NZ Sauvignon Blanc shortage ‘likely to affect’ Asia sales

New Zealand’s looming Sauvignon Blanc shortage and subsequent price increases is likely have a knock on effect on sales in Asia, the sales and marketing director of Greystone Wines in Waipara Valley has confirmed.

Greystone’s vineyards in Waipara Valley which focus on producing Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and aromatics.

Speaking to db at a recent tasting in Hong Kong hosted by New Zealand Wine, Nik Mavromatis, sales and marketing director at Greystone Wines in Waipara Valley confirmed the much smaller harvest of 2015 will affect sales in Asia – particularly in Hong Kong where Sauvignon Blanc is the most popular out of all New Zealand varietals.

“Hong Kong follows the global trends,” he said. “Exports have taken off in Asia, and New Zealand premium end producers cannot meet the demand.

2015 was a fantastic but tiny vintage with a late frost and then a drought, making a particularly concentrated and focused style.

“The price hike will be inevitable which will hurt restaurants and bars in Hong Kong especially as it’s such a saturated and competitive market already.”

However, he followed on to say that the increasing popularity of Pinot Noir in China may help cushion the blow – even more so as Greystone rapidly sold out of its 2010 vintage after it was served at President Xinping’s official state dinner in New Zealand last year.

“I can see a definite future in China. It’s a rapidly evolving market with younger and more affluent consumers who have been educated overseas and are bringing their love of international wines back with them.

“They love the classic fruity New Zealand Pinot Noirs and want good clean varietals with minimal vintage variation which New Zealand does really well.”

Echoing an earlier db article on China’s evolving drinking styles, he continued. “People are getting tired of the ganbei culture and are looking for lower alcohol percentages in the elegant Burgundy Pinot Noir style without the high prices.”