Meldung vom 17.11.2025
The Ningxia wine region is experiencing one of the most remarkable vintages in its recent history with the 2025 harvest: an almost ideal climate, precise harvest planning, and exceptionally healthy grapes form the foundation for wines that combine depth, freshness, and elegance.
The 2025 wine year in Ningxia was marked by balance and stability. There were no extreme weather events—neither late frost nor heavy rainfall—and the vegetation period unfolded in an ideally rhythmic sequence. Budbreak in mid-April occurred only slightly later than usual, flowering in late May proceeded smoothly, and the summer brought evenly distributed rainfall alongside an above-average number of sunny days. For comparison: Ningxia averages 3,000 hours of sunshine, while Bordeaux receives only about 2,200. These perfect conditions led to smaller, more concentrated berries that developed an ideal ratio of sweetness, acidity, and phenolics. The ripening period in September was dry and warm, with cool nights—a combination that ensures structure and longevity. Lenz Maria Moser, a 15th-generation winemaker and the creative mind behind Château Changyu Moser XV for 15 years, expresses his excitement: “The grapes were nearly perfect; I have rarely seen such beautiful and above all physiologically ripe fruit!”
Precision from Budbreak to Harvest
The oenological data confirm the exceptional nature of this vintage:
- Growing degree days (April–September): slightly above long-term averages
- Precipitation: evenly distributed, with no critical spikes
- Sunshine hours in September: 6.56 hours per day (previous year: 6.06 h)
- First frost: not until October 27—well after harvest
This year, grapes were harvested between October 4 and 15—about ten days later than the previous year. Thanks to stable weather, the fruit remained fresh, firm, and disease-free until the very end. The result: fully ripe, healthy grapes with a clear aromatic profile.
Lower Yield, Higher Concentration
Due to fewer buds and later flowering, total yield was around thirty percent lower than the previous year—a factor that directly translates into quality. The berries were small, dense, and intensely colored; the acidity remained vibrant and finely integrated. Delicate tannins, clear fruit, and balanced structure define the style of the 2025 vintage. Moser explains: “The berries in Ningxia are already very small due to the desert climate—but this year nature went a step further, enhancing the region’s typicity even more with even smaller berries and low yields.”
Character and Style of the 2025 Vintage
In the glass, the wines show deep color, juicy fruit, and elegant texture. Aromas recall dark berries, cassis, and subtle spice notes, carried by a lively but never dominating acidity. The temperature swings between day and night gave the wines freshness and complexity—qualities that contribute to excellent ageing potential. “A perfect vintage, an optimum,” says Moser. “Now it’s a matter of avoiding mistakes in the cellar and allowing the wine to express its identity.”
A Vintage That Will Make History
2025 is already considered a reference year for the winery and for the entire Ningxia region. After a decade of continuous progress, the terroir at the foot of the Helan Mountains is expressing itself in a new, clearly defined form: mineral-driven, finely fruity, precise, and elegant—typical for a region known for producing the smallest Cabernet berries in the world. The interplay of Chinese terroir and European expertise—the core philosophy of Château Changyu Moser XV—found its perfect balance this year.
About Château Changyu Moser XV
Opened in 2013, Château Changyu Moser XV is a collaboration between the Changyu Pioneer Wine Company, China’s oldest winery (founded in 1892), and Lenz Maria Moser, a 15th-generation Austrian winemaker. In Ningxia, at the foot of the Helan Mountains, wines of international caliber are produced across more than 250 hectares of vineyards, representing the rise of Chinese premium winemaking at its best. The year 2025 marks not only an exceptional vintage but also the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Changyu and Lenz Moser—a milestone in the estate’s history and a commitment to continue developing their achievements with strength and wisdom.