Burgundy Wine Trade

Question 1

Historically how was trade conducted in Burgundy?

Answer 1

went through large négociants who would buy grapes, must, or finished wine from other growers

Question 2

When did this change and why?

Answer 2

1980s, moved towards more more domaine bottling

Question 3

List some well-known and well-regarded négociants in Burgundy, many of which date back to 19th Century?

Answer 3

Albert Bichot
Joseph Drouhin
Louis Jabot
Bouchard Père et Fils

Question 4

What has there been an increase of since 2000s?

Answer 4

Domaines who also act as négociants such as Domaine Dujac

Question 5

List the different types of organisations and what they do (5)

Answer 5

1. Growers: vineyard holdings that sell their grapes or unfinished wine to négociants (several thousand)
2. Domaines: business that own vineyards, make wine and sell under own domaine label
3. négociants: large businesses that buy grapes/wines, finish them under their own name
4. micro-négociants: smaller businesses that buy grapes from v good to top quality vineyards and sell under their own name: ie, Benjamin Leroux
5. Co-operatives: Less important in Côte d’Or but more predomoninant role in Chablis, Mâconnaise (Côte Chalonaise)

Question 6

Why do so many domaines have similar names?

Answer 6

Inheritance laws in France where children have status of equal inheritors of an estate

Question 7

What has led to a significant rise in Quality?

Answer 7

Flying winemakers, more technically trained young winemakers have led to a more adaptable and open-minded approach to winemaking

Question 8

How much burgundy is sold in France?

Answer 8

50%

Question 9

How much Burgundy is sold to other EU states

Answer 9

25%

Question 10

Who are the largest export markets?

Answer 10

USA, UK, Japan

Question 11

What are the drivers for the price in Burgundy

Answer 11

Name of Domaine, appellation including single vineyard name.
Well-regarded domaines can fetch high prices for their village wines,
eg, Super-Premium price for Domaine Armand Rousseaux Gevery-Chambertin AOC can outpace 1er Cru from same village/lesser-known producers

Question 12

What can Village names act as in terms of style?

Answer 12

Village names can act as indicators of subtle style differences in both reds and whites
Volney = elegance and intensely perfumed nature of red wines
Pommard = robust, tannic wines

Question 13

Describe 2 styles of 1er Cru wines from Mersault

Answer 13

Perrières = steely concentration
Charmes = full body and approachable style

Question 14

List how the wines can be sold

Answer 14

En Primeur
Specialist Wine Shop
Fine Dining establishments
for lesser levels - Supermarkets and hospitality

Question 15

What is the production level now in Burgundy vs Bordeaux

Answer 15

Due to weather hazards and high land prices = 1/4 of Bordeaux

Question 16

What has increased interest in the most expensive Burgundy meant?

Answer 16

steeply increased prices in wines being traded on the secondary market.
Burgundy 150 index shows prices increased by 200% between 2003 and 2016.