When Italian Riesling falls in love with Pinot Noir 2021

At its heart is Italian Riesling, 贵人香 one of China’s most important yet often overlooked white grape varieties. Whole-cluster Italian Riesling macerated into the lightly pressed blanc de noir style juice of Pinot Noir grapes. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place in handmade clay jars sealed with beeswax to allow slow oxygen exchange. The wine is then aged for six months before bottling, unfiltered and with minimal sulphur.

In the glass, the wine is dry, lifted, and quietly textural. Expect pear skin, citrus zest, white flowers, and a subtle red-fruited undertone, with a fine grip and saline edge carried by fresh acidity. Pinot Noir contributes structure and quiet depth, while Italian Riesling brings aromatic clarity and tension.

As part of the Renaissance Project to put limelight on indigenous varieties, FARMentation takes a deliberately unconventional approach to re-express this traditional grape by co-fermenting Italian Riesling with Pinot Noir, adding structure and depth while preserving clarity and tension.