Look on the shelves in any US or European supermarket for a bottle of Chinese wine and you will probably be disappointed. In the UK Morrisons Supermarkets are the only large supermarket chain to stock wine from China, but it is likely that within the next ten years sales of Chinese wine will outstrip some of the traditional wine making countries.
Most people associate china with rice wine, not wine from the grape but archaeologists have found evidence of Chinese wine production dating back over 4600 years. Early Chinese production was thought to have been of very low quality due to poor indigenous grapes but this was rectified during the Han Dynasty when higher quality grapes were imported.
Very little altered in Chinese wine from the last 2000 years until the economic reforms of the 1980's when foreign wine imports were allowed. The first western company to enter the Chinese market was French producer Remy Martin which set up a joint venture with a local producer. This tie up as only the second joint venture of a western and Chinese company since the revolution. Many experts believe that Chinese wine could improve substantially by learning the techniques of the major wine producing nations.
The growth of China as an economic power in the last few years has been remarkable and the same can be said for the growth of the wine market. Chinese government statistics put last years level of wine production at 700 million bottles making China the sixth largest wine producing nation. The growth of personal wealth and the middle class in China is cited as the major factor in the growth of internal demand. China currently has 310,000 citizens worth over $1,000,000. Since the 1990's over 100 major vineyards have opened. It is estimated that over 90% of the wine produced in China is consumed internally.
The internal wine market has around ten well-known Chinese producers that enjoy brand recognition. Most of the Chinese vineyards are state owned, or owned by local collectives. Currently the predominant region for wine production is Shandong province which is on the same latitude as California.
Hong Kong now serves as a gateway between China and west. Taxes on wine have been dropped to zero in advance of the largest ever wine auction in Asia where an estimated six and a half million dollars worth of wine will be traded. The international Vinexpo will also be in Hong Kong this year where nearly 700 exhibitors will be present representing the best of the worlds wine market. Whilst Hong Kong's tax cut will result in a local boom, the local storage facilities will be stretched to capacity. Hong Kong requires substantial investment to compete with the major wine hubs of Paris, London and New York, but in the Asia market is likely to develop as the regional hub for the wine industry.
With the distribution network growing in Hong Kong and the growth of wine production in China the region looks poised to become a major force in the international wine market.
Having a Pug dog can be a lot of fun. Pugs are considered a toy dog breed, with a medium-small body. They weigh between thirteen and twenty pounds, and stand from twelve to fourteen inches tall, generally never getting bigger than that. Pugs have a wrinkly face and large, dark eyes that truly adds to their attractiveness and cuddliness. When they are excited, their eyes light up and have a lot of expression in them.
Though they have often been used as companion dogs because of their wonderful personalities, they have also been used as coach dogs and guard dogs. The name of Pug is said to have been derived from the Old English word Pugg, which was an affectionate word for a playful little devil or monkey. This dog is aptly named, if that is where it came from, as a Pug has a terrific personality. It has grown in popularity over the years. It was originally breed in China, moving on to Japan and other countries, and eventually to England. Many of the monarchs in Europe have enjoyed this dog because of its personality, and it is a favorite among royalty and other discriminating people throughout the world.
Pugs are very social dogs. They get along well with other dogs and pets, and with children and visitors, but they really love to be with their owner. They require a lot of human attention, and will get a bit anxious and concerned if they are ignored by their owner, or if their owner used a harsh tone of voice in disciplining them. Sometimes they even do strange or funny things to get their owners attention and make them laugh. They like to stay right with their owner, at their feet or on their lap. They are extremely loyal and affectionate.
Pugs have a lot of energy, especially for the first few years while they are growing up. They tend to be rambunctious and energetic. It takes about five years in total until they calm down somewhat. Unfortunately, they are often more difficult to train that many other breeds, as they tend to get bored with repetitive training sessions.
Pugs are not aggressive dogs, and while they enjoy going for walks, they are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and have a short nose which affects their breathing and limits how long they can spend outdoors exercising.
A Pug dog can be a wonderful family pet. It will be loyal and playful, and love the attention that children are willing to give a smaller, energetic dog. It is very eager to please, and it will often entertain whoever will give it attention. They love to go for walks with their humans.
While it isn't the easiest to take to training it has many other terrific qualities, like its playfulness and clownish behavior. They are terrific companion dogs, which get along well with all human and animal pets, making it a natural addition to a family.
If you are considering getting a Pug for your family, you should check with local breeders who sell them healthy and with good breeding. If you buy your Pug as a puppy, it will be cute and little, with the adorable wrinkles already in its face. Bought so young, you will be its human, and it will be your loyal companion for a lifetime.
Both Lucy Evans & Jenny A Donaldson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jenny A Donaldson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wine and Spirits, Pets. Jenny Donaldson has been breeding and raising Pugs for a many years. Known for their playfulness, dogs make wonderful companions. If you want to learn about the. Jenny A Donaldson's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.