You might think the Chinese, like the English and many Americans, would prefer the magic art of Gaulish druids to make the “blood of the earth”. Well, think again! Australian wine exports to China have hit record levels, out in front of the volume of French wine. In the presence of such a generous and imposing customer, it’s best not to be too exacting about good manners and to practise constructive diplomacy…
A sales rep for Australian wine in Australia or anywhere else would agree without demur… but politics obeys different principles. Still, if it might help French wine regain the lead in sales in China, we’re happy to unreservedly state that we’d rather admire kangaroos bouncing free in the bush than see them hopping about in Vincennes zoo, wearing idiotic boxing gloves to amuse the tourists: each to his own, with the crocodiles kept under close guard.
