Carbon Works

The world is forever shifting, forever changing… This is no different when it comes to wine. Curiously, during the past year there has been discussion about Champagne estates buying land in the United Kingdom. Reason being, if global climate change is right, the United Kingdom will have the right terroir for Champagne varietals. However, what has truly caught my attention isn’t what will happen to vineyards and wineries when global climate change becomes an issue… Rather, what has really caught my attention is the expansion of vineyards and wineries in China.

China can be characterized as either a godsend or a curse. A blessing because, without China, products from some of our favourite corporations would be surprisingly expensive. A curse because these products tend to water down the market.

My concern is… How will China entering the wine industry, from a vineyard owner’s and wine retailer’s perspective, effect the market? Those already in the wine industry know how a single vineyard, person, or company can have a drastic affect on what sells and what doesn’t. But how will a country with the size and power of China change the playing field?

Currently, there are just a few wines being produced in China that are available. Nevertheless, one thing the Chinese are good at is taking control of market share and pushing the limits. So, it won’t be long before boxes of Chinese wines are pouring into the market all around the world. It can’t be forgotten that China is a giant country with a selection of climates and geography, which when combined properly will be more than capable of growing an in depth array of varietals. What I am attempting to say is that when China really enters the wine market folks everywhere will feel it, good or bad. So now may be the time to consider what will occur when this influx of wine comes.

My questions to the reader are: What do you think will occur when China enters the wine market? Will the quality of wine be effected, and how? Will costs be influenced? Will other countries stand a chance!?

Nicolay Castro is a Wine Manager at Colonial Spirits, a Concord liquor store. Courses at BU sparked his interest in wine and earned him his expert standing. Nic is an excellent person to talk to about the right wine to bring to an event or give as a gift. Be certain to check out Colonial Spirits ‘ Wine Blog, where Nic and the other wine managers at Colonial Spirits share their collective passion for wine.