Interview with Chinese winemaker Yang Zhiyu

Yang Zhiyu is a very dedicated winemaker: 24 years old has been working in Huailai Rongchen Estate for 15 years; Yang Zhiyu is also a very diligent winemaker, from the “outsider” who knew little about wine to the current state. Grade wine review committee, national taster. Yang Zhiyu has made his own contribution to the enterprise and the industry while realizing his transformation.

Unlike many winemakers who entered the university to study wine, the fate between Yang Zhiyu and wine is a bit “torsional”: During his study at Yang Zhiyu University in Huaibei Basin, he studied chemistry. After graduation, he entered a chance to enter. Rong Chen Manor. Yang Zhiyu said: "It is from then on that I only came into contact with wine."

Although the contact time was short, Yang Zhiyu quickly fell in love with wine. He said that because there was not much known before, wine learning was also started from scratch. But hobbies are the best teachers. Yang Zhiyu’s research on grapes and wine is always enjoyable. In 2001, Yang Zhiyu went to Northwestern Academy of Agriculture and Forestry to study, which also gave him a great improvement in his abilities and qualities.

Now, Yang Zhiyu has been working for Rong Chen for 15 years. In the past 15 years, Rongchen Manor has grown from a start-up plant to a well-known enterprise. Yang Zhiyu has also grown from a wine beginner to a national wine reviewer. When recalling the scene just arrived at Rong Chen Manor, Yang Zhiyu still had a lot of emotion. He said: “When Rong Chen Manor built a factory, I was a member of the company and looked at Rong Chen Manor in the roar of sky and bulldozers. Step by step to grow and develop today.” So, Yang Zhiyu is full of deep feelings for Rongchen Manor. The plant training of Rong Chen Manor, “Hainan is a river full of tolerance and greatness,” is also the motto that Yang Zhiyu has always inspired himself. He said: “In fact, wine is like a man. A tolerant mentality allows one to go further and make wine more delicious. More alcohol."

After so many years of experience in the wine industry, Yang Zhiyu also had his own opinions on winemakers. He said that it would not be so easy to become a real winemaker. To be a winemaker, you must first have a talent. The sense of taste and smell must be exceptionally sensitive, and you must understand the wine, and be aware of the aroma and characteristics of each wine. In addition to the technical aspects, winemakers must also improve their self-cultivation, because the personal preferences of the winemakers will ultimately be reflected in the style of the wine they are brewing.

In his usual work, Yang Zhiyu has always maintained an open-minded, professional attitude and the original passion and attachment to wine. In the busy harvest season, when the sky was just whitening, Yang Zhiyu began to work in the field to guide the workers to pick grapes. When the sun rises, a basket of grapes has been sent to the production line, and after the second sorting, it begins to crush and remove the stems for the first time. In order to keep abreast of the fermentation situation and master first-hand test data, Yang Zhiyu and his colleagues will make a test record every 4 hours. Each can of wine should be tasted 2-3 times a day. After working one day like this, my teeth fell. Even so, Yang Zhiyu did not find it hard. He said: “Making wine is both a process of fine labor and a process of enjoyment. During the wine season, my whole body and mind are immersed in it.”

Due to her diligent, studious and dedicated work, Yang Zhiyu’s personal qualities and abilities have also been greatly improved. He was invited to serve as the jury of wine and wine of the National Wine Inspection Center, and received various qualifications such as senior food inspector, senior food safety engineer, and national taster. Yang Zhiyu's brewing of Rong Chen Manor Wines has also won many awards, including "London International Reviewing Club Gold and Silver Award", "Asian Wine Quality Contest Silver" and "China Food Association Quality Products". Yang Zhiyu humbly attributed these honors to the entire team. He said: "These are the results of our joint efforts."

During his work at Rong Chen Manor, Yang Zhiyu also had the opportunity to exchange and study in major wine regions in France and the United States. All these have also enriched his experience and broadened his horizons. Yang Zhiyu also feels more and more that a winemaker must be “meditation and open-minded”: he must devote himself to his work, be good at summing up his achievements, reflect on his mistakes, and continue to learn from his colleagues in order to ensure that he has a fresh knowledge and lasting progress. power.

Some people say that people who like wine have a little romantic feeling. Yang Zhiyu who enjoys working outside enjoys tea and music. Yang Zhiyu said that there are many similarities between tea and wine. They are the essence of Eastern and Western cultures and the best gift given to two different regions. Yang Zhiyu also often compares and tastes the two together. He said that life has become more fun!

For today's results, Yang Zhiyu said that this is inseparable from the support of his family, especially his wife. Because of the work, Yang Zhiyu is rarely at home. When he squeezes the season, he cannot go back for more than one month. The wife is very hard to take care of her family and children. However, she understands and supports her work.

With the support of his family, Yang Zhiyu is full of confidence in the future. He hopes that he will have more opportunities to go out and communicate with other producing areas in the future. On the basis of learning advanced experience and technology from the outside world and combining the unique characteristics of China's producing areas, we will produce wines with Chinese characteristics!