WINEHUB Budapest-Changyu Benchmark Tasting
Location: WineHub – 1036 Budapest, Pacsirtamező u. 41.
Tasting room upstairs (glass-walled space)
Date: May 12th, 3:00 PM
Number of guests: approx. 20 people (journalists, WineHub premium clients – top
sommeliers, and key representatives of the Chinese community).
Program:
Lenz was leading the benchmark tasting. Afterwards, guests were treated to a premium
charcuterie platter at the wine shop’s affiliated restaurant – Cut and Barrel.
Lineup:
- Chateau Changyu Moser XV Helan Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir
2023 Gran Vinasol Chardonnay Sobre Lias 2022
- Chateau Changyu Moser XV Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir
2023 Velich Tiglat 2021
- Chateau Changyu Moser XV Helan Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
KILIKANOON Killerman’s Run Shiraz
- Chateau Changyu Moser XV Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Sena
Aconcagua Valley Red Rouge 2021
- Chateau Changyu Moser XV Purple Air Comes from the East 2019 Chateau
Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2021
- Changyu Golden Valley Ice Wine 2019 MAD MOSER: MMM555 Tokaji Aszú 6
Puttonyos 2013
- Changyu Koya XO, Changyu Koya VSOP
Attending Media
- Ágnes Vágó (Turizmus Online):
Highly engaged. Published an article titled:
“Meglepő és tanulságos – kínai borok kóstolója Budapesten”
She covers several outlets under a group with a reach of ~2.2 million people.
Potential for future hotel rep tasting.
- Ivett Vancsik (VinCE Magazine):
Editor-in-chief, attended in professional capacity.
Key Chinese Community Attendees
- Zhang Yongwei
President – Hungarian Federation of Chinese Social Organizations
- Ye Xiaorong
President – Hungarian Lishui-Qingtian Fellowship Association
- Ye Xiaoping
Executive VP – Hungarian Lishui-Qingtian Fellowship Association
- Zhang Weiling
General Manager – DunaPanda Supermarket
- Chen Jie
Europe Regional General Manager – StarRiver Cruises
``Surprising and Educational – Chinese Wine Tasting in Budapest‘‘
About Turizmus:
Turizmus Online is a Hungarian digital magazine dedicated to tourism, hospitality, and
gastronomy. It covers industry news, event reports, market trends, and features in-depth
articles about travel destinations, hotels, and culinary experiences. The platform serves both
professionals in the tourism sector and curious readers interested in developments within
Hungary and abroad.
China aspires to become a major power in winemaking – and once the East Asian country sets
its sights on something, it’s only a matter of time before it happens. To achieve this goal, in
recent decades, the country’s viticulture and winemaking industries have undergone
significant transformation. As a result, China is now considered one of the most dynamically
developing wine-producing countries in the world.
Why Sichuan?
Before diving into the wines, the tasting’s host, Lenz Moser, clarified some basics about
Chinese wine. He explained that most of the showcased wines came from Sichuan Province.
Traditionally known for producing Baijiu (a Chinese rice spirit), Sichuan has recently drawn
attention for its potential in winemaking. The province’s high-altitude regions, especially the
upper valleys of the Lancang, Nu, Jinsha, Dadu, and Min rivers (ranging from 1600 to 2800
meters), offer excellent grape-growing conditions – with abundant sunshine, sloped hillsides,
and ideal rainfall – helping grapes mature and develop complex flavors.
When Did Quality Winemaking Begin in China?
Surprisingly, the story of modern Chinese winemaking dates back to 1892, with the founding
of the Changyu winery by Zhang Bishi in Yantai, Shandong Province. From the 1990s –
particularly after China joined the WTO in 2001 – wine imports increased, and growing
consumer awareness encouraged the development of domestic wineries.
Preferred Grape Varieties and Wines in China
Red wines dominate Chinese wine culture, making up 79% of the grapes grown. The most
popular varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and the
native Vitis Amurensis. Whites, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Muscat, make up 20%.
Does China Really Produce Ice Wine?
Yes – and of impressive quality! In the northeastern region, especially in Liaoning Province,
the conditions are ideal for ice wine. The Changyu winery, in cooperation with the Canadian
Aolos Group, has established one of the world’s largest ice wine estates in Benxi. Grapes are
left to freeze on the vine, then pressed to extract a sweet, concentrated must – which
attendees had the chance to taste.
Chinese Brandy Production? Believe It!
Indeed, Chinese brandy rivals traditional French cognac in quality. Changyu’s brandy segment
is gaining ground in the domestic market, thanks partly to the absence of import duties on
French cognac, which has fueled local production and consumption.
Wine Prices and Export Market Presence
One of the most encouraging takeaways was the value-for-money proposition of Chinese
wines. With internationally competitive taste profiles and traditional production methods,
they’re increasingly appearing on global markets. In 2024 alone, China’s main export markets
included Hong Kong, France, South Korea, Macau, and Australia, and demand continues to
grow.
Who Led the Tasting in Budapest and Why?
The tasting was led by Lenz Maria Moser, a 15th-generation member of an Austrian
winemaking dynasty and a key figure in developing China’s Château Changyu Moser XV
winery. Since 2005, he has worked with Changyu as a consultant and became head
winemaker in 2015. He spends months each year in China during the harvest season, directly
overseeing viticulture and winemaking. He focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, creating wines
like Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir and the premium "Purple Air Comes From the East".
What Wines Were Tasted?
- A reductively made Cabernet Sauvignon white wine from 2023, paired with a 2022
Chardonnay.
- A Cabernet Sauvignon aged for a year in barrels.
- A 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a 2015 Cabernet-based red blend.
- A rare Chilean-Chinese blend.
- A special "Purple Air Comes From the East" aged for 8 years.
- Two high-quality ice wines (from 2013 and 2019).
Final Thoughts
Experts concluded that Chinese winemaking is evolving rapidly, blending traditional and
modern techniques. Thanks to international collaborations, Chinese wines are gaining
increasing global recognition and are consistently earning prestigious awards on the world
stage.
Château Longyu M12
Château Changyu Moser XV: Château Longyu M12 - Gourmetwelten - Das Genussportal
May 17, 2025
TASTE Feel Enjoy: China's most successful wine icon is coming to Europe — a red-golden
fanfare from Ningxia: The M12 2021, the most successful "ICON" from Château Changyu
Moser XV, will be available in Europe starting autumn 2025. However, the edition is strictly
limited – only 3,000 bottles will reach Europe. Pre-orders are now possible.
Château Longyu & Winemaker Lenz M. Moser
The M12 is the flagship of the Longyu Estate, part of the Changyu Moser XV family – one of
China’s most ambitious wine projects. Austrian winemaker and visionary Lenz M. Moser is
responsible for the vinification and has been collaborating with Changyu in China for over 20
years. He is considered the longest-serving bridge builder between China and Europe in the
wine world.
What excites Moser particularly: The M12 – largely shaped by the Ningxia Wine Making Team
led by Mr. Jiang – has established itself as a trendsetter in the château's style. The world's
smallest Cabernet Sauvignon berries (due to the desert climate) give the wine a unique
character: pure Cabernet fruit, paired with fascinating finesse and elegance.
Their next big initiative, “Let the Berries Speak,” is already underway – a multi-year program
aimed at even better showcasing the pure typicity of the wine.
Together with M12 and “Purple Air Comes from the East” (PACE), Château Longyu – known
under this name in China but marketed as Changyu Moser XV in Europe – forms the
qualitative spearhead of Chinese viticulture: powerful, independent, and internationally
sophisticated.
An “ICON” from China
Château Longyu M12 2021 is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Marselan, grown at
around 1,100 meters altitude at the foot of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia. The Marselan
adds floral, spicy notes, while the Cabernet provides structure and depth. The soils –
composed of silt, sand, clay, and river gravel – provide ideal conditions for concentrated,
long-lived red wines.
Harvested manually in small 10-kilo boxes, the wine underwent traditional vinification. After
temperature-controlled fermentation at 25–30°C, it was aged for 24 months in new French
oak barrels, giving it elegant roasted notes, complex tannins, and great aging potential.
Moser and Mr. Jiang are especially passionate about the uniqueness of their wines. Their
shared goal: to unite region, varietal, and philosophy into an authentic, regionally typical top
wine.
A Record-Breaking Bestseller
Over the past few years, the M12 has become a top seller in China – with 130,000 bottles
produced and sold annually, a figure comparable to major Bordeaux châteaux. That makes
M12 by far China’s best-selling icon wine, a good reason to now make it accessible to
European wine lovers.
When a Chinese wine is blind tasted by a top-class jury (ten high-ranking Masters of Wine)
alongside Château Lafite Rothschild 2021, Penfolds Grange 2020, and Opus One 2021 at
ProWein, and earns the same score as Château Lafite Rothschild, it makes waves in the
European wine scene. This is exactly what Château Longyu M12 2021 achieved in a panel
tasting organized by The Drinks Business.
Sensory & Style
In the glass, M12 presents itself in deep ruby red with violet highlights. Its bouquet is rich and
complex: cherries, plums, cassis, and raspberries, accompanied by mocha, spices, tobacco,
vanilla, and fine cedarwood. On the palate, it’s elegant yet powerful and dense, with a silky
tannin structure, balanced acidity, deep core, and impressive length.
Château Longyu M12 2021 will be available in Europe from autumn 2025, in a limited edition
of just 3,000 bottles.
Retail Price: €260
About Nikos-Weinwelten:
Nikos-Weinwelten is a German online platform dedicated to wine journalism, gourmet
culture, and premium lifestyle reporting. It features expert insights, news, and reviews about
international wines, winemakers, and culinary trends. Founded by sommelier and journalist
Nikos Tzermias, the site is known for its in-depth articles and focus on fine dining and luxury
experiences.
``Discovering Chinese Wines – A Promising Rise‘‘
About World Connect Business IBS / Repaire de Bacchus:
World Connect Business IBS / Repaire de Bacchus is a French business and lifestyle magazine
with an international focus. It combines coverage of global trade, luxury industries, and
emerging markets with themes related to wine, gastronomy, and refined living. The magazine
targets professionals in the wine and hospitality sectors as well as discerning enthusiasts.
Chinese wines, long absent and little known on the international stage, are now experiencing
a remarkable rise. This trend reflects the deep-rooted passion of this millennia-old nation for
the culinary arts. Thanks to a rich history, regional diversity, and ongoing investments in
technology and training, this blossoming industry now offers wine enthusiasts around the
world new frontiers to explore.
History and Evolution
Although wine culture in China dates back over 2,000 years, it is only recently that the wine
industry has seen significant development. Historically, wine was reserved for nobility and
elites. Today, wine has become democratized and China is now asserting itself as one of the
world's largest wine producers.
Wine Regions
Ningxia, Xinjiang, Hebei, and Shandong are China’s main wine-producing regions. Each region
has distinct climates and soils favorable to the cultivation of a wide variety of grape types,
leading to a rich diversity of wine styles and flavors.
Grapes and Styles
Chinese producers blend international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
and Chardonnay with local varieties like Cabernet Gernischt. This diversity allows for the
development of unique aromatic profiles that are both atypical and distinctive.
International Recognition, Challenges, and Opportunities
Garnering prestigious awards in competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards and the
International Wine Challenge, producers continue to improve wine quality and authenticity.
These accolades boost confidence among professionals and consumers and open up
commercial opportunities both in China and globally.
Wine and Food Pairing – Where to Taste
Imperial Treasure (France)
44 rue Bassano – 75008 Paris
www.imperialtreasure.com/france
Spotlight: Château Changyu Moser XV
Located in Yinchuan, Ningxia province, this estate opened in 2013 and bears the name of
Austrian winemaker Lenz Moser V. A €70 million investment led to a vineyard with 800
barrels. The flagship wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Company Ltd: The Pioneers
Founded in 1892 in Yantai, Shandong by a Chinese businessman in Singapore, Changyu is
China’s oldest wine company. Known originally as "Chang Bishi" (1840–1912), it remains a
market leader. Its brand, Changyu, was the first to bring European techniques and grape
varieties to China.
Today, Changyu is a giant in the global wine industry, exporting to over 30 countries. Its 2023
revenue exceeded €1.5 billion. Holding 25% of the Chinese wine market, it has eight major
production bases and partnerships with European châteaux.
Changyu’s investments in viticulture and winemaking technology are extensive. Its Ningxia
site, covering 400 hectares, is a benchmark in innovation, with a capacity of 50 million bottles
annually.
‘’Changyu’’
Vin fra Østrig fra New Chapter sætter nye standarder - verdensklasse hvidvin!
About Madogmonopolet.dk:
is a Danish online magazine that focuses on wine, food, and lifestyle. It features wine reviews,
tasting notes, recommendations, and articles about culinary trends, often written in a
personal and accessible tone. The site regularly collaborates with winemakers and industry
experts to present high-quality content to wine enthusiasts and consumers.
One of the most exciting new releases from Lenz M. Moser is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Blanc de Noir from Château Changyu Moser XV, located in Ningxia, China. This wine stands
out as a true innovation, being the world’s first Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir aged in
French oak barriques. The use of barrique barrels brings an extra layer of depth and
complexity to the wine, distinguishing it clearly from more traditional white wines.
On the nose, it reveals vibrant aromas of citrus, yellow apples, mango, baking spices, nuts,
oak, and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied, with a remarkable balance between dryness,
acidity, and a gentle touch of sweetness. It’s a wine with strong character and structure, and
it’s clear that it will develop beautifully over the coming years. This unique white wine has
already impressed critics, earning a score of 92 out of 100 points.
Participation in the White Wine Cup GALA
We took part in the White Wine Cup GALA, featured in the renowned lifestyle magazine
GALA. With a circulation of approximately 200,000 copies, GALA is one of Germany’s leading
weekly lifestyle and celebrity magazines, known for its coverage of fashion, culture, society,
and high-profile events.
Wines we sent: Helan Mountain White 2023 and Family White 2023. The magazine will be
edited in june.
ATTACHMENTS:
Press release White Cabernet
The German-language press release was distributed to media outlets in Austria, Germany, and
Switzerland.
The English-language version was sent to our international media contacts in Australia,
Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Canada, the Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
