Ao Yun

A Trascendent Spirit Of Craft

Diferent Expressions, Same Terroir

Ao Yun wines express the harmony, elegance and complexity of the terroir's characteristic: concentration with freshness and soft, dense tannins with a long, salty mineral finish.

Unique Terroirs - Call for a Unique Approach 

Each of Ao Yun's 314 parcels spread across the 4 villages has its own variations, its own subtleties. Together, they constitute approximately 20 separate terroir types, with each parcel harvested in 2 to 3 runs, ensuring the grapes are picked at their optimal ripeness. Each terroir type is vinified separately.

New Fronties of Winemaking

In extreme environments, adaptation is key. To compensate the 25 % lower oxygen levels at 2,600 m altitude, Ao Yun has adapted the winemaking by increasing aeration during maceration.

Prolonging maceration depending on terroir and vintage, doing malolactic fermentation in new barrel and in oxygen permeable earth Jar and using less Sulphur Dioxide.

A Mystical Place

One Characteristic Terroir

Nestled in the Himalayas, at the foot of Meili Mountain, Ao Yun is a hidden paradise. The thick wandering clouds that surround its vineyards incarnate the unique and mystical valley. Ao Yun translates to “roaming above the clouds”.

Two Distinctive River Banks

With two villages on either bank of the Mekong at varying altitudes, Ao Yun’s 27.7 hectares of vineyards enjoy varied soil types, sun exposure and microclimates. When blended, the wealth of character afforded by these unique terroir attributes enrich the wine's distinct profile and complexity.

Three Parallel Rives

Surrounded by 5000-7000m peaks, the Ao Yun vineyards peaks, the Mekong, the central river of the Three Parallel Rivers, a UNESCO-protected area. This unique environment naturally shields them from heavy rains or monsoons.

A Unique Combination Of Altitude, Climate and Soil

The villages are 2200-2600 metres above sea level, which lowers temperature, thereby also slowing ripening. Such high altitude exposes the grapes to stronger UV rays, which thicken their skin, resulting in more complex and silky tannins.

Nights are cool, while the days are not too warm, and the mountains block the sunlight to the valley, thereby lengthening the ripening period. These conditions correlate with freshness in the wine and improved ageing potential.

In addition to being very diverse, Ao Yun’s soil is uncompacted. Since Ao Yun’s steepness makes the use of tractors impossible, roots can grow deeper – up to 3m deep and deeper roots enable more complex wines.

An Epic Journey

Ao Yun is the result of an epic journey born from a dream, a single vision to produce a unique and elegant world-class wine in China. This story began in 2008 with faith and determination, culminating in the creation of the world’s first Himalayan Grand Cru four years later – at over 2,200m above sea level.

Ao Yun’s unique and remote environment has posed many challenges along the way, but has also contributed to the distinct flavour and texture defining its wines.

A Savoir-Fare More Than Organic

Ao Yun draws on generations of local savoir-faire based on a profound understanding of the land, of its extreme environment and all the challenges that come with it. An environment in which plant and animal nourish each other in a closed, carbon-zero and sustainable ecosystem – the locals call it a virtuous circle.

The 4 villages were harvested later than usual, breaking the record for the latest harvest day for a red wine in the Northern hemisphere, with last grape picked in Adong on 22 November 2017.

The team at Ao Yun understands that the unique climate allows for superb fruit concentration, without tannin oxidation. Consequently, the aromas capture the Himalayan freshness and cellaring potential.

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