French wine makers discuss grape breeding cooperation in Ningxia

Riou suggested Ningxia build a certification system for planting stock similar to France's, adding that French breeding experience could help the region make lighter reds and fruity whites that appeal to younger drinkers.

Mercier said France faces the opposite problem. "Adapting to climate change is the top issue. Not severe cold, but heat, drought, and hazards like hail and frost." He hopes to run joint trials with Dulaan winery to test new varieties under local conditions.

Zheng hopes that cooperation between China and France will bring mature breeding experience to Ningxia and help China's local cold-resistant germplasm resources go global. By leveraging the local climate conditions of the Helan Mountains, Dulaan Winery will cultivate unique grape varieties that belong to China to achieve the statement "Chinese wine, astonishing the world".

Tao Jiayi contributed to this story.