▻ Silver Heights

Let's Talk About

12 Feb

Written By Sarah Kemp

▴ Emma Gao of Silver Heights Vineyard — *▴ Emma Gao of Silver Heights Vineyard*

In conversation with Emma Gao

Episode Summary:-

Sarah Kemp talks to one of China’s most renowned winemakers, Emma Gao, who is the chief winemaker at her family estate Silver Heights, which is situated In Ningxia in north-central China.

Emma talks about how she trained in Bordeaux before returning to China to make wine at Ningxia’s first family-owned winery. They discuss Ningxia’s unique terroir, and how Silver Heights, which lies in the foothills of Helan Mountain, 1100-1300 metres above sea-level, has ancient soils and benefits from 1700-2000 hours of sunshine during the grape-growing season.

She reveals how originally, they started with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Gernischt, Merlot, but in 2012 imported other varieties including Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Syrah. Emma talks about her approach to the vineyards and winemaking, and tells Sarah about the practice of burying the vines in the winter due to the extreme cold.

Already, organically certified, Emma explains why she is in process of taking the estate biodynamic, a practice she says is easy for Chinese people to understand as it is based on the same philosophy of their 24 solar terms, and Tai chi, which she practices in the vineyard.

““When I got to France, I fell in love with wine, wine is part of life.” ”

— Emma Gao

Running Order:-

0.00 – 8.50

“My father believed that Ningxia could make great wine.”

Emma describes how her father travelled widely and sent her to study in Russia when she was sixteen. He believed Ningxia needed a more economically viable crop than just trees, and was one of the first to plant vines. He sent Emma to study at the Bordeaux Wine Institute, after four months of an intensive French language course, where she studied oenology and wine marketing. After internships in Armagnac and back in China, she returned to Silver Heights to make her first vintage in 2007.
8.51 – 14.27

“We take care of our vines like our kids.”

In 2012 Emma and her father imported a variety of vine stock, including Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Syrah. She describes her approach to winemaking where lots are vinified and aged separately.

Sarah questions Emma about the practice of burying the vines in the winter. Emma explains that they have been burying vines for thousands of years for table grapes, and that the vine can preserve its energy through Winter, and then in Spring have a renewal of life. They discuss the ancient soils brought about earthquakes and the ice age.
14.28 – 25.24

“Biodynamics – I believe it is easy for Chinese people to understand, it is the same philosophy.”

While Silver Heights is already certified organic, Emma is in the process of taking the estate biodynamic, a process which she believes is easy for Chinese people to understand, due to their belief in their 24 solar terms and Tai chi. Emma talks about which country she would like to visit next and reveals that her greatest achievement is friendship.

Wines:-

Emma Reserve is only made in the best years. Its annual production is limited to 2,000 bottles.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are 100% hand-picked, aged in 100% French new oak barrels for 24 months.
Emma Reserve @ £95 / Emma Reserve Magnum @ £220

The Summit is Silver Height’s flagship wine, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Grapes are 100% hand-picked, aged in French new oak barrels for 12 months.
The Summit @ £55

Family Reserve Red
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Grapes are 100% hand-picked. Aged in 20% French new oak barrels and 80% French old oak barrels for 12 months.
Family Reserve Red @ £25

Distributors:-
US: Terroir Selection, www.terroir-selections.com
UK: Oenofuture, www.oenogroup.com