Ao Yun

Representing China’s first true luxury wine, Ao Yun is found in in the northwestern part of China’s southern Yunnan region. Meaning “roaming above the clouds” – Ao Yun is perched along the foothills of the Himalayas. This venture began in 2009 when Christophe Navarre, Chief Executive Officer of Moët Hennessy, dove into a long-held dream of his, to find the perfect spot in China to produce red wines. After years of scrupulous exploration, with the help of Australian enologist, Tony Jordan, this remote area was selected not only for its terroir, but also its geographical features. The altitude, of 2000 – 2600 metres, provides a rather dry and cool climate, but also the slopes provide exposure to sunlight. The long ripening period, along with extended sunlight builds intensity and tannins that are very silky. Ao Yun revealed their first vintage, the 2013, in 2016 and is considered today as one of the best red wines ever produced in China. Ao Yun is a ripe fruity, dark and powerful wine with a spicy touch, and a hint of licorice. The present tannin makes this a wine that should age well. This is definitely one of China’s top red wines, its unique taste, reminiscent of a Spanish Ribera del Duero, but also a Napa Cult Cabernet – makes Ao Yun a wine to try.