HK demand for Burgundy still high

Burgundy remains a firm favourite in Hong Kong and people are staying loyal to the names they love – even with current low yields and high prices.

Speaking to the drinks business Allen Meadows, of online Burgundy resource Burghound, said he was optimistic about the sales of Burgundy in Hong Kong even with 2013’s infamous rain and-hail-lashed 2013 vintage.

“The trouble with 2013 is, we’re seeing low yields at sky-high prices but people are still willing to pay for it. The big names will still sell but it’s the low-to-medium priced wines which will suffer,” he said.

“Unlike Bordeaux which sells continuously and with no effort, the Hong Kong market is still small for top Burgundies. We’ll see gradual sales but the good thing is that people are loyal and that means they’ll continue to buy.”

Meadows was in Hong Kong for the “Burghound Symposium” from 17-19 April where he hosted masterclasses for trade and consumer wine-lovers alike who were guided through his picks of Premier Cru and Grand Cru Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin.

Organised by The Fine Wine Experience, the Symposium was held in the Shangri-La and brought hundreds of people together eager to fire questions at Meadows throughout his masterclasses and dine with him at the Gala or “Ultimate Richebourg” dinners.

After the Gevrey-Chambertin masterclass, Meadows signed copies of his book, The Pearl of the Cote: The Great Wines of Vosne-Romanee.

“I am amazed at people’s wine knowledge in Hong Kong,” he continued. “It’s extremely high for those who just drink wine for pleasure and people here really appreciate the subtle nuances between different Burgundies which keeps the market buoyant.

“Maybe it just used to be for status, but now it seems part of people’s lifestyle. They come home from work and open a nice bottle of wine. It’s great to see and nice to know Burgundy still has that loyal following.”