Primeur wines: buy Bordeaux and Burgundy grands crus online
En primeur wines inspire genuine enthusiasm among wine lovers and collectors. These wines from the latest harvest offer a unique opportunity to acquire prestigious crus before they are even bottled. We invite you to dive into the alluring world of en primeur wines, exploring the subtleties of this market and the reasons for its growing appeal.
En primeur wines: a unique concept in the wine world
En primeur wines are a tradition rooted in the French wine landscape, particularly in Bordeaux and Burgundy. They are wines from the latest harvest, offered for sale before they have even been bottled or completed their ageing in barrel. This practice, a true institution in the wine world, allows wine lovers to buy prestigious crus in advance.
The en primeur campaign, an eagerly awaited annual event, generally begins in the spring following the harvest. For the 2023 vintage, for example, it was due to start at the end of April 2024. It is the moment for châteaux to present their wines to the trade and the specialist press, creating a real buzz around the quality of the vintage.
As vineyard roamers, we particularly love this period, which lets us taste the great wines of tomorrow ahead of everyone else. It is a special time to talk with winemakers and understand what makes each vintage unique.
Why buy wine en primeur?
Buying wine en primeur has several advantages that explain its growing appeal among wine enthusiasts:
- Privileged access to prestigious and rare crus
- Prices often more attractive than at official release
- The chance to anticipate the quality of a vintage
- A speculative aspect, as some wines gain value over time
The pre-order system, with a deposit paid on reservation, allows wine lovers to secure highly sought-after bottles. Delivery generally takes place 18 to 24 months after the harvest, once ageing is complete. This wait is an integral part of the pleasure of buying en primeur.
It is worth noting that buying en primeur involves an element of risk. As a result, the final quality of the wine can sometimes differ from the first tastings. That is why we strongly recommend seeking advice from a professional to guide your choices.
The 2023 vintage: an extraordinary year for en primeur wines
The 2023 vintage looks particularly promising for Bordeaux wines, despite sometimes difficult weather conditions. Bordeaux châteaux faced particular challenges this year, notably heatwaves, hail and mildew, which hit yields.
Despite these setbacks, the quality of the harvested grapes points to an exceptional vintage. Limited quantities, however, are likely to mean high prices for the 2023 en primeur wines. This scarcity only heightens the interest of collectors and investors in this unique vintage.
Here is an overview of the expected characteristics of the 2023 vintage:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Quality | Exceptional, concentrated |
| Quantity | Limited because of the weather conditions |
| Price | High, reflecting scarcity and quality |
| Ageing potential | Significant, wines built for ageing |
As passionate sommeliers, we cannot wait to discover these wines, which promise to be memorable. En primeur tastings are always an exhilarating moment, when you try to detect the future potential of these young wines.
The big names of en primeur wines
The most sought-after en primeur wines often come from the grands crus classés or premiers crus of Bordeaux. Prestigious châteaux such as Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux and Haut-Brion are essential references of the en primeur campaign. Their reputation and the consistent quality of their wines make them safe bets for wine lovers and investors alike.
Other wine regions, such as Burgundy, also sell en primeur. Nevertheless, Bordeaux remains the benchmark, with a well-oiled system and worldwide renown.
Scores awarded by influential critics play an essential role in setting prices and demand for en primeur wines. These assessments, based on early tastings, often steer buyers’ choices and can have a significant impact on the future value of the wines.
For those who prefer more affordable early-release wines, don’t overlook the appeal of vins primeurs such as Beaujolais Nouveau, which offer a unique and immediate tasting experience.
Investing in en primeur wines: opportunities and precautions
Buying wine en primeur can be seen as an investment, as some crus gain considerable value over time. However, this approach requires a good knowledge of the market and a certain amount of patience. Here are a few points to consider if you are thinking of investing in en primeur wines:
- Choose renowned châteaux with a stable track record
- Diversify your purchases to spread the risk
- Take critics’ scores into account, but do not rely on them alone
- Plan suitable storage to preserve the quality of the wines
- Be prepared to keep the wines for several years to maximise their potential increase in value
As enthusiasts who have travelled through countless vineyards, we cannot stress enough the importance of a thoughtful, informed approach. Investing in en primeur wines should above all be guided by a love of wine and an understanding of its subtleties.
En primeur wines are a fascinating facet of the wine world, combining tradition, anticipation and sometimes speculation. Whether you are buying bottles for your own cellar or as an investment, buying en primeur offers a unique experience. Despite the challenges it faced, the 2023 vintage promises to be exceptional and is sure to attract the interest of wine lovers the world over. Let’s keep an eye out for the first tastings and upcoming offers to seize the best opportunities of what looks set to be a memorable vintage.
The next journey arrives by email
Our new articles, seasonal pairings and the estates joining the cellar, straight to your inbox.
