11.29.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 4:22 pm by admin
By Jim Boyce
China Wine Tours will bring its first official group to the Middle Kingdom this March for a 13-day itinerary that takes in wineries and cultural and historic sites. Last Sunday, I met Marc Curtis of China Wine Tours in Beijing and talked to him about the project.
What’s the concept behind China Wine Tours?
People outside China don’t know much about the wine here. When I talk about the tour, nine out of ten times people say, “There’s wine in China?” And they sometimes also say, “Leaded or nonleaded?”
When we started setting up China Wine Tours, it struck me to use the line, “Taste the culture of 5000 years.” The idea is to combine the history and culture of China with some of the country’s wine and food to get the full flavor of China. We will bring people in when the Chinese wine industry is young, in terms of good wine, so they will be early on a trend that’s going to progress over the next 5-10 years.
We’ll visit Xi’an, Taiyuan [in Shanxi], Beijing and other places. I want people to experience the wine, to take them to wineries like Grace and Great Wall, and let them see what’s happening.
How did China Wine Tours get started?
A year ago in June, the China National Tourism Organization brought me over on a field trip to Xinjiang. I saw grapes in Turpan and wondered, “Where are the wineries?” When I asked if I could see them, I was told, “No, not on this trip.”
When I returned home, I Googled like crazy and found information about wine in China. I did two or three months of research and thought, “I have to do a wine tour.”
I found no other similar tours. Maybe this is because the wine is generally not good here, but it will be, and this market will open up. I think the lack of tours is mostly because Chinese do not drink wine, so there is not a big push to bring people in to see the wineries. But there are people from other countries working here in the wine industry, so there are going to be wine tours and they are going to be good.
What Chinese wines have you tried?
I tried some Chinese wines and was horribly disappointed. I kept searching - I knew some of it would be good. Then we went to Grace Vineyard two months ago and had the most wonderful experience, mainly because the wine is good.
There is another wine, from Xinjiang, called China Silk Road, that isn’t sold in China. They sell it for USD8 and USD16 in the US. I’m in contact with the president and hopefully will get to try it soon.
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11.28.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:33 pm by admin
- By Jim Boyce
Note: It’s always best to double-check the details with the event organizers.
November 28, 7 PM, Loong Bar - JW Marriott (RMB150)
Taittinger Champagne tasting, by Torres, with guest Clovis Taittinger; RSVP with Sophie Sun (5165-519, x208 / sophie@torres.com.cn).
November 29, 7 PM, Aria Restaurant - China World Hotel (RMB888)
Sacred Hill wine dinner, by Jebsen, with chief winemaker Tony Bish; RSVP with Laurie Chai (8519-8693 / lauriechai@jebsen.com)
December 1, 6:30 PM, China Lounge (RMB388)
Washington State wines and contemporary Chinese cuisine, by ASC; RSVP with Dennis Zhang (6418-1598, x130 / dennis@asc-wines.com)
December 4, 7 PM, Le Quai Restaurant & Lounge (RMB508)
Cabernets of the World wine dinner, by Summergate; RSVP with Jessie Xiao (6562-5800 / jessie.xiao@summergate.com)
December 4, 7 PM, L’Isola Restaurant (RMB588)
Planeta wine dinner and launch, by East Meets West, with Francesco Planeta; RSVP with Wendy (6539-3773 / wendy@emw-wines.com).
December 6, 7 PM, Jasmine (RMB249)
Robert Skalli wine dinner, RSVP with Dennis Zhang (6418-1598, x130 / dennis@asc-wines.com)
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Posted in Uncategorized at 12:15 pm by admin
- By Peter Wright
November 29-December 1, Shanghai Exhibition Centre
Italian wine exhibition, hosted by the Institute of Fine Italian Wine. The institute will hold a tasting at Otto Restaurant and Bar, December 1 (see www.otto-cafe.com for more info).
December 1, Otto, 7-9 PM (RMB1008)
Mumm Champagneand truffle dinner (bookings via www.otto-cafe.com).
December 1, 7.30 PM, Enoteca Wine Lounge (RMB750)
Grand Cru tasting, seating limited to ten; RSVP at 5404-0050. For other info, visit www.enoteca.com.cn.
December 2, 4-6 PM, The Kitchen Salvatore Cuomo (RMB480)
Sunset champagne tasting party, including Palmes d’Or; RSVP at events@aussinowines.com(this event is RMB380 for Aussino wine club members)
December 4, Frankie’s (RMB588)
Rodriguez wine dinner; go to the events section on www.asc-wines.com for details and bookings.
December 6, JC Mandarin Hotel (RMB650)
Ginestet Bordeaux wine dinner; go to the events section on www.asc-wines.com for details and bookings.
December 7, 7-9 PM, Cantine Nouveau Bistro (RMB248)
Skalli wine dinner; go to the events section on www.asc-wines.com for details and bookings.
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11.27.07
Posted in Dan Siebers at 4:18 pm by admin
- By Dan Siebers
This is part 1 of 5.
Many people wonder, “How can I sell my wines in China?”
They’ve heard so much about the booming China market and don’t want to be left behind. But the questions they should ask are, “Should I sell my wines in China?” or “When should I sell my wines in China?”
What have they heard about the China market? About the rising income levels? The huge homogeneous population? The amazing GDP growth?
There is truth in all these things, but the key point is that China’s success is built on its ability to manufacture goods cheaper than most other nations for the purpose of export. Of course, raw materials must sometimes be imported for manufacturing, but in general, importing finished goods into China is like driving in the wrong direction on the freeway.
In the wine market, in particular, most of what I’ve seen reported in the media is either incorrect or exaggerated. Of most concern is that more than half of the “hard facts” are wrong, including in in-depth articles in certain wine trade magazines. Why do the media give such a distorted picture?
Here are some issues to consider:
- Very little comprehensive professional consumer research in the area of wine has been done in China.
- The main source of consumer trends is anecdotal comments from individuals in the wine business.
- There is misinformation, which includes exaggeration, in the international media.
- The only source of hard data is import statistics by importers, broken down by country. These must be intensively filtered to draw out the “real” data.
On Friday, Part 2 in this series: Consumer trends
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11.26.07
Posted in Jim Boyce at 12:49 pm by admin
- By Jim Boyce
Question: Is it true that people in China mix wine with Sprite?
Answer: Yes.
I have witnessed hundreds of people indulge in this practice that raises the wrath of the wine-loving world. Ironically, most imbibers are foreigners and the smoking gun, so to speak, is none other than… the Champagne cocktail.
Ironic, isn’t it?
Frankly, I have not witnessed Chinese mix Sprite with an ’82 Latour or any other such vintage wine though I am sure this and other vinological atrocities have occurred. (And they make for good copy, as Business Week , The New York Times, Decanter and other media show.) It more likely happens with cheap local wine, the labels most foreigners wouldn’t even stoop to use for the Sangria they brew here. (Aha! Mixing wine and fruit, are we?).
People worldwide mix wine with plenty of things. It’s a pity if vintage wine is despoiled, but when it comes to most local grog, a dash of bubbly (variety: soda) doesn’t hurt. Just something to mull over while enjoying a perfectly good cup of Chinese tea… mixed with sugar and milk.
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11.22.07
Posted in Uncategorized at 2:48 pm by admin
- By Judy Leissner
This year was a tough one for the grapes in Shanxi province, home of Grace Vineyard. Things started very well - in June and July everything was perfect, everyone was excited and we thought we would have an excellent vintage. But in September we had 15 days of rain, making it the heaviest rainfall of the last 15 years. While the white grapes did okay, the red ones suffered.
Growing grapes in Shanxi is never easy, but this September’s weather was especially severe. In short, it was the toughest year of the past seven, which roughly look like this: 2001 - pretty good, 2002 - even better; 2003 - rainy; 2004 - fantastic; 2005 - okay; 2006 - spring frost, but excellent quality; and 2007 - terrible.
Last year, we focused on reserve wines but in order to protect quality, this year we will consider carefully whether to make reserve wines. This will limit the quantity of wine we can make available. This doesn’t necessarily mean the price of our wines will go up, since we want to keep our market price constant, but it does mean it will cost us a lot of money.
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11.21.07
Posted in Huiqin Ma at 1:09 pm by admin
- By Huiqin Ma
A French filmmaker made a documentary about the Sino-French Demonstration Farm just outside of Beijing. He showed how wines were taken to the farmers after the harvest so they and the winery staff could taste them together. The scenes were very warming. However, I cannot help but wonder whether, except for this very special occasion, these grape farmers would have a chance to taste such wine? Even more, I wonder whether or not they liked the taste of these dry red wines?
In China the relationship between the winery and the grape farmers seems somewhat like an unhappy marriage. Each partner needs, but can never fully understand, the other.
Most vineyards belong to individual farmers instead of to wineries, and grapes are provided based on written contracts or oral agreements. Grape growers always prefer higher yields, while wineries always talk about controlling yields for better quality. It is like a game complete with plans, tricks, persuasion and betrayal. However, this game is not fun, but one full of struggle, pain and exhaustion, and seemingly goes on year after year.
For Chinese grape farmers, the distance from their berries to wine is so far. If their grapes were not the raw material of wine, then these farmers would not have any relationship with this alcoholic drink. In their eyes, the wine grape is no different from other crops and simply represents a way to make a living. They may feel even less involved with grapes than other crops such as corn or wheat which are used in their daily lives, especially as farmers are absent in the post-harvest phases involving wine grapes and in the consumption of wine.
Boutique wineries hold the potential to improve this marriage, as they have a closer relationship with the farmers than do large producers. In Grace Vineyard, Chateau Bolongbao and of course the Sino-French Demonstration Farm, grape growers are treated more like equal partners and family members than primary material suppliers. The two sides spend more time together in the vineyards and work hard to communicate with and understand each other, although sometimes they still feel they do not speak the same language.
True, the marriage is not perfect, but having the two partners fruitfully talk to each other is a good first step.
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11.20.07
Posted in Peter Wright, Sasha's, Steaks & Eggs at 3:26 pm by admin
By Peter Wright
As a big wine drinker, it is pleasing to see an increasing number of bars, restaurants, retailers and wholesalers hold wine tastings, wine promos or offer value-for-money wines by the glass. However, two places stand out way ahead of the pack. They are:
(1) Sasha’s (corner of Hengshan and Dongping Roads), which holds a wine buffet every Friday, when it’s an all-you-can drink deal from a selection of about a dozen wines from 6.30-9 PM for just RMB148. A lot of the wines are drinkable lower end labels, with one or two nasty Nelly’s, but most weeks there are a few roses among the thorns to keep the pickier plonkheads happy (e.g. Pedroncelli 2002 Merlot, Jim Barry 2004 Shiraz). Note, the wine selection changes each week.
(2) American Steak and Eggs (99-3 Xikang Road, around the corner from Big Bamboo and the Portman) has a very decent Argentinian wine, Signos Shiraz 2005, on special at a paltry RMB15 a glass or RMB65 a bottle! The wine is fresh and there’s no fine print to bite you in the balls. They also have a Signos Chardonnay Chenin Blanc 2006 at the same price, but I haven’t tried it yet.
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11.19.07
Posted in Huiqin Ma at 4:24 pm by admin
Grape Wall of China will soon begin including contributions from people involved in the Greater China wine scene as academics, winemakers, distributors, educators or consumers. To kick things off, I will post a profile each day. (For more China wine info, join the Grape Wall of China group on Facebook and/or sign up for my free e-newsletter by emailing beijingboyce@yahoo.com with “sign me up” in the subject line.)
Today’s profile: Huiqin Ma
Main focus: Wine agriculture, China’s wine market
“Huiqin Ma, associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology at China Agricultural University, leads a grape and wine research group at the school. From 2000 to 2002, she was a postdoctoral research fellow in the Institute for Wine Biotechnology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. She is vice general seceretary of the Chinese Society for Viticulture (CSV) and has lectured at universities and organizations in Europe on the topic of the wine market and marketing in China.”
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Posted in Cru, Pinot at 2:45 pm by admin
Sir Campbell Thompson and I had a sneak preview of JW Marriott’s soon-to-open Pinot restaurant in Beijing, where (not surprisingly) the wine list only offers Pinot. Restaurant manager Jurrien Bongers says wines from 15 distributors are included on the menu.
It impressed Sir C. “I think this wine list is a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It’s a good balance between traditional Burgundy and ‘New World’ Pinot.”
Then, he said, “Pinot is thin-skinned. Like people of the same nature, at its best it is brilliant, at its worst it is very difficult to work with.”
Then, he said, “Pinot is really expressive - it sings in the glass. If wines were opera singers, Pinot would have the biggest range.”
Then, we medicated him.
(By the way, those wishing other varietals may order from Cru, the upstairs American steakhouse, which lists a further 200+ wines on its menu).
First, the restaurant: Pinot is large, rectangular and high-ceilinged, seats about 100, and has a décor of orange and brown textiles, dark wood, tan marbles and silvery wallpaper. Elegance is provided by a series of chandeliers. As Sir C says, “It’s modern and confident, but not over the top.”
Next, the wines: we started with Australia’s Redbank “Sunday Morning” Pinot Gris (128 kuai / glass, 525 kuai / bottle). I smelled herbs and star anise, while Sir C picked up “a bit of white peach and pear” and said “this wine is meant to be simple and drinkable but is surprisingly complex and layered.” The finish was clean and tingly; how many nice things in life should end. We had pate with pistachios, and chutney, pickled cucumbers and onions.
Next up was a Portree Pinot Noir 2003, again from Australia. I smelled cherries, with hints of spice and cough syrup. “Very aromatic,” said Sir C. As the wine opened up, more fruit flavors came out, although my comment that they reminded me of “berry punch” brought only silence from Sir C. We drank this one with an eight-slab serving of Cotes du Boeuf with Bearnaise sauce, mashed potatoes, and green salad. Bongers says the meat is Angus beef and kept nearly 20 days in the refrigerator.
Our main course was served family style, underscoring efforts at Pinot to provide quality dining in a relaxed setting, says Bongers. “It’s a bit offbeat. We have the Marriott excellence with some informal touches.” Other such touches include mixing salads at the table, featuring family recipes from the chef (who hails from Lyon), and offering patrons ten different syrups to mix with their water (flavors include blackberry, lime, sugar cane and grenadine).
Such fare will not come cheap - I’m guessing our order would have been about 800 per person - but your bill is largely dependent on how much and which wine you drink. Save those mao or find someone (preferably not thin-skinned) with an expense account if you intend to sample the entire menu.
Pinot opens on November 22.
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11.15.07
Posted in Media - foreign at 5:59 pm by admin
Timeout magazine will publish a wine guide. Gabe Suk, who writes the wine column for the magazine’s Beijing edition, is heading up the project. Expect also to see a number of wine books appearing in the market, including several bilingual (English / Chinese) one as well as some Web sites focused on wine. More on these projects to come.
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11.14.07
Posted in Peter Wright at 4:33 pm by admin
Grape Wall of China will soon begin including contributions from ten people involved in the Greater China wine scene as academics, winemakers, distributors, educators or consumers. To kick things off, I will post a profile each day. (For more China wine info, join the Grape Wall of China group on Facebook and/or sign up for my free e-newsletter by emailing beijingboyce@yahoo.com with “sign me up” in the subject line.)
Today’s profile: Peter Wright
Main focus: Shanghai wine scene
Photo of “Winopete” to come
“Peter Wright - aka ‘Winopete’ - is one of the most tightwad tipplers in town and spends more time than he should hunting for bargain booze, but is always partial to a good drop, good pub grub and a comfortable place for a chinwag. He writes a popular newsletter on Shanghai’s nightlife scene.”
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11.13.07
Posted in John Isacs at 12:13 pm by admin
Grape Wall of China will soon begin including contributions from ten people involved in the Greater China wine scene as academics, winemakers, distributors, educators or consumers. To kick things off, I will post a profile each day. (For more China wine info, join the Grape Wall of China group on Facebook and/or sign up for my free e-newsletter by emailing beijingboyce@yahoo.com with “sign me up” in the subject line.)
Today’s profile: John Isacs
Main focus: Taiwan, wine education
“John Isacs is principal author of the bilingual (Chinese & English) wine and restaurant books “ISACS Guides”. He has authored over a dozen books, founded EnjoyGourmet lifestyle magazine and been published in publications that include GQ (Chinese version), Apple Daily, China Times and China Post. John founded the Enjoy International digital network, regularly appears on radio and TV in Taiwan, China and the United States, and is an educator and consultant for numerous corporations, trade and tourism offices, and beverage firms. In 2005, he was one of 30 international judges selected for the International Wine Competition in Verona and is the only certified Sherry-Jerez-Xeres trainer in Asia.”
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11.12.07
Posted in Upcoming events at 4:20 pm by admin
Prepare your palates for these upcoming events on the Beijing wine circuit. No surprise, Beaujolais Nouveau is the wine du jour - yes, it’s a huge marketing gimmick, but the parties can be fun. For a change of pace, check out the Friday tasting at Sequoia Cafe (Sanlitun), which takes a break from wine this week and has four different Aussie brews for 100 kuai. (Note: The list below is based on email from wine distributors and on that’s Beijing and Beijing Talk magazines. It’s best to double-check details with the organizer.)
November 1-18, Carrefour’s Shuang Jing store (5190-9589)
Autumn wine fair
November 13, 6:30-9 PM, Prego - The Westin Hotel, Financial Street (RMB150)
Allegrini wine tasting; wines include Soave DOC, Chardonnay IGT, Pinot Grigio IGT, Merlot IGT, Bardolino DOC, Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Classico DOC, “La Grola” IGT, Amarone Classic; contact Claudia at claudia.chen@summergate.com to RSVP.
November 15, Le Bistrot Parisien (RMB45 per glass, RMB198 per bottle)
Beaujolais Nouveau festival, with French performances and a meal by Chef Patrick Pontoizeau. Call 6417-8188 for details.
November 15, 6 PM, Le Baie des Anges (free)
Beaujolais Nouveau event. Call 6657-1605 for details.
November 15, 7 PM, Pekotan Deli & Wine - Central Park, Building 12 (RMB60)
Beaujolais Nouveau launch party by Palette Vino and Pekotan; Domaine du Penlois 2007. To RSVP, call 6533-6605 or email info@palettewines.cn.
November 15, 7-9 PM, The Bookworm (Advance: RMB100, includes three glasses of wine; at the door: RMB120)
Beaujolais Nouveau tasting by Metro and The Bookworm (tickets available at both places)
November 15, 7-10 PM, Kranzler’s Restaurant & Bar - Kempinski Hotel (RMB150)
Beaujolais Nouveau party by Kranzler’s and Summergate; Georges DuBoeuf 2007; call Jessie at 6562-5800 or Mary at 6465-3388, x4105 to RSVP.
November 16, 7 PM, My Humble House (RMB1100RMB)
Vega-Sicilia wine dinner, with Proprietor Pablo Alvarez and Chief Winemaker Javier Ausas; contact Sophie at 5165-5519, x208 or sophie@torres.com.cn to RSVP.
November 16, 6:30 PM, Sequoia Cafe (RMB100, includes four bottles of beer, snacks)
Weekly Friday night tasting at Sequoia Café in Sanlitun. This week features Aussie beer: Victoria Bitter, Cascade Premium, Cascade Light and, from Tasmania, Boags. Join the e-vite list by emailing Frank at frank.siegel@gmail.com.
November 16, 6:30-8:30 PM, Bentos & Berries - Kerry Centre (free)
Beaujolais Nouveau event by Top Cellar. Go here to reserve a spot.
November 16, 7 PM, Justine’s - Jianguo Hotel (RMB688+15%)
E. Guigal wine dinner at Justine’s, with chef Raphael Miloux; contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 for details.
November 17, 5:30 PM, China Lounge (RMB150)
Five American wines with canapes; contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 for details.
November 17, 7-9:30 PM, Cafe Europa (RMB250)
Free-flow Louis Jadot Beaujolais - Villages Nouveau; appetizers by Chef Tal. Contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 to RSVP.
November 22, 7 PM, Capones (RMB500)
“Wines around the World”; Capones and ASC Fine Wines teams up with Chef Marco. Contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 to RSVP.
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11.11.07
Posted in Ao Hua, Aussino, Bacchus, DT Asia, H&L, Jebsen, Longfellows, Metro, Moet Hennessey Diageo, Palette, Pernod Ricard, TBC, Tastings at 9:12 pm by admin
Rather than write a lengthy report about Saturday’s Food & Wine Experience at The Hilton, I thought it would be more fun to interview myself. Here we go:
Was that you on The Hilton’s marble steps standing in front of a broken bottle of wine?
It was. As I left, the paper bag provided by the organizers came unglued and a nearly full bottle of Heartland Dolcetto Lagrein fell out. The bottle exploded on the steps and attracted gawkers from far and wide. Fortunately, a half bottle of Heartland Shiraz stayed in the bag.
You mean you could buy wine there?
No. If you stay until the end of such events, sometimes the distributors give away opened bottles because they don’t want to waste them.
Why did you end up with Heartland?
I spent the last half hour at the Palette tables. I like Australian wines and Palette owner John Gai has an excellent portfolio. Palette’s Stefan Fleischer, as he did at this event two years ago, guided me through some lovely wines, particulary the Shiraz and Viognier.
What else did you like?
I liked the media session with wine writer Jeremy Oliver, supported by the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation and ASC Fine Wines - I’ll write a separate post about it. He encouraged us to cover the top of our glasses with our palms and shake them - this gives wine a few hours’ worth of aeration. Make sure you have tissues handy if you try this at home.
Best of all was meeting winemakers, winery owners, distributors, writers and, especially, consumers. I met many people that I previously knew only by email, including Jennifer Zhang and Jessie Xiao at Summergate and Xavier Tondusson at Bacchus. Good to match faces with email addresses!
By the way, if logistically possible, I think the Champagne distributors should be in Zeta bar next year. It’s a perfect fit. I would also have the event run later into the afternoon.
Any disappointments?
I would love to see more countries better represented. As usual, pickings were meager from China (only Grace Vineyard), Austria, Portugal, Canada and some other nations. Having said that, we get more choice every year in Beijing, so overall I was happy with the selection.
However, I was disappointed at the light turnout Saturday. The event offered hundreds of wines and a buffet for 230 kuai - what more could you ask for? Compare this to Torres’ Taste of the Nations event last weekend: it offered far fewer wines but attracted a lot of attendees, even though it was only marginally cheaper.
Spreading the Food & Wine Experience over two days - the trade show was on Friday - might help explain the attendance. Some trade people could not attend Friday and gave tickets to friends or customers who might otherwise have come on Saturday. Next year, the hotel might also want to pair its traditional magazine ads with more marketing via e-mail and word-of-mouth, which is the key way many people get information about events.
I talked to four distributors about attendance and all of them were unhappy, especially as they had to pay for table space and provide staff, wine and literature for the event. On the other hand, 18 distributors participated and most didn’t seem to do much to promote this event, at least if my inbox is any indication.
Which distributors attended?
Eight companies had the vast majority of the 182 wine tables: ASC (27), Aussino, Jointek and Summergate (25 each), Jebsen (24), and H&L, Palette and Torres (12 each). Other distributors were: DT Asia (6), Metro (4), Bacchus and Pernod Ricard (2 each) and Ao Hua, Beijing GLP, East Meets West, Longfellows, Moet Hennessey Diageo and TBC - The Beverage Company (1 each). Montrose was notably absent. The other 12 tables featured food, glassware, wine accessories, magazines, and bottled water.
This breakdown suggests the Hilton might want to drop the “food” from “food & wine” in the event title.
So, was it worth it?
Definitely. As mentioned, hundreds of wines were available for tasting. A Shiraz lover could compare and contrast what each distributor offers - dozens of wines in total. If you like French wines, you could have tasted to your heart’s content. For ten years, this has been one of the wine events of the year for consumers in Beijing. You just need to ensure you have a sturdy bag if you stay until the end.
Note: Get my free e-newsletter about nightlife and wine in Beijing by sending an email to beijingboyce@yahoo.com with “sign me up” in the subject line.
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Posted in Upcoming events at 2:56 pm by admin
Prepare your palates for these upcoming events on the Shanghai wine circuit. Thanks to Grape Wall of China contributor Winopete for the details:
November 11: Torbreck wine tasting at Jazz 37 (RMB198)
November 11: Jamie Oliver wine masterclass at Glamour Bar (RMB150)
November 14: Vega-Sicilia (Spain) wine dinner with seven wines at Gui Hua Lou Restaurant, Pudong Shangri-La (RMB1088, ouch!)
November 15: Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau party at Barbarossa (all you can drink, plus snacks, RMB98)
November 16: Summergate wine evening - appetizers and wine at Ambrosia, then beers at Paulaner, then dinner and wines at The Binjiang One (RMB838)
November 23: Aussino Bordeaux Grand Cru wine dinner at T8 (RMB1288)
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11.10.07
Posted in Alain Leroux at 11:02 am by admin
Grape Wall of China will soon begin including contributions from ten people involved in the Greater China wine scene as academics, wine-makers, distributors, educators or consumers. To kick things off, I will post a profile each day. (For more China wine info, join the Grape Wall of China group on Facebook and/or sign up for my free e-newsletter by emailing beijingboyce@yahoo.com with “sign me up” in the subject line.)
Today’s profile: Alain Leroux
Main focus: Wine industry
“Hailing from France, Alain Leroux has been general manager of Taillan winery, just outside Beijing in Hebei province, for a dozen years. Taillan, a Sino-French joint venture, produces its owns wine and does bottling for other makers and distributors.”
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