Come with us to sample wine from world's highest vineyard over 3,000 m above the sea
Guinness World Records Adjudicator Anouk de Timary is used to visiting extraordinary people and places, as she travels the world judging records. But she was on top of the world for her latest assignment – as she visited the highest vineyard - Pure Land & Super-high Altitude Vineyard.
Her journey took her from her home country of France to Tibet (Xizang), China. Nestled in the Himalayan mountains, Tibet is a place of profound beauty and spiritual depth and also home to an incredible location to grow vines and produce wine.
The vineyard is located near the Lhasa River, in Caina Town, Qushui County, Lhasa.
Anouk met Professor Dai, a professor of viticulture, who told her about how the grapes are specially adapted to grow in the region, which has a huge temperature difference between daytime and night-time.
Anouk collecting grapes
Anouk being greeted by professional sommelier Ms Yuan
During the heat of the sun the Super-High A grapes build up their sugar content, and at night they build their acidity. They have adapted to almost have their own “sunglasses” to cope with the conditions. He says that there are lessons that other vineyards can learn as the impact of climate change is felt around the world.
Mr Li, the manager of the vineyard explained the history and culture of the vineyard to Anouk, and shared his pride in managing to grow grapes at a height never before achieved – 3,563.31 metres.
Anouk samples the wine
Anouk presents GWR certificate to vineyard manager Mr Li
Work first begun in 2011. After testing 60 varieties they found four that could adapt to the high altitude.
After presenting Mr Li with his certificate, Anouk changed out of her adjudicator uniform and visited a local sommelier to do some wine tasting.
Anouk’s grandfather had a vineyard in the South of France, but this wine tasting took her to 3,651 metres above sea level.
She travelled to a chateau on the Brahmaputra River to meet Ms. Yuan, a professional sommelier. She sampled a chardonnay followed by a red grown from the Super-High A grape, which is harvested late.
Finally, Anouk tasted a very late harvest icewine. The grapes for the icewine are harvested in December at minus seven degrees, and they are totally frozen when picked. This results in a sweet golden wine with a strong honey flavour.
For Anouk, this is one unique assignment that she will never forget.