South Korean health authorities suspended imports of all products from Domaine de la Roman?e-Conti, known for one of the world’s finest and most expensive wines Roman?e-Conti, after lead was found in one of the products from the estate.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Thursday, lead above allowable levels of 0.2㎎/㎏ was found in the La T?che wine when a local importer tried to clear customs in August 2020. La Tache is a top-notch wine that costs over 10 million won ($7,915) for a 750-mililiter bottle.

The ministry conducted a non-face-to-face investigation on Domaine de la Roman?e-Conti in November 2021 and drew a conclusion that the brand is ‘unsuitable’ for import.

The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local wine industry as Domaine de la Roman?e-Conti is considered by many to be the finest wine producer in the world and La T?che is undoubtedly one of its flagship offerings.

Despite its reputation and high demand, the production of La T?che is extremely limited, making it one of the most exclusive and expensive wines in the world. In fact, only a few thousand bottles are produced each year and they are only available through select wine merchants and private collectors.

To receive a bottle of Roman?e Conti from the winery, the importer must purchase 11 bottles of different wines at the same time. Therefore, the basic unit for import is a set of 12 bottles with price range reaching 70 million won.

Shindong Wine Co., the official importer of Roman?e Conti, said that the import has been suspended, but declined to comment further.

The source of the lead contamination is currently unknown and there are various speculations, ranging from fake product to manufacturing defects, but Domaine de la Roman?e-Conti has remained taciturn.

By Kim Gi-jung and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]