Huang Chang-Chi on the Taiwan Terroir Promotion Philosophy Behind Black Queen Splendor

Terroir, a French term, is translated into Chinese as "the human and cultural conditions of the land." Grapevines are more susceptible to the influence of the soil than any other fruit tree, and they absorb a special flavor from a particular soil, a flavor that no method of cultivation or pruning could ever impart.

Black Queen and Golden Muscat are the only two wine grape varieties in Taiwan, one red and one white, and both have been cultivated in Taiwan for more than half a century. These old vines, regarded abroad as "national treasures," are gradually losing ground as their growing area shrinks, replaced by the introduced species pitaya (dragon fruit), because of their lower "economic value."

The introduced pitaya has indeed provided some help to the local economy. If guidance could be offered to Taiwan's local wine industry, drawing on overseas approaches and developing in multiple directions, from cultivation to winemaking and even combining leisure, tourism, homestays, and wine-and-food pairings with specialty snacks, then perhaps in addition to generating "economic wealth" for the local area, the "local material" of Taiwan Terroir could also be preserved.

The philosophy of "Black Queen Splendor Taiwan Terroir" is this: we hope our efforts will open the way to crafting Black Queen and Golden Muscat wines that carry the flavor of Taiwan Terroir, and that by casting a brick to attract jade, we can develop non-alcoholic companion products from these two wine grape varieties, thereby raising the cultivation value of wine grapes, and further helping friends in Taiwan come to know and understand Black Queen and Golden Muscat grapes so that they do not vanish from Taiwan.

What we hope even more is that one day, wine lovers around the world, beyond knowing that Taiwan has "Kinmen Kaoliang," "Taiwan Beer," and "Kavalan Whisky," will also be able to name "Black Queen Splendor" and "Peerless Golden Muscat" wines that represent Taiwan Terroir.

I am Nelson Huang, currently brand director of "Black Queen Splendor Taiwan Terroir."