Spain winemakers get taste of success in China

Wines from Spain and the New World are gaining ground in mainland China at the expense of their French counterparts, as increasingly adventurous Chinese wine enthusiasts push back the frontiers of a surging market, say experts.

Imports of Spanish wines surged 40 per cent year on year in mainland China in the first half of the year, according to Chinese customs reports, and it is now the third-biggest exporter of bottled wine to the market behind France and Australia.

"The Chinese are now searching for wines other than from France because they are more educated about wines from other countries," Hong Kong wine expert Mabel Lai said.

But price is also a reason. Wines from Spain and other countries such as Italy, Portugal and Australia sold for less compared with French wines, said Lai, a lecturer at the Hong Kong Wine Academy.

A top bottle of Spanish wine might range from US$260 to US$390, but a bottle of a highly rated French vintage could be double that amount, she said.

French winemakers at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair say increasing competition in the Chinese market is a good thing for the industry. France holds a roughly 50 per cent share of the market.

"A little bit of competition will force us to improve our production and our winemaking," said Jean-Laurent Soule, a sales manager for French winemaker Ravoire et Famille. "We are still confident about the quality of our products."