Wine, nationalism and China. U.S. wine importers get tariff relief. Suckling’s 90-point China wine binge. Gernischt vs Marselan. And more.

Blasted my latest Grape Wall newsletter yesterday, loaded with updates about the China wine scene and my own takes on what’s happening here. All those stories will be added to this site soon, including:

• Lot of talk these days about China, wine and nationalism, but how likely are consumers to shun imports and buy local? A new survey offers insights.
  
• Importers of U.S. wine in China, faced with 94% in tariffs and taxes, get some relief.
  
• James Suckling is giving over half of the China wines he tastes 90 points or more. Where will it end!?
  
• Jonathan Dahan of Domaine Francois Lurton provides a primer on dodgy wines in China: different kinds, different sales points and tips on keeping it real.
  
• A natural wine bar–the only one?–in Beijing closes due to the virus crisis. (I read today it will reopen in a new spot!)
  
• The Spring edition of boozy China Drinks & Food Fair finally has a date. Late July. And it’s happening online.
  
• The 5th Cabernet Gernischt Day was held on May 24. Quick question: if this grape were not linked to the 1892 founding of Changyu, would its supporters be so keen?
  
• Meanwhile, the 3rd World Marselan Day was held April 27. In contrast, EVERYBODY should be keen! Disclosure: I founded this event and with a far smaller budget (zero) than Changyu had with Gernischt-apolooza.
  
• Something about enjoying wine.

If you are on my mailing list, you already got these full stories. If you’re not, either sign up or check this site during the week, as I’ll add all stories here.

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