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The top-traded wines in Asia so far in 2021

By July 26, 2021Fine Wine Market
  • Trade in distinct wines by value is heavily weighted towards Bordeaux. 
  • But trade by volume is much broader in scope. 
  • Mouton Rothschild appears consistently among the most searched for and most traded wines so far this year. 

What wines have caught the market’s attention in Asia so far this year? From several angles, the most searched-for labels, the top traded wines (LWIN7s) by volume and value, the answer is still resolutely “Bordeaux”. 

Yet looking at wines with a vintage (LWIN11s) traded, especially by volume, the picture is very different and indicative of the general trend towards an ever broader, more diverse secondary market. 

We will be exploring how this trend is taking shape in Asia in a post tomorrow (27th July), but what are the specific brands currently trading in the region?

Most searched for 

As featured in a recent update on the most searched-for wines in the first half of 2021, the wish list of Asian members had a distinct Bordeaux flavour. 

Nine of the 10 most searched for wines were either Lafite or Mouton Rothschild, especially the latter which had seven listings overall in the top of the charts. 

The wines in question were predominantly vintages from the late 1990s and pre-2010; both “on” and “off” vintages in their drinking windows. 

Trade by value 

Looking at trade by value in Asia for the year-to-date, this preference for Bordeaux remains clear. Distinct wines (LWIN7) traded this year encompasses; Lafite, Mouton Rothschild, Petrus, Le Petit Mouton, Latour and Margaux at the very top. 

Breaking down trades into wines identified by vintage (LWIN11), Lafite and Mouton remain at the heart of activity, but it is also interesting to see US label Opus One among the top traded. 

The 2017, with 95-point from the Wine Advocate, sits between the better-rated 2016 and 2018 (both 98-points). 

Trade by volume 

Mouton Rothschild is also the leading label sold by volume in Asia so far this year – when measured as an LWIN7. Second wine Petit Mouton is also in the top five. 

On the other hand, when looking at trade by volume at the level of LWIN11s, Bordeaux’s grip finally relaxes a little. 

Although the 2017 vintages of Brane-Cantenac and Smith Haut Lafitte feature in second and third place, Italian, Champagne and Spanish wines at the top of the list demonstrate how demand for fine wine in Asia continues to diversify. 

Members can view all LIVE offers for Bordeaux here or search for other top traded regions on the exchange platform.

Not a Liv-ex member? Request a demo to see the exchange and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.