Chris Mercer's articles
China fuels global shift to red grape varieties
Rising wine consumption in China has helped red grape varieties to claim a bigger share of the world's vineyard land than white, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot now the most widely planted, new research shows.
WSET pilots level three course in simplified Chinese
A growing thirst for wine knowledge in China has prompted the Wine & Spirit Education Trust to develop a Chinese language version of its Level Three 'advanced' course.
DRC, Opus One hit new highs in Asia
Asia's fine wine buyers have served a reminder of their financial muscle, with Christie's claiming a new auction record for Domaine de la Romanee-Conti in Hong Kong and rival Sotheby's selling a 100-case collection of Opus One to a buyer in China.
California targets China's young professionals
California wineries are looking to make up for lost time in China by targeting young professionals who are serious about their wine but willing to branch out from an older generation that has eyes only for France.
ProWine China opens to tough times for fine wine
The austerity-filled atmosphere hanging over China's fine wine sector shows little sign of clearing, but many remain optimistic for the longer-term.
Castel takes trademark battle to China’s Supreme Court
French wine merchant Castel is pursuing its trademark dispute in China at the country’s Supreme Court and has said it will ‘take any measures’ to win.
Pernod Ricard, Treasury hit by China slowdown
China’s richest have continued to get richer in 2013, but several wine and spirits companies have warned that consumer demand for premium drinks is more sluggish than expected.
Vinexpo cancels 2014 Beijing show
Vinexpo has cancelled its 2014 debut show in Beijing and may not try again in future, after failing to secure a licence from Chinese authorities.
China wine potential beats US, says NZ estate owner
The owner of New Zealand's Jackson Estate has said he sees more growth opportunities in China than in the world's largest wine market, the US.
Bordeaux chateau changes name to bypass Chinese trademark 'squatters'
Chateau Listran in the northern Medoc has changed its name after falling victim to a growing problem of trademark 'brand squatting' in China.