Bordeaux - En Primeur

Question 1

En Primeur
when introduced
Sold as?
benefit to consumer
benefit to estates

Answer 1

Introduced after WWII
For Classified Growths and Hi Quality Wines
Sold as Futures - 18 months before bottling
Chance to purchase wines before ‘final price’ after bottling
Estates benefit from payment, generates cash flow

Question 2

En Primeur
Other en Primeur systems?
What was role of negotiant before?
When does it take place

Answer 2

Burgundy, Rhone, V Port + Super Tuscans
Traditionally negotiants/merchant blended the wine
Takes place in April (1st Tranche)
Price set/taste test - gauge market price

Question 3

En Primeur negatives?

Answer 3

Risk - Vintage Variation
Wines are overpriced and consumers lose money
Critics strongly influence price via reviews
2012 Ch Latour no longer selling wines via en primeur - plus some other Ch. reduced volume sold this way.

Question 4

What is ex cellar?

Answer 4

Wines delivered to the storage of retailer a year later, excludes tax (due in buyer’s home market)

Question 5

Advantages of en primeur?

Answer 5

Test the market, early payment
consumer; secure sought-after wines with option to keep or trade wine