The wine “Chinese Winemaking Trial 521 Cabernet Sauvignon Marselan 2021” (CWT 521), was officially introduced by Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago today at an event attended by a room full of Chinese government officials, representatives of China’s official drinks body China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) and media.

According to the winery, CWT 521 is made from grapes sourced from five geographical areas in China – four batches of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the high-altitude villages of Xidang, Sinong, Dongshui, and Mingyong in Shangri-La, Yunnan and one batch of the Marselan from China’s northwestern Ningxia.   The number “5” then aptly represents the “five” geographic areas and “21” represents the first commercial release of the vintage.

 Retailing for AUD 150, the wine is the first premium Chinese wine launched by the winery using locally grown grapes following last year’s release of more affordable One by Penfolds Ningxia red.   Different from One by Penfolds which is sold exclusively for Chinese market, it’s understood CWT 521 will be sold globally.

In line with Penfolds House Style, the name of the wine “521” is also an extension of the Penfolds tradition and philosophy of trial and experimentation pioneered by Yattarna Bin 144 and RWT Bin 798, and more recently its French wine collection and America wine range.

Chief Winemaker Peter Gago proudly acknowledges the Collection is an evolving showcase of Penfolds innovative spirit and enduring ‘House Style’ – now in a truly global context with the addition of China as a sourcing region.

“The Penfolds Winemaking Team relishes the opportunity to work across two hemispheres and numerous time-zones– with like-minded people and unique winemaking cultures – redefining what ‘pushing the boundaries’ now means.   For almost two centuries, experimentation and trial continue to be a key driver of the creation of many Penfolds ‘trial’ wines including Grange (experimental 1951), Yattarna Bin 144, Red Winemaking Trial 798 (RWT) Barossa Valley Shiraz, and now the CWT 521,” he said.