Domaine de Long Dai: Pioneering Chinese Fine Wine

Origins and Heritage

Domaine de Long Dai signifies a landmark achievement in the evolution of Chinese fine wine. Created by the prestigious Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), this project harmonizes French winemaking expertise with the unique terroir of Shandong’s Qiu Shan Valley. Founded in 2008, Long Dai has grown to embody a synergy of ancient Chinese agricultural heritage and avant-garde viticulture from Bordeaux. Set 5000 feet above the Yellow Sea, the vineyard reflects resilience and precision.

The name Long Dai itself echoes with Chinese cultural resonance—Long symbolizing the dragon, a revered emblem of strength and good fortune, and Dai paying homage to Mount Tai, underscoring the winery’s aspirations to achieve towering stature akin to this sacred mountain.

Distinctive Terroir

Situated in Qiushan Valley, the Long Dai estate enjoys a temperate maritime climate, allowing for the perfect maturation of its grapes. With a granitic subsoil similar to Bordeaux, the terroir contributes to the wines’ structural integrity and minerality. The 40+ hectares of vineyards feature over 600 meticulous terraces, incorporating traditional Shandong agricultural techniques. The soil comprises primarily sandy, clayey textures, imparting flexibility and fostering robust vine health and balance.

Vineyard & Viticulture

The estate’s viticulture strategy is one of patience and precision. Each of its terraced plots demands individual attention, with interventions tailor-fitted for optimal fruit expression. Manual labor reigns supreme, allowing the vines to be pruned, pampered, and harvested with an artisan’s touch. The grape varietals planted echo the Bordeaux tradition: Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan, Cabernet Franc, with Merlot and Petit Verdot offering depth and complexity.

Winemaking Mastery

Dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every bottle of Long Dai wine. Grapes are handpicked, ensuring the highest quality fruit makes it into each batch. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats to retain the unique character of each plot. Key to the sophistication of Long Dai’s offerings is the use of French oak barrels crafted by DBR Lafite’s cooperage—each vintage maturing for up to 18 months, absorbing subtle oak nuances while showcasing vibrant fruit flavors.

The Wines

Long Dai is celebrated for creating wines with bold, structured profiles. The flagship blend features a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside Marselan and Cabernet Franc. Each sip reveals a mosaic of ripe black fruit aromas enveloping a signature spice profile, honoring both its French lineage and Chinese roots. Receive experience-based accolades from connoisseurs worldwide, with critic scores from James Suckling and Robert Parker boosting its prestige.

The second wine, Hu Yue, offers a more delicate expression, weaving lighter Syrah aromas with core Bordeaux varietals, enhancing the drawing board of aromatic depth and complexity.

Prestige and Promise

Domaine de Long Dai is not merely a product, but a progressive chapter in the canvas of global wine. It embodies the exciting emergence of fine Chinese wines on the international stage, challenging preconceived boundaries while inviting enthusiasts to taste its profound narrative with each glass.

Conclusion

As a testament to combined cultural synergy and progression, Long Dai wine delivers not only on taste and complexity but also as a story of dedication, innovation, and excellence in winemaking. Experience the prestige, drink the story, and be part of an evolving legacy.