Chateau Rongzi 'Essence of Time' Cabernet Franc

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Chateau Rongzi ‘Essence of Time’ Cabernet Franc is a vibrant expression of Shanxi’s high-altitude terroir, crafted without oak to showcase the purity and elegance of the fruit. Bright, lifted and finely structured, this ruby-red wine reveals the growing sophistication of China’s emerging fine wine scene, balancing mountain freshness with silky tannins and remarkable poise.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Ruby-red in the glass, this unoaked Cabernet Franc opens with vibrant aromas of ripe cherry and crushed raspberry layered with a delicate clove-like floral lift. The palate is fresh, refined and beautifully balanced, revealing fine tannins, gentle spice and impressive structural precision. Without oak influence, the purity of fruit shines through, leading to a long, lingering finish marked by freshness and elegance.

Key Details

• Winery: Chateau Rongzi
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Region: Shanxi, China
• Vintage: 2024
• ABV: 12.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Aging: Unoaked
• Other: Gluten-free

Craftsmanship & Story

Located on China’s dramatic Loess Plateau in Shanxi Province, Chateau Rongzi cultivates vineyards between 1,100 and 1,300 metres above sea level, where intense sunshine and dramatic day-night temperature shifts create wines of freshness, concentration and balance. Founded in 2007 by Zhang Wenquan, the estate rose rapidly to international recognition under the consultancy of Jean-Claude Berrouet, the legendary former winemaker of Château Pétrus. Through meticulous vineyard management, hand harvesting and precision winemaking, Chateau Rongzi continues to demonstrate the remarkable potential of China’s emerging fine wine regions.

Special Features

Chateau Rongzi ‘Essence of Time’ Unoaked Cabernet Franc captures the purity and freshness of high-altitude Cabernet Franc without the influence of oak. Grown on the ancient loess soils of Shanxi’s rugged plateau, the vineyards experience intense sunlight and extreme diurnal temperature variation, preserving natural acidity while developing aromatic complexity and fine tannin structure. Each winter, the vines must be buried beneath the soil by hand to survive severe Siberian frosts — a labour-intensive practice unique to northern Chinese viticulture. Crafted under the guidance of Jean-Claude Berrouet, this elegant expression highlights vibrant fruit clarity, mineral freshness and refined balance.

Recognition & Accolades

As a newly released addition to the Chateau Rongzi range, ‘Essence of Time’ Cabernet Franc has not yet had the opportunity to build an extensive record of international reviews or competition accolades. However, Chateau Rongzi itself has received substantial international recognition, including praise from Decanter World Wine Awards, Jancis Robinson MW and the late Steven Spurrier, whose reviews helped establish the estate among China’s most respected fine wine producers. Given the estate’s growing reputation for elegant Bordeaux-inspired wines and the strong critical reception of previous Rongzi releases, this Cabernet Franc is expected to attract positive reviews and international attention in the coming years.

Food Pairings

Elegant and mountain-fresh in style, this Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb, pan-seared duck breast or richly braised beef dishes, where its vibrant acidity and fine tannins cut effortlessly through savoury richness. Earthy mushroom dishes, rosemary-infused jus and beetroot risotto also mirror the wine’s lifted red berry fruit, gentle spice and subtle forest-floor character, creating a refined and deeply satisfying pairing experience.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Chateau Rongzi ‘Essence of Time’ Cabernet Franc is an intriguing and sophisticated choice for adventurous wine lovers seeking something truly distinctive. Combining refined Bordeaux varietal character with the freshness of Shanxi’s high-altitude terroir, it offers a unique gifting experience and an engaging introduction to China’s rapidly evolving fine wine scene.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order Chateau Rongzi ‘Essence of Time’ Cabernet Franc online with fast NZ-wide delivery. Every bottle is carefully packed to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully presented, whether for gifting, cellaring or enjoying at home.