Domaine Franco-Chinois | Huailai, Hebei
Domaine Franco-Chinois is more than just a vineyard—it’s a story of collaboration, passion, and a shared love for winemaking that bridges two cultures. Born from a partnership between China and France, it represents the dedication of winemakers from both nations in their pursuit of excellence.
The journey began in 1997 when Chinese and French officials first came together with a vision to merge centuries-old French winemaking expertise with China’s growing viticultural potential. Two years later, the Ministers of Agriculture from both countries sealed this commitment by signing the “Protocol on the Establishment of the Sino-French Viticulture and Winemaking Demonstration Farm.”
By 2000, the first vines were planted in Huailai, a region near Beijing with a climate and soil reminiscent of renowned wine regions. The inaugural harvest in 2003 was more than just grapes—it was the fruition of years of dedication, hands-on craftsmanship, and a dream taking shape. In 2005, the vineyard took on the name Domaine Franco-Chinois, a testament to its unique heritage.
With carefully selected French vine stocks, meticulous cultivation, and winemaking that respects both tradition and innovation, Domaine Franco-Chinois brings out the soul of its terroir. Each bottle tells the story of collaboration and craftsmanship, proving that great wine is not just about the land, but about the people who nurture it.
Wines
Domaine Franco-Chinois, Réserve Blend 2014 ●
The rich geological history of the region has left meters of sandstone deposit in the vineyards of DFC. In sandy soils, classic Bordelaise varieties takes on an aromatic edge, gaining airiness and roundness. Give it some air, some patience, its holistic presence drapes over you like velvet curtains. Soft black cherries ripened to the core, alongside high-toned oriental incense, cedar, violets, showing more brightness, juice, and a voluptuous crescendo, then seamlessly renders into a chocolatey and creamy affair. The perfume of leather, and a pleasant phenolic bitterness, meditative, long lasting.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc | 750 ml |14.5% abv
Domaine Franco-Chinois, Réserve Marselan 2013 ●
The oldest wine in our portfolio, and a true testament against all voices of doubt on how Chinese wines evolves with time. Twelve years on, the essence of Marselan shines with captivating scents of grapefruit peel, cassis, and bramble leaf, not least the prolonged oak ageing bringing deeper, smoky mocha notes. Brilliant acid runs the show, with powdery tannins padding out the edges, completing the wine and carries it into the next stage of life.
Marselan | 750 ml | 14.5% abv
Domaine Franco-Chinois, Réserve Petit Manseng 2018 ●
Little would one expect to see an Aquitaine variety finding a second home on another continent. Prized for its blazing acid even when late harvested, this is a fascinating sweet wine that shows the diversity of wine styles produced in China now. Harvested between October and November, the juice yield has reduced to a stark 40%, concentrating its essence of sugar, and acid. It will capture your attention with luscious dried quince, baked apples, and orange zest, inviting you to a symphony of rich sounds, textures, and changing colours.
Petit Manseng |375 ml| 12.5% abv
