Chinese wine industry - a snapshot
- China’s vineyard area continues to increase, up by 17,000 ha between 2015 and 2016 making it the main growth area of vineyards world wide, according to the OIV.
- With 847,000 ha of vineyards, China has the second largest area under vine in the world, after Spain and with France coming in third place and Italy fourth.
- However, this does not mean China is the second largest wine producer – that accoldade goes to Italy, which produced 48.8 mhl, over four times as much wine as China with 11.5mhl.
- Chinese wine production is virtually on a par with Australia, which makes 11.9mhl, and South Africa at 11.2mhl.
- This puts China in the top ten wine producing countries by volume.
- Although Chinese wine production decreased for some years, from 13.8mhl in 2012 to 11.1mhl in 2013 and 2014, it started to increased again, up to 11.5mhl in 2015 and 2016.
- Chinese wines still dominate the market with a 70% share, according to the China Association for Liquor and Spirits.
- The Association claims that the share of imported wine will not be able to exceed 40% over the next five years.
- Key Chinese producing regions include the provinces of Shandong, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia and Jilin.
- The most widely planted varietal in China is Cabernet Sauvignon, while some producers are experimenting with Chardonnay and Shiraz.
- Red wine still dominates though the market for white wine is expected to secure a great market share in the future, according to Wine Intelligence.
- Chinese native varietals such as Longyan and Beihong are also likely to play a role in the future of the Chinese wine industry, as they offer greater disease resistance and are better suited to local climate and terroirs.
- These include several hybrid grapes that are crosses between Chinese and European or American grapes
- Source: Concours Mondial de Bruxelles