Wine is an exciting drink that has worked its way into the hearts of many across the globe, including China. In fact, the Chinese market has adopted wine so emphatically that many wineries around the world now have created specific sales channels to reach buyers within the market. Understanding more about how to buy wine in China will help you fill your home or cellar with some premium varieties sure to delight your taste buds.
Buying Wine In China – The Emerging Wine Drinking Market
China has millions of wine drinkers who choose to buy wine either online or in-store. The online medium has proven to be highly popular with local buyers because of the variety of imported options available to them which they consider value for money. What is attractive about buying wine in China?
- Ability to find good deals with price being the centre of attraction
- Quality of wine is a key consideration before choosing between different wines from the same region
- Reliance on wine consumption habits of friends and family to determine which wine to choose
The Chinese wine market has taken an upward turn with the emergence of a cashed-up middle glass allowing people to demand new lifestyle opportunities. Social and economic changes within the country have enabled the growth of the local wine market – with consumption on the rise.
What To Look For When Buying Wine In China?
Buying wine in China or any other market can be challenging for beginners when they don’t know exactly what they want. Luckily, with the sheer variety available, some guidelines will help you make the right decisions:
- Understand different grape varieties and the flavours they draw out – some people prefer lighter flavours, while others prefer more full-bodied varieties.
- Try out a few different wine options and decide what works best for your palate.
- Pay attention to the wine descriptions because they will explain the flavour concepts – whether fruity, spicy, subtly aromatic.
- See what the wine pairing recommendations are on offer and choose wines that work best with the meals you intend to have. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to pair well with lamb, duck and beef, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc will likely go better with chicken and fish.
With options aplenty, consider the kind of flavours you enjoy most and choose wines based on them. For example, if you like fruity flavours, then varieties like Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc have more tree fruit-like flavours, while Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Grigio wines are better known for the citrus-like flavours.
Wine is quickly becoming the drink of choice for many people in China, which is why it’s important that you better understand what you’re looking for – especially if you intend to host a dinner party for friends and family.
Choosing Wines Based On Regions Across The World
Regions are a good way to classify between different wines when you’re looking to make a purchase, as this focuses on where the grape was grown. This is a popular option for beginners who may not necessarily be able to tell the difference between flavours so easily. Some popular wine regions across the world include:
- Bordeaux, a region in France well known for the aged red wines
- Porto, a part of Portugal known to produce sweeter port wines
- Champagne, another region in France well-known for sparkling wine
- La Rioja, a part of Spain known to produce full-bodied reds
- Hunter Valley, a part of Australia known to produce iconic Semillon varieties
- Barossa Valley, a part of Australia known to produce a variety of delicious reds
- Napa Valley, a region in the United States known to produce a large variety of wines with diverse soil conditions
- Chianti in Italy known for its production of a range of high-quality red wines
Choosing wines based on regions can make it easier for you when you decide to buy wine online – one bottle or several bottles of wine in China. Red wines tend to be incredibly popular with locals, which is why you will likely find a variety of options to choose from for your particular needs.
At the end of the day, the Chinese wine drinking market is still underdeveloped, but luckily, you will still have plenty of options to choose from to suit your budget – whether you’re looking at something at the lower end of the spectrum, or whether you’re looking for a more premium vintage for your consumption or collection needs. Consider these factors when buying wine for your particular needs.
