Ao Yun

Ao Yun was established by Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH, following a four-year search for a terroir in China capable of producing a grand cru style wine. Dr. Tony Jordan, an Australian winemaker and consultant, spearheaded the exploration beginning in 2008 and eventually identified the Upper Mekong Valley in the Yunnan province as the ideal site. The estate produced its inaugural vintage in 2013, which was released to the international market in 2016. The name translates to flying above the clouds, a reference to the high-altitude location of the vineyards. This project also connects to a local history of viticulture initiated by French Jesuit missionaries who planted vines in the region during the nineteenth century.

The vineyards are situated at altitudes ranging from 2,100 to 2,600 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Meili Snow Mountain. The estate manages 28 hectares divided into 314 small plots, which are leased from approximately 120 local families across the villages of Adong, Xidang, Sinong, and Shuori. Because of the steep terrain and remote location, all viticulture is performed by hand using organic and regenerative farming methods. The terroir is characterized by intense ultraviolet light and a dry mountain climate. The growing season is notably long and frequently lasts into November or December. Winemaking takes place at a facility in Adong where technical director Maxence Dulou oversees a process that involves gravity-fed vinification. The wines are aged in a combination of new French oak, older barrels, and earthenware jars to manage oxygen exposure at high altitude.

The flagship wine is a red blend primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Depending on the vintage, the blend is often supplemented with Syrah, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. In recent years, the producer has expanded its range to include a second label called Petit Ao Yun and a series of village-specific wines that highlight the distinct microclimates of the region. A white wine made from Chardonnay has also been introduced. Ao Yun has established a reputation as a prestigious Chinese wine, frequently drawing comparisons to top Bordeaux estates. It is recognized for its unique profile of soft tannins and a salty mineral finish. The bottles are distributed globally and often appear in fine wine auctions and private collections.