There is an increasing number of annual wine fairs in China. One wine fair that is rapidly gaining importance is TopWine China in Beijing, which in 2014 took place during June 4 to 6 at the China National Convention Center.
From the German perspective, a well-attended German wine tasting, led by Sabine Wagner and Rachel Wang, was one of the highlights of the trade show. The German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner spent June 4 and 5 at TopWine China 2014.
China has become the 5th largest wine market in the world (following the US, France, Italy and Germany and ahead of the UK, Argentina, Spain, Australia and Portugal). Annual wine consumption in China has reached 16.8 million hectoliters, compared with 29.2 million hectoliters in the US. China is in the top 10 group of wine consuming countries.
With less than a liter per year, the Chinese per capita consumption is dismal, but the number of consumers is huge. Thus, overall wine consumption is large. And, per capita consumption is on an upward trend. If the per capita consumption increases just by as much as – for example – the Australian per capita consumption increased between 2007 and 2013, China would become the largest wine market in the world, overtaking the US, France, Italy and Germany. China’s wine boom started less than 20 years ago. It is poised to become the largest wine consumer in the world in the not too distant future.
Around 80 % cent of the wine consumed in China is red. The color red is considered lucky in China and is also affiliated with the Communist government, while white is associated with death and is predominantly seen at funerals.
China's import wine market is dominated by the French. Over 50 percent of imported wine comes from France. Labels like Chateau Lafite or Mouton have a cult status among the country's nouveau-riche. German wines are much less glamorous. The recent austerity and anti-corruption drive of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping has led to a marked decline in conspicuous consumption and sales of high-end wine.
The main reason for flying over to Beijing was the birthday of my daughter Cornelia Tremann, who lives with her husband Chris Tremann in Beijing. Cornelia is with UNDP and Chris with the American Diplomatic Service.
The Tasting
2007 Bürgstadter Spätburgunder Franken Barrique
Producer: Rudolf Fürst
Importer: Vinhill
2012 Birnauer Spätburgunder Baden
Producer: Markgraf von Baden
Importer: Dalian Yutai Chongxin International Trading
2008 Rotschiefer Riesling trocken Nahe
Producer: Prinz Salm
Importer: Euro Starbrands
2007 Niersteiner Roter Hang Riesling trocken Rheinhessen
Producer: Reh-Kendermann
Importer: Reh-Kendermann Winery Shanghai
2012 Von Unserm Riesling trocken Rheingau
Producer: Balthasar Ress
Importer: The Wine Contor
2011 Steinbuckel Riesling Grosses Gewächs Pfalz
Producer: Knipser
Importer: CCWine
2011 Haart to Heart Riesling Mosel
Producer: Rheinhold Haart
Importer: PU Century
2012 Riesling Spätlese Mosel
Producer: Zimmermann-Graeff-Müller
Importer: MQ Wines
2010 Mühlheimer Helenenkloster Riesling Eiswein Mosel
Producer: Max Ferdinand Richter
Importer: BTS Export & Import
schiller-wine and TopWine China 2014
Emerging Wine Giant China: TopWine China 2014, Beijing, China
Germany at TopWine China 2014 in Beijing, China
With the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner in Beijing, China
Riesling Weeks 2014 in China - A Celebration at the German Embassy in Beijing, China
Western Food and Chinese Wine in a Hutong: Dinner at Chi Restaurant in Beijing, China
TopWine China 2014: Discover the Taste of Germany - A Tasting with the German Wine Princess Sabine Wagner and Wine Writer Rachel Wang, China
Schiller's Favorite Winebars in Beijing, China
Riesling Revolution in China: Weingut Dr. Loosen, Germany, Domaine Hugel et Fils, Alsace and Jim Barry, Australia - China Tour to Promote Riesling
schiller-wine: Related Postings
China's Wine Boom: Is Jeannie Cho Lee the New Robert Parker?
The Forbes List of Rich People and Wine
The Emerging Wine Giant China - Mouton Cadet Bar Opening
Trends in the global wine market: old world, new world, emerging wine countries
A Global View: Who Makes and who Drinks Wine?
Wine Consumption by Country: Total and Per Capita
Global Wine Consumption and Production
A Morning at Château Canon La Gaffeliere in Saint Emilion with Owner Count Stefan von Neipperg, Bordeaux
The Wine Empire of the von Neipperg Family in France, Bulgaria and Germany