What’s Hot in Hong Kong: Armit

Riesling, Super Tuscans and old Rioja have been leading the way in Hong Kong for fine wine merchant Armit recently.

Speaking to the drinks business, managing director, Richard Sutton, said that old Rioja from Vega Sicilia and Rioja Alta “are becoming very popular.

“We’ve also seen the continued rise of Italy, particularly the Super Tuscans and I’m pleased to see a bit of volume with white wines too and not just white Burgundy.

“We’ve had quite a lot of success with our Domaine Sparr Alsace Riesling, JJ Prűm and other German names but also Clare Valley’s Mount Horrocks.

“We’re encouraged by that,” he continued. “It’s good news for us as it’s not always something that comes to the front of fine wine minds in HK.”

Bordeaux and Burgundy of course remain popular and feature heavily in Armit’s top sellers by value in the last month or so.

Sutton added he was “pleased” to see a revival in Bordeaux’s fortunes in the past few weeks and what with encouraging news coming out of Bordeaux at the moment regarding the harvest, was “quietly hopeful of at least having an en primeur campaign next summer.”

Top 5 best sellers by volume since 1 September:

1. Chablis 2012, Domaine Sebastien Dampt
2. Riesling Tradition 2011, Domaine Charles Sparr, Alsace
3. Viňa Ardanza Reserva 2005, La Rioja Alta
4. Schoenenbourg Riesling Grand Cru 2010, Domaine Charles Sparr, Alsace
5. 904 Gran Reserva 2004, La Rioja Alta

Top 5 wines by value sold since 1 September:

1. Pétrus 1989
2. Lafleur 2000
3. Léoville Las Cases 1982
4. Domaine Groffier, Bonnes Mares 2009
5. Sassicaia 2004