Bordeaux is gearing up to host wine merchants and professionals during the “Semaine des Primeurs.”
BORDEAUX – From April 20th to 27th, the 131 Châteaux that comprise the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux will showcase the 2022 vintage, which is still aging in barrels, to more than 6,000 anticipated visitors along the Gironde. The 2022 vintage is already being characterized as “extreme” due to its seasonal weather conditions marked by persistent drought, daytime heat waves, and a generally early harvest. However, the extremely low phytosanitary pressure has resulted in exceptionally high-quality grapes. The extraordinary weather conditions have enabled the grapes to reach concentrated maturity while maintaining their aromatic delicacy. Although the yields are generally lower than in previous years, they remain abundant, thanks to the rains in late September.
Throughout the week, attendees will have the chance to taste wines from various Bordeaux appellations, including Graves, Sauternes, Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Pomerol, Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe. Six distinguished Bordeaux chateaux, such as Château de Fieuzal, Château Lascombes, and Château Valandraud, will serve as the venues for these tastings.
The announcement of the 2023 primeurs de Bordeaux prices typically starts two to three weeks after the conclusion of the tasting week. Each chateau gradually discloses its prices, beginning in mid-May and spanning a period of three to four weeks.
The Bordeaux Primeurs Week, established in 1970 by the Union of Grand Crus of Bordeaux (UGCB), serves as a way for winemakers to sell their wines “en primeur,” or in advance, while they are still being aged. The wine is sold but remains in the property’s vats or barrels. This event, held at the end of April, allows winegrowers to sell their latest harvest to merchants, brokers, and distributors from around the world without having to wait for the wine to be bottled and ready for consumption by enthusiasts. By doing so, the chateaux can generate much-needed cash flow, a significant benefit for Bordeaux winemakers amid the ongoing crisis in the Bordeaux wine region.
