France - Rhône

Question 1

Where are many major companies and négociants based?

Answer 1

In the North Rhône, and despite the north and south being dealt with as two separate regions, they are based there but operate across the region as a whole. Examples include Guigal, Jaboulet and Chapoutier.

Question 2

Which type of wine business is the most important in the south?

Answer 2

Co-operatives, and much more important than the north. Eg, Cellier des Princes being based in CnDP.
There are exceptions though, eg, Cave de Tain based in Tain L’Hermitage is important as it sells around 40% of all Crozes-Hermitage wines.

Question 3

What is the division of sales of Rhône wines, and what are the key export markets?

Answer 3

France:
Supermarkets 32%
Specialist retailers & hospitality 29%
Discounters 6%
Export 29%
Exports are growing, the top 3 markets by volume are USA, UK, and Belgium.

Question 4

Why is an increase in the value of wines changing the way businesses operate?

Answer 4

More growers are making and bottling their own wines, rather than selling to a negociant or taking grapes to a co-operative. Eg, Côte Rôtie has over 50 growers bottling their own wines and a higher ratio of domaines to negociants than many other communes.

Question 5

What is another small but key market within the Rhône?

Answer 5

En primeur and investment for the very top wines, especially Cote Rotie, Hermitage and CnDP.