Danfeng Wine

Danfeng Wine

　　"Fine wine in a luminous cup," "Every household sees its drunken guests home." In our land where "no ceremony is complete without wine," Danfeng Wine stands out above all. The local saying, "Passing through Longju Zhai, you’ll drink and forget to eat," refers to this very wine. Danfeng Wine boasts a ruby-red hue; it is crystal clear, with a flavor that is pleasant yet not cloying, refreshing yet not thin, rich yet not heavy, cool yet not cold, sweet and sour in perfect balance. It stimulates the appetite and invigorates the spirit, leaving a lingering fragrance, making it widely renowned and sold across 26 provinces (and municipalities). Travelers and merchants passing through invariably not only drink it but also take some home. The eight-episode TV series *Muddled Fourteen* was based on the fine reputation of Danfeng Wine. In 1911 (the third year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty), a merchant from Nanyang named Hua Guowen traveled from Henan to Shaanxi. Seeing the abundance of high-quality grapes in Longju Zhai and drawing on the wine-making techniques he had learned from the Italian missionary Anximan in Nanyang, he set up a winemaking workshop at Huangxiangzi Xijia. He gradually expanded production and formally established the “Shaanxi Province Longju Zhai Xiejimei Li Wine Brewing Company,” which was later renamed the “Northwest Wine Co., Ltd.” and then the “Dafang Wine Brewing Company.” It was the earliest and largest wine producer in the northwest region. After the liberation, the brewery was relocated to Houyuan north of the town, transitioning from a joint operation to a state-owned enterprise under the name “Danfeng Wine Factory.” It now employs 400 workers, covers factory buildings of over 19,000 square meters, and has storage containers with a capacity of more than 12,000 tons. With continuous equipment upgrades and process improvements, the factory has developed its own unique style by integrating traditional brewing methods with modern scientific techniques. From 1985 to 1986, the factory imported three grape crushers from Argentina, two horizontal grape fermentation tanks and one grape crushing and destemming machine from France, and built an automated bottling line. Danfeng Wine’s traditional product — “Dan-” brand wine — is made from premium longan grapes, undergoes three rounds of sugar addition, is carefully blended, and is aged in cellar for three years before being released to market. It is renowned for its fragrant, mellow taste and remains in high demand. The factory’s Wuweixiang Wine has been rated as a provincial premium product for five consecutive years. Other varieties include Mulipxiang Wine, Rose Wine, Dry White Wine, and Dry Red Wine — over 30 types in total — with an annual output of more than 7,600 tons.

　　Geographical Scope

　　The Danfeng grape production area is located within Danfeng County, stretching from Wuguan Town in the east to Dihua Town in the west, from Luanzhuang Town in the north to Zhulin Pass Town in the south. Geographically, it lies between 33°31′ to 33°48′ north latitude and 110°11′ to 110°41′ east longitude. The area mainly includes the Yangpo slopes along the Dan River and its major tributary, the Wuguan River, covering towns such as Dihua Town, Shangzhen, Longju Zhai Town, Ziyu Town, Tieyupu Town, Wuguan Town, Beizhaochuan Town, Zhulin Pass Town, Huaping Town, and Yueri Town — involving a total of 140 administrative villages and communities, with a total production area of over 2,000 hectares (equivalent to more than 30,000 mu) and an annual output of over 40,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features of Danfeng Grapes: The grape clusters weigh around 600g, with berries that are nearly round and reddish-purple in color. Individual berries weigh approximately 8g, have tough skins, evenly thick bloom, white and juicy flesh, and offer a sweet, sour, and fragrant taste. The juice is clear and shiny, making them ideal for both fresh consumption and winemaking. 2. Unique Quality Indicators: Danfeng Grapes contain ≥14% soluble solids, total acid of 0.6–0.7%, and a sugar-acid ratio of 20–25. They are also rich in various amino acids and trace elements — averaging 15–16mg phosphorus, 75–80mg potassium, and 0.001–0.002mg selenium per 100g. 3. Safety Requirements: Danfeng Grapes comply with the NY5086-2005 standard for "Pollution-Free Food – Deciduous Berry Fruits." Production and management strictly follow the “Danfeng County Pollution-Free Grape Standardized Production Technical Regulations.” Agricultural inputs are used rationally, with highly toxic pesticides banned by the state strictly prohibited. Pesticide safety intervals are rigorously observed, and only those passing pesticide residue tests are permitted on the market.