This is no joke. Who knows that the Gobi Desert, descending from Mongolia, extends into Xinjiang? Brilliant engineers have decided to fight, instead of lamenting. They have grown wonderful wine vines! Ultimately, the wineries help develop desert agriculture and boost the local economy.
Yanqi Hui Autonomous County, a major wine-growing region, lies on the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. The mountains interrupt the flow of humid air towards the east which originates as far as the Atlantic Ocean. By the time it reaches Xinjiang, the humidity is drastically reduced and the northern side of the mountains blocks most of the last remains, leaving the southern side arid. This creates an ideal environment for the grapes. However, despite more than 3,600 hours of daylight per year, dry weather and sandstorms have hampered the county’s agricultural industry.
Still, the winemakers spotted potential in the growing desert and relentlessly installed irrigation systems. Xinjiang Xiangdu Winery CEO is very proud to say that in 20 years, his company has turned the immense Gobi Desert into a sea of grapes.
Gained in the desert, its vineyards now extend over 2,700 hectares.
In addition, this wine would be… pesticide-free. Unpolluted soil like in Europe, tired by years of overexploitation; generous sun; very light rains keep diseases and pests away from the vines.
The development of agriculture in Xinjiang
The government has put in place policies favorable to winegrowers in terms of acquiring land, water and electricity, according to this CEO.
China has a long tradition of drinking alcohol, but along with the return of tea and the desire for healthier life, people are becoming more health conscious, wine industry bosses believe that the Chinese will turn more and more to wine for its benefits. Following the romantic appeal of France, the Chinese rediscovered wine and arguably rediscovered that they had been making it for thousands of years! So why the preference for other types of alcohol?
Here in Brussels, renowned sommeliers like Eric Boschmans say that soon the Chinese will not even have to buy vineyards in Bordeaux, because they will have everything at home.
It’s up to us to be curious or daring enough to taste these wines from such a mysterious and exotic terroir. Especially since we like to consume products that correspond to our values: environment, sustainable development, respect for the workforce, etc.
Because, unfortunately… The Gobi Desert is advancing. The Chinese are fighting against deforestation and climate warming which facilitate this inexorable desertification. The terrible sand winds create the advance of the “Yellow Dragon” as the locals say.
Of course, the problem is not limited to Xinjiang, but let’s support these kinds of initiatives, especially if they taste good!
