Xiao Pu 'Tangerine' Orange Wine 2023
Primary flavours

Apricot

Blood Orange

Peach
Earl Grey Tea

Green Almond

Savoury
Details
A mix of Chardonnay, Viognier and Gewürztraminer. Think dried apricots dipped in Earl Grey tea, with a splash of mandarin juice and a whisper of almond skin. There’s a gentle tannic grip, a citrussy tang, and just enough funk to keep things interesting. Serve slightly chilled and pair with bold flavours - this is a knockout.
Tucked beneath the dramatic Helan Mountains in China’s Ningxia region, Xiao Pu Winery is a rising star in the country’s dynamic wine scene — and the passion project of former sommelier Ian Dai. Founded in 2017, Xiao Pu (meaning "Little Grape") is a love letter to thoughtful, small-scale winemaking with a big dose of curiosity and creativity. After years working front-of-house and honing his palate in top restaurants, Ian made the leap from pouring wine to producing it, bringing a sommelier’s sensitivity to coaxing the fruit from vine to bottle. At Xiao Pu, it’s all about low-intervention techniques, honest expression of place, and pushing boundaries — like using skin-contact methods on white grapes or playing with underappreciated varietals. The Ningxia region, with its high altitude, cool nights, and arid climate, offers the perfect playground for this kind of innovation. With a hands-off philosophy and a deep respect for the land, Ian is crafting wines that are textured, expressive, and refreshingly different.
Tucked beneath the dramatic Helan Mountains in China’s Ningxia region, Xiao Pu Winery is a rising star in the country’s dynamic wine scene — and the passion project of former sommelier Ian Dai. Founded in 2017, Xiao Pu (meaning "Little Grape") is a love letter to thoughtful, small-scale winemaking with a big dose of curiosity and creativity. After years working front-of-house and honing his palate in top restaurants, Ian made the leap from pouring wine to producing it, bringing a sommelier’s sensitivity to coaxing the fruit from vine to bottle. At Xiao Pu, it’s all about low-intervention techniques, honest expression of place, and pushing boundaries — like using skin-contact methods on white grapes or playing with underappreciated varietals. The Ningxia region, with its high altitude, cool nights, and arid climate, offers the perfect playground for this kind of innovation. With a hands-off philosophy and a deep respect for the land, Ian is crafting wines that are textured, expressive, and refreshingly different.
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Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards medium bodied, low sweetness, with medium acidity, very fruity, medium tannins, medium alcohol and some oak.
Specs
Region
Ningxia
country
China
Grape type
Orange Wine
Wine Maker
Xiao Pu
Alcohol
12.5%
Vintage
2023
Cellar period
3-5 years
Closure
Cork (Natural)
Production method
Minimal Handling
Temperature
Chilled 8°C-10°C
collection
Pairing guide
The Xiao Pu ‘Tangerine’ 2023 is bursting with texture, citrusy zip, and just a touch of wild charm — making it a brilliant match for bold, umami-rich dishes that can stand up to its grip and aromatic complexity. Think five-spice duck pancakes, where the crispy skin and sweet hoisin play beautifully with the wine’s tannins and mandarin notes. It’s also a knockout with fermented or pickled flavours, so try it alongside Korean kimchi pancakes, miso-glazed eggplant, or even a funky washed-rind cheese like Taleggio or Époisses.
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Food

Turkish

Lebanese

Middle Eastern
Tastes

Bitter

Fruity

Unique
Moods

Adventurous

Mood for something different
Seasons

Spring

Cooler Months
Recipe Matches