China’s Changyu Noble Dragon will soon be available in Spain as Marques del Atrio in the Rioja region reveals its plans to import the most famous wine in the East.
According to the Olive Press, Marques del Atrio, one of the biggest wineries in the Western country, is looking to bring the China's most popular wine in Spain.
Made from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Gernischt grapes, the Noble Dragon has captured the world with its unique taste in over 450 million bottles.
According to Reuters, the Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co. Ltd., based in Yantai in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, is planning to venture into foreign purchases by expanding their reach in Spain after purchasing 35 million euro ($40 million) worth of shares in Marques del Atrio.
This means that the Chinese company holds 75 percent stakes in the Rioja-based winery.
"Our aim is for Marques de Atrio to be the number one Spanish wine in the Chinese market, the wine of reference," Changyu General Manager Sun Jian told Reuters via an interpreter.
Sun further explained that they are aiming to get distribution rights to more restaurants and hotels in the country and provide a new taste for the locals who are interested in tickling their taste buds with something new.
Marques del Atrio Chief Executive Jesus Rivero echoed this sentiment, telling China Daily that the partnership provides "a great opportunity for us to introduce this wine in Spain, where there are currently 300,000 Chinese residents and many restaurants specialized in Asian cuisine."
The Chinese winery is also probing opportunities in other countries all over the world such as Chile, Australia and France.
According to Reuters, 90 percent of Changyu's sales are from the domestic market, and the firm is targeting a 30-percent increase in its international sales by teaming up with Spain's Rioja.