Interesting to note that the volume and value of foreign wines is increasing rapidly in Australia. One bottle in every ten is now imported. That's still a small proportion compared to many other consumer goods, but indicates a permanent shift in the habits of some Australian wine consumers.
I'm not entirely sure why this is so as Australian wines are better, and better value, than ever. Plus, their ranks now include many varietals that are notionally "foreign" such as Dolcetto and Pinot Gris.
Maybe Australians want to bring home some of the romance and allure of our overseas holidays. Or maybe Australians are just a little tired of mass-produced "fruit bomb" style wines that are increasingly jading the palates of wine drinkers in the US and the UK – hence our faltering wine exports. Or maybe importers are bringing in more interesting lower-priced wines from places such as Chile and South Africa, to supplement the more expensive Old World wines from France and Italy.
Personally, I predict a continuing rapid growth in wine imports – exchange rates permitting – which will add to the variety and choice available to consumers, whilst adding to the woes of struggling Australian wineries.
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