1421, the year Admiral Zheng He, leading one of the largest fleets ever seen, sailed to many, many parts of the world.

Wine much like travel, has served as a link between different cultures, people and countries. Today at the beginning of the 21st century, 1421 follows the same mission as Admiral Zheng He, shaaring his spirit for a better world.

1421 Wines are crafted in China's western province of Xinjiang with grapes grown and harvested in China. Beijing based Summit Wine Limited has managed through this vineyard to produce and obtain certification for China's first ever fully traceable wine.

The traceability system is a supply chain solution program by Metro's Star Farm with quality control according to international standards like Global Good Agricultural Practice and IFS. Consumers can scan the traceable code with their mobile phone on the wine label and learn the whole process from vineyards to the shelf in the stores. 

The Wine Production

Nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Tian Shan Mountains at the same latitude as Bordeaux, the 1421 vineyards enjoy spectacular growing conditions. The vines are of French origin and planted in these selected vineyard sites 11 years ago. Due to the very cold winters, there are few diseases.

The unpolluted mountain snowmelts irrigate the vines; then the warm summer sunny days coupled with crisp cool nights allow them to develop at just the right pace. This is very important because this provides the most basic environment to make sure the berries are healthy and the juices are clean. Add our care and grape cultivation knowledge with very low yield from these 1421 vineyards and theresult is succulent grapes just right for winemaking.

In addition to the highly experienced Chinese viticulturalists and wine makers working in the vineyards and the wineries since they were established, there is a team of international wine professionals lead by Sergio Carlei (Right - Wine maker of 4 of the top 10 winereies in Australia – Halliday Wine Companion 2007 - www.carlei.com.au ) working as advisors to share the latest knowledge from the major wine growing regions in the world.

They share the same goal – to make the best wine in China!

What we are producing are wines based on what the terroir can offer, therefore, reflecting the true characteristics of the wines, refreshing and easy drinking to enhance the multi-layers of flavours in food today.

The first traceable wines from China

Admiral's Reserve
Chardonnay 2010
Clear pale straw in colour, the wine has aromas of citrus and limes with hints of white peach. There are some lovely complexing savoury sulphides that are in proportion to the other wine fruit aromas.

The palate is refined and linear, citrus and lime and lesser peachy notes balance with racy acidity that lingers for a while. Chablis style, this wine craves for food.

Admiral's Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Bright brilliant red in colour, the wine boasts red and black berry fruits with some black olive and cassis. There are other notes of vanilla, cedar and cigar box characters, which makes this a very interesting wine.

The palate is medium in weight and supports what is perceived on the nose; black berry fruits and olives with cedary fine grain tannins that have good persistence. Whilst medium in weight, the wine has wonderful balance and will improve with age for some years to come. Best to drink with food.

More information and traceable codes here: www.1421wines.com/en/trace and trace the wine here: www.starfarm.com.cn

Johnny Chan

Johnny Chan is the founder and chief advisor of the Hong Kong Wine Club which was inaugurated in 1986. Prior to joining the wine industry, he was Chief Representative of Capital Bank of the United States in Asia between 1982 to 1989.
Since 1992, he has continuously serve as a director of the International Wine Academy.

In 1995, he was the Chairman of the Wine & Spirits Asia Conference and also held the first International Wine Competition in Asia simultaneously at the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre.

He was invited as one of the keynote speakers at the 1998 Asia Pacific Conference "Opportunity Out of Crisis" which was co-sponsored by the International Flight Catering Association and the International In-flight Food Service Association.

In 2002 he was one of the key speakers at the 2002 Barcelona University Graduation event and was the Chinese speaker at the Chile government investment seminar.

In between his busy schedules, Johnny has been the organiser and host of a weekly lifestyle program on the Travel Channel since 2005. His program continuously attracts the highest rating for the channel as his millions of adoring television fans across China are eager to learn about his culinary and cultural exploits across the globe.

Contact:

Beijing Summit Wine Ltd
Unit 3001, Building 1 Wanda Plaza
Jianguo Road 93, Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100022
Ph 86 10 58206793 / Fax 86 10 58206795

www.1421wines.com