Chinese Wine tasting

Modern Chinese Wine - Join Us This Weekend

We invite you to discover one of the most exciting developments in the global wine scene.

SESSIONS ARDEN- Arden Gardens Shopping Centre, North Melbourne,  3051

Saturday 14th March | 3–6 PMPhone: (03) 9913 9702

SESSIONS HIGHETT- Highett Shopping Centre, Highett, 3190

Sunday 15th March | 1–4 PMPhone: (03) 9366 2972

No booking required — simply drop by and explore the wines with us.⸻Chinese wine is entering a fascinating new chapter, and Xige Estate offers a compelling glimpse of what the future may hold.We look forward to sharing these wines with you.

Tasting Lineup Order

The wines will be presented in the following progression:
    1.    Chardonnay
    2.    Pinot Noir
    3.    Marselan
    4.    Cabernet Gernischt

Moving from lighter to fuller-bodied wines allows the character of each variety to be appreciated clearly.

Discover Modern Chinese WineXige Estate Tasting This Weekend

Over the past decade, Chinese wine has undergone a quiet but remarkable transformation.

A new generation of wineries has begun producing wines that express both modern winemaking precision and the unique terroir of China.

One of the estates at the forefront of this movement is Xige Estate (西鸽酒庄), located in the Helan Mountain East region of Ningxia, widely regarded today as China’s most promising wine region.

This weekend we are excited to host a tasting featuring four wines from Xige’s Jade Dove Single Vineyard Series — a lineup that showcases both classic and emerging grape varieties from Ningxia.

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Ningxia – China’s Leading Wine Region

The Helan Mountain East foothills in Ningxia have rapidly become the centre of China’s premium wine production.

Several natural conditions make this region particularly well suited for viticulture:

High elevation
Vineyards are planted at around 1,100–1,200 metres, helping retain acidity and freshness.

Large day–night temperature differences
Summer temperature swings of up to 15°C allow grapes to develop ripeness while preserving aromatic intensity.

Dry continental climate
With only about 200 mm of annual rainfall, disease pressure is low and grapes achieve excellent concentration.

Gravel and sandy soils
These well-drained soils contribute structure and minerality to the wines.

The region has gained increasing international attention and is now home to many of China’s most ambitious wineries.

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Xige Estate

Founded in 2017, Xige Estate represents a new generation of technologically advanced wineries in China.

The estate combines:
    •    Precision vineyard management
    •    Modern gravity-fed winemaking facilities
    •    French oak maturation
    •    International winemaking expertise

The winery’s flagship premium line is the Jade Dove Series, named after a white dove featured in classical Chinese art.
These wines are typically produced from carefully selected vineyard blocks and reflect the estate’s vision of contemporary Chinese fine wine.

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Wines Being PouredJade Dove Chardonnay 2022

A fresh and structured Chardonnay grown at high elevation in Ningxia.

Expect aromas of citrus, white peach and green apple, supported by subtle oak influence and a mineral backbone.
The cool nights of the region help preserve acidity, giving the wine balance and energy.

Style reference:
Chablis meets cool-climate New World Chardonnay.

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Jade Dove Pinot Noir 2020

Pinot Noir remains a challenging grape variety in many regions, making this wine particularly intriguing.

In Ningxia’s dry climate and high altitude, the grape develops ripe red fruit, strawberry and cherry notes, with gentle spice and soft tannins.

A style that sits somewhere between Burgundy elegance and New World fruit expression.

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Jade Dove Marselan 2021

Marselan is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, originally developed in France but now gaining attention worldwide.

It has become one of the most promising varieties in China due to its adaptability to warm climates.

This wine shows:
    •    deep colour
    •    blackberries and plum
    •    violet and spice
    •    smooth yet structured tannins

Many believe Marselan could become a defining grape of modern Chinese wine.

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Jade Dove Cabernet Gernischt 2021

Cabernet Gernischt has long been associated with Chinese viticulture.
Recent DNA studies suggest the variety may actually be closely related to Carménère.

This wine offers:
    •    blackcurrant and dark cherry
    •    subtle herbal and pepper notes
    •    structured tannins
    •    elegant oak integration

Among the lineup, this is the most structured and age-worthy wine.