Domaine Franco-Chinois Réserve Marselan

Marselan is a grape variety created by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache.

Owing to its outstanding attributes, such as small berries, exceptional quality, high yield, and robust disease resistance, Marselan has steadily emerged as a prominent grape variety in Chinese wine production.

In 2001, Domaine Franco-Chinois imported Marselan grapevine cuttings from France, adapting them to the unique Huailai terroir. By focusing on crucial aspects such as cluster thinning and optimal harvest timing, the estate has been able to cultivate high-quality grapes. The juice undergoes maturation in French oak barrels for over 16 months, resulting in a full-bodied, harmonious profile with smooth, refined tannins and a lasting finish. Domaine Franco-Chinois Marselan demonstrates exceptional aging potential.

  • Variety
    • Marselan
  • Vinification
    • 5 days cold maceration; 15 days thermal-controlled fermentation and extraction in stainless steel tanks; malolactic fermentation in oak barrels; 16-18 months, 100% French oak

Awards

2024

GRAND GOLD

China Wine Summit (Vintage 2017)
2019

Most Promising Chinese Wines of the Year

China Wine Summit (Vintage 2014)
2020

Best Marselan in China

Bettane & Desseauve (Vintage 2013)
2020

SILVER

International Wine Challenge (Vintage 2013)

Tasting Notes

Sprite, lavender, dark chocolate, dried lychee and graphite to the nose. The palate is really juicy and bright with lots of freshness from the blue and purple fruit. The tannins are so silky and broad. Mealy and long. Drink or hold. [ 94 / 100 pts,Vintage 2017 ]

James Suckling

Bright magenta crimson. Round and fresh – real vigour and life. Sweet start and then great balance and vitality. Bright again with a hint of tea leaves. Lots of potential.[16+ / 20 pts, Vintage 2016 ]

Jancis Robinson

An exemplary marselan from Huailai. This is more elegant and confident compared with the previous vintages, showing the cool side of the marselan personality. Zingy, so peppery and fresh, with the depth of minty blueberry fruit you want, and the lifted dried-lychee and violet perfumes, which are what make marselan so distinct. A fresh, pure mid-palate with some licorice at the end. Long, characterful, and polished. Delicious now, but best from 2022.[ 94 / 100 pts,Vintage 2015 ]

James Suckling

A rich, flavorful red with blackberries, grapes, wet earth and tar. Spices and meat, too. Full body, layered tannins and a flavorful finish. Wonderful future. Drink or hold.
[ 94 / 100 pts, Vintage 2014 ]

James Suckling

Deep red. Fresh red fruit, herbs and a hint of black pepper on the nose. Very well balanced in the mouth, with lovely smooth clean flavours similar to the aromas but complicated by nuances of grilled beef. Finishes long with floral (violet especially) reminders. Lots of flavour here and only 13.5% alcohol. A very pretty wine.
[ 93 / 100 pts, Vintage 2014 ]

Ian D’Agata

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