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BORDEAUX

Buying Bordeaux en primeur can yield impressive results.

IT’S THAT TIME of year again when the largest and most liquid market for fine wine in the world gives us a chance to buy grand cru classé wines before they’re bottled at a lower price. It’s an opportunity for savvy collectors, merchants, and other private buyers around the world to see which vineyards have the most promise and which bottles have the best appreciation potential.

Selected Releases

In 2021, despite turbulent market conditions, Bordeaux prices surged by 13.2%, as seen on the Liv-ex Bordeaux 500 index, with standout performers like Château Rieussec Premier Cru Classé Sauternes 2011 witnessing a remarkable 52% increase in value over just twelve months.

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What is en primeur?

En primeur, also known as “wine futures,” is a method of purchasing wines early while they are still in the barrel and before they are bottled. The wines are usually delivered 2-3 years after the vintage once they have been bottled and are ready for shipment.

You can only buy En Primeur once per year, usually in May. Which is why this is such a unique opportunity.

And finally, buying En Primeur offers access to potentially outstanding wines, often at a substantial discount.

Previous en primeur releases have performed well over time.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The value and price of wine can go up or down over time.

Considerations

The allure of en primeur is multifaceted. Firstly, wines purchased en primeur are often less expensive than they will be once bottled and released to the broader market. There’s also the sentimental and aesthetic pleasure of owning a part of a particular vintage right from its infancy.

As is the case with any collectable, there are risks. The final bottled wine may not live up to the expectations set by initial barrel tastings, and market values can fluctuate as can demand. 

 

Our Takeaway

For those intrigued by the blend of tradition, speculation, and the tangible joy of wine, en primeur offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the world of Bordeaux, one barrel at a time. Whether it’s for passionate collectors, serious trade professionals, or even innovative restauranteur, buying en primeur can be a wonderful first step into one of the most exciting aspects available today in fine wine.