Uncorked: Zhang Huining of Château Rongzi

Château Rongzi, a winery in Shanxi province in northwestern China, founded in 2007,  is hardly the first point of reference when talking about the region’s wines, dwarfed by the province’s more well known Grace Vineyard. However that seems to be changing, with the winery achieving greater prominence thanks to its hiring of Jean-Claude Berrouet, who had overseen 44 vintages at Petrus, to consult as wine consultant. Earlier this year its 2013 Etiquette Brun, a pure Cabernet, won a Gold medal at our Asian Cabernet Sauvignon Masters, judged by an expert panel of judges. Its chief winemaker, Zhang Huining, who joined the winery in 2009, had much to do with the winery’s quality bump. From her love to Riesling to shunning of spring onions, the winemaker reveals to dbHK her biggest vice and why she is not a fan of the 100-point rating system.

What vintage are you?

1974.

What bottle sparked your love of wine? 

Before I even started drinking wine, I was drawn to the words of ‘葡萄酒’(Chinese for wine). So naturally, my first choice of major in university was viticulture and winemaking. I don’t remember exactly which bottle sparked my love for wine, but there are so many good wines out there.

What would you be as a wine? 

A Riesling with great ageing potential.

Where are you happiest?

When the weather is pleasant, in the vineyards before the harvest. It’s full of hope.

What’s your greatest vice? 

I know not eating spring onion, ginger, garlic and other herbs is a vice, but still I can’t change it. 

Best advice you ever got? 

Be the best version of yourself. Nothing compares to just being yourself.

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save? 

I will save whichever is closest to me. Maybe this way, I can at least save some because they are all treasures to me.

What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business? 

The best thing is that I can make wines according to myself. The worst part is sometimes you have to compromise a little bit.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? 

Family and friends. I haven’t thought much of this yet.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)？

Haha, Parker. I am not a huge fan of the 100-point system. Making a wine is much like living your life. It can’t be evaluated simply by a 100-point system.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral? 

I would prefer to drink an old wine that is simple and as real as life itself. Maybe a wine made by me or a wine I like.