For many years, China was Australia's biggest customer for wine. Then Beijing bolted the doors, with punitive tariffs. Those doors have now reopened, but they will not readmit Australia's producers to the booming market they remember.
To mark their 180th anniversary, the Australians are launching a new champagne in collaboration with Champagne Thiénot. They are aiming to strengthen their existing luxury distribution and consolidate their French ties.
Three different problems converged on Australia’s wine producers, leaving them awash in excess wine. Felicity Carter hears what’s being done to drain the pool.
It’s got a wine-growing history that dates back to the Roman world. It’s got more than 220 authorised grape varieties over 55,000 hectares of vineyards, and it’s one of the most exciting wine-growing countries in Europe.