Silver Heights Sand Lake Moon Orange Ningxia 2023
Sand Lake Moon is one of the most compelling examples of the new wave of Chinese wine, crafted by Emma Gao at Silver Heights, the pioneering family estate that helped establish Ningxia as one of Asia's most exciting fine wine regions. Situated in the shadow of the Helan Mountains, Silver Heights combines biodynamic farming, indigenous yeasts and minimal-intervention winemaking to create wines that speak clearly of place while drawing on both Chinese and European traditions.
A blend of 50% Malvasia and 50% field blend comprising Viognier, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, Sand Lake Moon is fermented on skins in traditional Chinese clay vessels known as táo guàn (陶罐) for 30 days, followed by an extraordinary six months of post-fermentation maceration. The wine is then matured for 10 months in neutral oak barrels before being bottled unfined, unfiltered and without added sulphur.
The result is a deeply expressive orange wine with layers of white peach, yellow stone fruit, preserved jasmine, orange blossom and dried citrus peel. The palate is textured and energetic, combining grippy tannins with vibrant saline acidity, creating a wine of remarkable depth, tension and persistence. Ancient technique meets modern precision in a wine that feels both rooted in history and completely contemporary.
More than simply an orange wine, Sand Lake Moon captures Emma Gao's unique vision: a fusion of biodynamic farming, the Chinese lunisolar agricultural calendar and the distinctive terroir of Ningxia. It is a fascinating and singular expression of a region rapidly earning its place on the world wine stage.
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