Regional wine market set for sustained growth

The Middle East wine market can look forward to sustained growth and development, according to Jeff Clarke, the award-winning wine maker from New Zealand’s Montana and Stoneleigh wineries.

“In recent years, we have seen strong growth [across this region] — primarily stemming from the increase in foreign residents, and also the establishment of Dubai as international tourist destination,” Clarke explained.

“We have also seen an increase in popularity amongst demographics that would traditionally not be heavy wine consumers.

“These factors have significantly increased demand and helped to develop the depth of range of available varieties,” he continued.

“In future, we can see these trends continuing and further driving the growth and development of the Middle Eastern wine market.”

Clarke added that education would play a key role in the further development of wine across the region.

“Education helps people become confident in their choices and also develops brand ambassadors for our products,” he said.

“We love holding tastings and events to show people all the great things about our wines, and in turn we hope they will pass this on to their family and friends for more people to understand and enjoy.”

Montana, one of New Zealand’s leading wine brands, this year celebrated the release of its 30th vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

“We pioneered Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, being the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the region, and we are still experimenting with the new varieties that will hopefully become tomorrow’s favourites,” Clarke explained.

“Our wines are from the freshest place on earth and we aim to produce wines that are a true reflection of nature — wines that embody typical, authentic and fresh fruit-driven flavours. Stoneleigh are super premium wines from Marlborough,” he added.

“The wines are distinctive, fruit forward styles from Stoneleigh's unique terroir of free draining, stony soils combined with Marlborough's high sunshine and crisp coastal climate.

“At Stoneleigh, we take a minimalistic approach to wine-making; by doing so its our belief that the vines can express themselves more fully,” Clarke said.

For more information on Montana and Stoneleigh visit www.montana.co.nz, www.stoneleigh.co.nz or www.mmidubai.com.
 

Jeff Clarke’s hot tip for summer:

“The Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 has recently received great accolades from Winestate magazine (in Australia and New Zealand) and Wine Spectator (in the USA), to name just a few.

“This is the perfect summer wine for Dubai, refreshing on its own, and an excellent wine to go with any light seafood dish.

“The Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is by far the most popular of our wines in Dubai and is our best selling New Zealand wine in both the on-trade and retail. It has always been a summer favourite; its light style — with bold, ripe, zesty flavours which are quintessentially Marlborough — make it the perfect wine to enjoy on a warm day.”