, stabilized, and bottled for distribution.

Tasting Notes (Typical Characteristics of the Wine):

• Appearance: Deep ruby or purple color, indicating a rich fruit profile.
• Aroma: The nose presents aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries, cherries, and plums. You may also detect subtle notes of spices (cinnamon, clove), vanilla, and a slight smokiness from the oak aging.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is typically full-bodied, with rich fruit flavors such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, often complemented by earthy and herbal notes. The tannins are balanced, providing structure without overwhelming the fruit flavors. The wine has a smooth mouthfeel with a lingering, slightly oaky finish.
• Alcohol Content: The alcohol content is generally around 13-14%, which is typical for red wines of this style.

Region:

• China: The Changyu Noble Dragon N158 Red Wine is produced in China, which has been rapidly growing as a wine-producing region. Changyu sources its grapes from various regions in China, and the wine may come from areas like Ningxia, Xinjiang, or Shandong, which are known for their favorable climates for viticulture.
  • Ningxia is particularly known for producing high-quality wines, as its climate and soil conditions are similar to those of traditional wine regions like Bordeaux.

Food Pairing:

Due to its full-bodied structure and rich fruit flavors, the Changyu Noble Dragon N158 Red Wine pairs well with a variety of foods, such as:

• Grilled or roasted meats (lamb, beef, pork)
• Rich pasta dishes (e.g., with tomato-based sauces)
• Aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or camembert
• Charcuterie and cured meats

Brand and Reputation:

• Changyu Pioneer Wine Company: Founded in 1892, Changyu is one of China's oldest and largest wine producers. The company has a long history of producing wines from different regions in China and has invested significantly in modern winemaking technology and international partnerships to improve the quality of its wines. Changyu wines, particularly the Noble Dragon series, have garnered recognition both domestically and internationally for their quality and craftsmanship.
• The Noble Dragon line is marketed as a premium range of wines, aiming to showcase the growing sophistication of Chinese winemaking. The N158 label is one of the top offerings in the range, designed for wine enthusiasts seeking complex and refined red wines.