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| Argentine Ambassador to Korea Jorge Roballo speaks at the "Wines of Argentina Tasting Seoul 2015," hosted by Wines of Argentina and the Embassy of Argentina, at the Millennium Seoul Hiltonon on Nov. 9. / Courtesy of the Embassy of Argentina |
By Rachel Lee
Argentina, one of the finest wine-making countries, wants to increase its presence in Korea.
At the "Wines of Argentina Tasting Seoul 2015," hosted by Wines of Argentina and the Embassy of Argentina, representatives from 28 wineries came to Korea, where their products remain unfamiliar.
"We would like to introduce some of the finest yet not launched wineries who have brought such trendy products and taste," Argentine Ambassador to Korea Jorge Roballo said at the Millennium Seoul Hiltonon Nov. 9.
Of the participants, 14 wineries are not yet in the market.
"We also offer an individual wine-tasting seminar for those seeking importers for Korean buyers," Roballo said.
There also were tango performances and food-pairing sessions on the sidelines of the wine tasting. Visitors were able to match different foods with Argentine wines.
"At the food-pairing session, people will find the perfect match, especially with Korean foods, including pork belly and bulgogi," Roballo said.
According to the embassy, Argentine wine exports to Korea increased 64 percent this year from 2011, and total exports were up 90 percent. Argentina is the world's fifth-largest wine producer and ninth-largest wine exporter. It has 1,300 wineries.
Those wineries seeking importers praised Korean consumers for their deep understanding of wines, and their sophistication.
"Korean consumers have this original style of living and they know how to enjoy quality wines," said Federico Boxaca, Familia Schroeder export manager.
The winery, in Patagonia, southern Argentina, has entered the Japanese, Taiwanese and Chinese markets. Since its establishment in 2001, the winemaker has been known for its pinot noir range.
"Patagonia has dry weather, bright skies and frequent winds, all of which are outstanding grape-growing conditions," Boxaca said.
Premium winery Budeguer's newly released brand, Tucumen, was on display.
The Budeguer family launched the brand in 2013, which combines the regions of Tucuman and Mendoza. The unique design "conveys the collage of cultures, styles, colors and textures of two lands as different but united in a single product," the company said.
Manuela Calzado Korthof, brand manager Europe at Budequer, said: "Young people in Korea are increasingly enjoying more quality and there are many new restaurants opening up. I am sure they will enjoy our wines, which are fun, bright and have great balance."
Compared with other Asian markets, Korea's wine prices are reasonable, which makes the country attractive and differentiates it from others.
"In Korea, wines are not overpriced much," the manager said. "In countries like Taiwan, for example, wines are overpriced and so very expensive."
Ambassador Roballo said: "We really do hope that Korea becomes the largest consumer in northeast Asia."
In Korea, wine imports have been increasing over the past six years, surpassing imported hard liquor for the first time this year, as the drinking culture changes and more people prefer drinks that go with good food.
According to the Korea International Trade Association, wine imports in the first half of this year reached $94.4 million — a 24.9 percent market share. Imports of liquor like whiskey and brandy totaled $91.7 million — 24.1 percent of the market. Liquor once accounted for 70 percent.
In terms of wine producers' market share, France topped the list with $27.1 million, followed by Chile with $21.4 million.
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