AMA Selection China Tour
Summer 2024
Amid the global economic downturn, wine consumption has been declining worldwide, and China is no exception, with its wine market experiencing a slowdown.
However, we are encouraged to see Bordeaux wines continuing to shine, supported by their consistent quality and stable supply chains, with signs of a market recovery becoming increasingly evident.
Despite the numerous challenges, we remain confident in the future of the Chinese wine market. It is with this belief that we have decided to return to China and launch the “AMA Selection” China Tour, even in the face of an uncertain economic environment.
The “AMA Selection” is a curated collection of top-quality Bordeaux wines meticulously chosen by Chinese wine critic Alexandre MA.
Each year, alongside the release of the AMA Tasting Report in Bottle, AMA carefully selects dozens of wines from the hundreds scoring above 90 points in the report, featuring them in that annual AMA Selection. These wines epitomize the highest standards in their respective categories for that vintage, representing the very essence of this vintage’s finest moments.
As a Bordeaux-based professional wine critic, Alexandre possesses an exceptionally deep and nuanced understanding of the region’s terroirs. Through the “AMA Selection” Grand Masterclass, we aim to enhance Chinese consumers’ awareness of Bordeaux wines by offering a deep exploration of Bordeaux’s diverse terroirs and showcasing the evolution and modern transformation of both Left Bank and Right Bank wines.
All wines featured in the masterclasses are from the “AMA Selection.” Alexandre offers a thorough and detailed interpretation of the unique terroirs and winemaking styles behind each wine, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of the essence of each wine and appreciate the perfect balance between classic and modern Bordeaux styles.
In our discussions with participants, we’ve noticed that many consumers still hold perceptions of Bordeaux from ten years ago. However, through AMA’s guidance, they have gradually realized how much Bordeaux has changed. Today, Bordeaux wines are crafted with even greater precision. The use of oak barrels has become more refined, and many wines now exhibit vibrancy and balance at a younger age, with complexity and finesse surpassing those of the past.
“AMA Selection” China Tour 2024 spanned five major cities: Shenzhen, Chengdu, Shanghai, Yancheng, and Beijing. It attracted a wide range of wine enthusiasts, seasoned collectors, and industry professionals.
Each masterclass was attended by an average of 15 to 30 participants, with a total of over 100 attendees. During each session, 12 to 14 top wines from the “Kunlun Selection,” “Hidden Dragon Selection,” and “Hidden Jade Selection” were featured at each tasting.
In Shanghai, we hosted a special session focused on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, delving into its terroirs and stylistic shifts—an unprecedented topic for the Chinese market. In Beijing, we partnered with COFCO for a masterclass that provided a comprehensive exploration of both the Left and Right Banks, offering participants a fuller understanding of Bordeaux.
Despite the current downturn in the wine market, there has been significant enthusiasm for our “AMA Selection” China Tour 2024, with highly positive feedback following each masterclass. The support from participants has been incredibly meaningful to us.
We hold great enthusiasm for the Chinese wine market, and AMA aims to help more Chinese consumers appreciate and understand Bordeaux wines through ongoing communication and education.
We look forward to the next “AMA Selection” China Tour and to exploring the endless possibilities of wine with more enthusiasts and partners.
