UGCB – The Luxury Report

Hanger 14 En Primeur Bordeaux Tasting

Marisa DVari — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:01:53 +0000

Hanger 14 En Primeur Bordeaux Tasting

Hangar 14

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Bordeaux En Primeur trade tastings at Hangar 14.

This is a soaring, light-filled space with panoramic views of the Garonne River that beautifully framed our visit.

The morning event was impeccably organized, with clearly marked appellations overhead and ample space to walk the aisles. The small tables spread about the room were much appreciated for notetaking.

Union Des Grands Crus producers across every region were present to pour wine and answer questions from the international press and trade.

At the Bordeaux En Primeur tasting at Hangar 14, each visit to each booth offered a rare glimpse into the human stories behind the vintage and the people behind the great Bordeaux châteaux.

The morning event was impeccably organized, with clearly marked appellations overhead and ample space to walk the aisles. The small tables spread about the room were much appreciated for note taking.

Greeting Familiar Faces

It was a rare privilege to exchange greetings with estate owners or estate managers at the table to discuss the vintage.

Wine Lovers Can Replicate This Experience

For those outside the wine trade who wish for a Bordeaux experience of their own, read on.

The Weekend des Grands Crus organized by the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux offers a rare opportunity to replicate this experience with added glamour.

Weekend des Grands Crus

For the 19th consecutive year, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux is organizing the Weekend des Grands Crus, an exceptional event bringing together wine enthusiasts from all over the world.

Punctuated by several highlights, this weekend will be marked by the Grand Tasting of the 2022 vintage, on Saturday June 14 at Hangar 14.

Tickets are not yet on sale, but here is the web page

Marisa DVari

Marisa D'Vari, DipWSET is founder and publisher of TheLuxuryReport.com. She recently obtained her OIV MSc diploma in Wine Business Management and contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post , and more. She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators ... to see it all, please click on bio

The post Hanger 14 En Primeur Bordeaux Tasting appeared first on The Luxury Report.

En Primeur Bordeaux

Marisa DVari — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:29:08 +0000

En Primeur Bordeaux

En Primeur Bordeaux Welcome Party

Each spring, En Primeur week in Bordeaux signals one of this fine wine region’s most important calendar events.

This year, the welcome evening was hosted by Château Figeac and orchestrated by the member-created Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB).

It was delightful to revisit this classic Saint-Émilion estate. I’d been fortunate enough to dine here more than ten years ago, where I had sat across the table from Madame Manoncourt herself.

That long-ago dinner reinforced the values and culture of “classic Bordeaux” and allowed me to taste some of Figeac’s library wines.

At last week’s event, Madame Manoncourt was as elegant and well-spoken as she had been during my earlier visit. She was quite gracious as she sincerely thanked international journalists and the trade for their support during her welcoming address.

By her side was Francois-Xavier Maroteaux, the incoming UGCB president. He thanked his team for their hard work in planning this activity-intense week.

En Primeur Bordeaux Welcome Party Wines

Guests entered Château Figeac through the gorgeous new vat room, where the wines are fermented before the aging process.

Decorated with flowers, it was elegant enough to hold a black-tie soirée.

Imperial-Sized Bottle of Château Figeac 2009

Then, the stairs led up to a glass-enclosed outdoor space where guests could choose from a wide array of classic vintage wines from the UGCB châteaux.

Headlining these wines were several Imperial-sized bottles of the excellent 2009 vintage from Château Figeac itself. Well-balanced, savory, with a long finish that attests to its ability to further improve with age, it was quite extraordinary.

An Imperial holds six liters, or eight bottles. This size was more than enough for everyone at the event to have a delicious taste of this classic vintage.

The Party. The People. The Savory “Bites”

A talented band played upbeat music during this welcome party, enlivening the atmosphere.

Servers passed hot and cold hors d’œuvres, yet guests could also choose from some very creative “finger food” offered at various tables.

Though I loved the elaborate cheese table, a favorite was a vegetarian corner. Here, a chef with a giant French toque spent serious time carving shapes out of vegetables—literally as pretty as a picture.

The Château Figeac UGCB Event

Aside from the elegance of the party, the biggest treat was the opportunity to greet and thank many of the château owners I’ve visited for this En Primeur event over the last 15 years.

En Primeur Bordeaux: The New Vintage

Large, structured tasting events—like the vintage presentation in New York earlier this year, and especially the official vintage tasting event in Bordeaux at Hangar 14 that kicks off En Primeur week—are the primary places to taste the wines of the new vintage.

Yet the “behind-the-scenes” tastings of these wines are incredibly valuable and treasured.

Over the years, I was fortunate enough to have a personal, owner-led tour of individual vineyards and even experience daily château life as a guest at their château for dinner or for a short stay.

During these visits, I was able to experience the evolution of each château’s wines—and also the evolution of the owners’ offspring, from little kids to young adults, ready to take their place as the new leaders of their family estate.

Familiar Faces

Entering the party, I was able to greet Véronique Sanders of Château Haut-Bailly, and her husband Alexander Van Beek of Château Giscours.

Nearby were Céline Villars-Foubet and Jean Merlaut, co-owners of Château Chasse-Spleen and Château Gruaud Larose. I have very warm memories of spending a few days with this charming couple at their châteaux, in addition to the high quality of their wines.

During my visit, Céline served as the classical model for Bordeaux hospitality—with Champagne before dinner, many vintages of Château Chasse-Spleen during dinner, and digestifs after dinner.

I also enjoyed a short conversation with Lilian Barton Sartorius of Château Léoville Barton and Château Langoa Barton.
Though very down-to-earth, this dynamic woman represents one of the few founding families that still own and manage their classified estates across generations.

Lilian and I discussed the tour UGCB château owners will make to Asia. I had glimpsed the schedule that would take them on a roadshow to present the new vintage, stopping in what seemed like every single major city.

The scheduled tour looked incredibly exhausting on paper. As a journalist, I’ve been on many programs where the daily schedule meant a 9 a.m. start, with the day of visits ending well after midnight.

Yet here are the château owners, presenting the wines themselves to collectors, journalists, and the Asian wine trade—instead of sending an export manager in their place.

In my experience, Bordeaux’s UGCB château owners are extremely hands-on, eagerly accepting the responsibilities that have been handed to them from previous generations or that they have orchestrated themselves.

The list of welcome, familiar faces of the château owners I greeted would exceed the word length of this article, but notably included Olivier Bernard—ever charismatic—present both as the owner of Domaine de Chevalier and in his role as president of Les Crus Classés de Graves.

I also said hello to several members of the Lurton family—a family name that threads through Bordeaux in multiple directions.

Then again I was able to greet Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of Château Canon-La Gaffelière. I remember when I first met him around 2010 and how he impressed me with his elegant ascot and double-breasted blazer.

Then I was doubly impressed when I tasted the elegance and finesse of his wines. Each year since that visit, he’s sent me a delightful Christmas card with a picture of his family and handwritten signatures from them all.

These cards have become treasures I’ve saved and often regard as emblems of the evolution of Bordeaux: as a cherished wine region, and of the personal relationships I’ve built over time.

Click here for Wine Resources

Underscoring the "Human Side" of En Primeur Week

Each of the UGCB château owners plays a key role in the success of En Primeur week. It’s not just about the vintage—because each vintage is different.

Each year presents the opportunity to reinforce the value of Bordeaux as a fine wine region—a “collectible wine” and even a financial asset… yet also a wine with a million stories behind it.

In each social interaction, I hear a new story, a new facet of the family’s history. Over the past nearly two decades, this has become a tapestry of experiences that has allowed me to understand the region in a way that transcends organized press events, interviews, and formal structured tastings.

En Primeur Bordeaux: More About the UGCB

More About the UGCB

Founded in 1973, the UGCB’s mission was to serve as a gateway from the region’s historic châteaux—classified since 1855—to the wine-consuming public and the trade.

It brings together more than 130 of Bordeaux’s top classified and equivalent-level estates from across the Left and Right Banks to promote the wines and the region’s core story.

It does so through global tastings, export events, and market education. But the most immersive lens is right here during En Primeur week. During this week, the wines are open, the producers are present, and the vintage is launched. Like the tone and format of this welcome evening.

To Conclude

This welcome night, though less public than the famous verticals and classification walk-arounds that follow, is where the tone is set. It’s the Union saying: “Let En Primeur Week begin.”

And tonight, it’s also the hosting Château Figeac opening their doors and generously showcasing both the cultural and the vinous history of Bordeaux at its finest.

Marisa DVari

The post En Primeur Bordeaux appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Pessac-Léognan Evening Welcome Party 2025

Marisa DVari — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:16:45 +0000

Pessac-Léognan Evening Welcome Party 2025

Pessac-Léognan Evening Welcome Party 2025 brought together top producers, global journalists, wine buyers, and a selection of renowned French chefs for an evening that combined elegant hospitality with regional pride.

As the first major gathering of this year’s En Primeur week, the soirée presented the 2024 vintage to visiting members of the international wine trade. This included importers, distributors, sommeliers, and journalists.

In additon to the 2024 vintage, many producers poured their library wines. This offered context and a deeper sensory understanding of each château’s style.

Adding a layer of refinement and regional character to the event was a curated culinary program. Several of France’s top chefs prepared dishes to pair with the Pessac-Leognan wines. Among the highlights were oysters, seared scallops, beautifully constructed savory courses, and a presentation of cheeses that demonstrated just how versatile these wines can be at the table.

The event was held at the Palais de la Bourse one of the most recognizable landmarks in central Bordeaux. The setting itself—formal yet welcoming, steeped in history—reflected the tone of the evening. This was more than the tasting of the current vintage. It was a celebration of regional excellence and mutual respect between producers and professionals who share a long-standing relationship through the vintage cycle.

The Wines of Pessac-Léognan

Long admired for producing both structured reds and complex whites, Pessac-Léognan has historically been best known for its age-worthy white wines—typically blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, though some producers do offer 100% Sauvignon Blanc wines.

While the reds are esteemed and long-lived in their own right, the whites remain the appellation’s quiet icons, capable of pairing with everything from seafood to fine poultry and aged cheeses.

Growing up in California and drinking USA Sauvignon Blanc, I was surprised and intrigued by the sophistication of the same grape from Pessac-Léognan. These wines had aroma, weight, and a quiet power that quickly revealed their majesty.

Tasting the 2024s showed freshness and focus, while the older bottles added richness and perspective. The set-up encouraged discussion between producers and guests, many of whom had traveled across multiple continents to be there.

A Region with Deep Roots and a Cohesive Voice

Though officially established as an appellation in 1987, the history of Pessac-Léognan stretches much further back.

For centuries, these were the heartland vineyards of Graves, known for producing some of Bordeaux’s most elegant and balanced wines.

Pessac-Léognan’s transition from being the northern section of Graves to its own appellation was a reflection of both geography and identity.

The soils, proximity to the city of Bordeaux, and stylistic signatures of its wines justified a distinct classification.

Many of the leading estates were already recognized in the Graves classifications of 1953 and 1959, which, unusually for Bordeaux, include both red and white wines.

Overseeing the appellation today is the Syndicat Viticole de Pessac-Léognan, a professional association that both upholds winemaking standards and promotes the identity of the region globally.

The Syndicat also supports events like this opening soirée, helping the region maintain visibility and cohesion across Bordeaux’s competitive fine wine landscape.

The current president of the Syndicat is Jacques Lurton, a member of one of Bordeaux’s most prominent wine families and owner of Château La Louvière. Active as a winemaker and industry voice, Lurton brings both experience and perspective to his leadership. Alongside him, Olivier Bernard—owner of Domaine de Chevalier—serves as President of the Crus Classés de Graves, the body representing the classified estates of the Graves region.

It’s these kinds of working partnerships that make gatherings like this event possible.

They also reflect Pessac-Léognan’s unique strength: many of its producers are industry veterans who deeply believe in collaboration, open communication, and welcoming professionals from outside the region into the story of each vintage.

Looking Ahead to the Week

As the first event of En Primeur 2025, the Pessac-Léognan welcome party did more than simply introduce a vintage—it reminded attendees why the region matters.

The wines continue to blend age-ability with immediate appeal. The Pessac-Leognan wine producers, many of whom I’ve known for years, retain a generosity of spirit that shows both in the glass and in the tone they set for visitors.

That evening, I knew there would be hundreds of wines to taste during the week, dozens of conversations about climate, pH, oak protocols, and fermentation vessels.

But this night, set in grandeur and marked by well-paired food, gracious conversation, and quiet pours of older vintages, brought attention back to what makes Bordeaux—and Pessac-Léognan in particular—so enduring.

Marisa DVari

The post Pessac-Léognan Evening Welcome Party 2025 appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Chateau Figeac

Marisa DVari — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:57:47 +0000

Château Figeac: Saint-Émilion Excellence

Can you imagine what it would be like to be invited to a private dinner inside a historic chateau?

It must have been a decade now since I was a guest for dinner, hosted by the Manoncourt family, treated to an evening of stories and their fantastic wines.

Located in the historic region of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, Château Figeac stands among the pinnacles of fine French winemaking.

With roots that stretch back to Gallo-Roman times and a continuous family stewardship for well over a century, the estate has earned a place in the pantheon of Bordeaux’s finest wines.

Its recent elevation in 2022 to Premier Grand Cru Classé A—the highest recognition in the Saint-Émilion classification—has cemented its position as an iconic label producing iconic wine.

A Rich Tapestry of History

The story of Château Figeac begins remarkably early, tracing its name to the Figeacus family of the 2nd century AD who established a villa on what is now the estate’s grounds.

Through centuries of transformation, subdivision, and renewal, the property took shape in the 19th century, when Henri de Chevremont purchased it in 1892.

It later passed through his daughter to the Manoncourt family, who have been its stewards ever since.

Thierry Manoncourt

A turning point came in 1947 when Thierry Manoncourt began reshaping the estate.

Under his direction, Château Figeac rose to prominence, combining scientific precision with an unwavering devotion to terroir and tradition.

Following his death in 2010, his widow Marie-France Manoncourt and their family continued his legacy, bolstered by renewed leadership under CEO Frédéric Faye.

Terroir Beyond Compare

Château Figeac’s uniqueness begins in the soil.

Most estates in Saint-Émilion—especially those situated on the limestone-rich plateau—are dominated by Merlot.

However, Figeac defies the norm. Located on the western edges of the appellation near the Pomerol border, the estate’s terroir comprises three Gunzian gravel outcrops made of quartz and flint, a rare geological formation in the area.

This gravel, laid atop iron-rich blue clay, offers excellent drainage and reflects heat, enabling the successful cultivation of grapes typically associated with the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Figeac’s 41 hectares of vineyards are planted to 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot—a composition unique in Saint-Émilion.

The vineyard’s average vine age is around 40 years, with several parcels boasting venerable plants over 100 years old.

Sustainable Viticulture and Winemaking Innovation

Beyond its geological assets, Château Figeac upholds a strong commitment to sustainability.

The estate is certified HVE 3 (Haute Valeur Environnementale – Level 3), the highest environmental certification in France.

Château Figeac embraces modern vinification methods without sacrificing tradition. The program is overseen by Michel Rolland, one of Bordeaux’s most legendary consulting enologists.

His influence, combined with the technical expertise of Romain Jean Pierre and cellar master Jean Albino, ensures the estate’s wines encapsulate precision, depth, and grace.

In line with this philosophy, the grand vin is aged in 100% new French oak barrels, adding structure and complexity to an already layered profile.

Architectural Renaissance

One of the estate’s most significant modern projects was the construction of new winemaking facilities, unveiled between 2018 and 2021.

This three-level, 5,000-square-meter cellar extends 12 meters underground and reflects a seamless marriage of high technology and elegant design.

It was constructed to improve the vinification process, ensuring the utmost respect for the grape’s potential, from harvest to bottle.

This meticulous effort allows Château Figeac to tailor fermentation vessel size to each parcel, preserve each lot’s identity, and ultimately blend a wine that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

The result is a wine that offers the signature Figeac experience: refined, bright, and unmistakably aristocratic.

A Benchmark Wine

Tasting Château Figeac is a study in harmony. The wine’s distinctive blend leans into the power and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the perfumed elegance of Cabernet Franc, and the plush fruitiness of Merlot.

It yields an aromatic, complex bouquet—notes of cassis, graphite, violet, tobacco, and spice all gracefully interwoven.

On the palate, it is a wine of depth and precision, with silky tannins and a remarkably persistent finish that speaks of its elite pedigree.

The wine’s aging potential is another hallmark.

In top vintages, Château Figeac can evolve and improve for several decades. Wine critics and collectors frequently praise its ability to develop nuanced secondary and tertiary aromas over time, rewarding those with the patience to cellar it.

A Rich Tapestry of History

The story of Château Figeac begins remarkably early, tracing its name to the Figeacus family of the 2nd century AD.

They had established a villa on what is now the estate’s grounds.

Through centuries of transformation, subdivision, and renewal, the property took shape in the 19th century. This is when Henri de Chevremont purchased it in 1892.

It later passed through his daughter to the Manoncourt family. They have been its stewards ever since.

Thierry Manoncourt

Terroir Beyond Compare

Château Figeac’s uniqueness begins in the soil.

Most estates in Saint-Émilion—especially those situated on the limestone-rich plateau—are dominated by Merlot.

However, Figeac defies the norm. Located on the western edges of the appellation near the Pomerol border, the estate’s terroir comprises three Gunzian gravel outcrops made of quartz and flint, a rare geological formation in the area.

This gravel, laid atop iron-rich blue clay, offers excellent drainage and reflects heat.
This allows for the successful cultivation of grapes typically associated with the Left Bank of Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Sustainable Viticulture and Winemaking Innovation

Architectural Renaissance

A Benchmark Wine

The wine’s aging potential is another hallmark.

In top vintages, Château Figeac can evolve and improve for several decades.

Wine critics and collectors frequently praise its ability to develop nuanced secondary and tertiary aromas over time, rewarding those with the patience to cellar it.

Marisa DVari

The post Chateau Figeac appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Pauillac Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste

Marisa DVari — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:43:47 +0000

Pauillac Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste

Pauillac Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste ranks amongst the most respected château in Pauillac, both in terms of the quality of the wine it produces and its classic elegance.

I have visited many chateaux in Pauillac over the years as a journalist. But this is the first time I visited this Pauillac estate along with current wine management students with the OIV MSc program.

Greeting us in the crisp winter air was fellow OIV MSc alumni Emeline Borie, co-owner with her parents and brother. She is also in charge of PR and Marketing.

Warm and approachable, she exudes the quiet confidence of someone who has grown up steeped in the family tradition and modern-day wine education.

A Personal Tour

Emeline began the tour, offering us a concise history of the Pauillac estate, blending personal anecdotes with a clear understanding of the property’s importance within the Médoc.

The Borie family has owned Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste since 1978, when her grandfather Jean-Eugène Borie purchased the estate.

Following his passing in 1998, Emeline’s father François-Xavier Borie took the reins and undertook an ambitious and ongoing program of investment and modernization while maintaining the property’s long-standing reputation for elegance, balance, and longevity in its wines.

Though François-Xavier remains at the helm, Emeline and her brother Pierre-Antoine are active in all aspects of the estate’s operations.

In the Vineyards

The estate’s soils, composed primarily of Garonne gravel, are perfectly suited to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, which dominates the blend of their wines.

Standing at the edge of the vineyards, it was easy to see why this terroir is considered special—the well-draining gravel soils and the gentle plateau shaped a landscape that has been refined by centuries of winemaking expertise.

Emeline described how much her father has invested in enhancing both the vineyards and the winemaking facilities to ensure that Grand-Puy-Lacoste remains among the finest in Pauillac.

In the vineyard, increased attention to detail includes parcel selection, precision viticulture, and careful harvesting—grapes are now picked into smaller containers to limit damage. In the cellar, a 1997 renovation introduced thermoregulated vats, allowing their team to carefully manage fermentation, and further upgrades included the construction of a new barrel cellar in 2003.

While technological innovation has been key to progress, the family upholds a deep respect for heritage, ensuring that the essence of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste’s terroir and winemaking philosophy is never compromised.

The signature Cabernet Sauvignon backbone lends itself to structure, freshness, and longevity, while Merlot provides finesse and approachability.

Young vintages showed vibrant black fruit, fine-grained tannins, and pronounced minerality, while older wines exhibited tertiary notes of cedar, earth, and leather, emphasizing the estate’s capacity to produce age-worthy wines.

Click here for Wine Resources

Tasting the Wines

Tasting these wines in the very place they were made, surrounded by the vines that produced them, gave me a deeper appreciation for the seamless connection between terroir and tradition.

Formal Tasting & Lunch

After the tour, we returned to the château for a formal tasting. Set in an elegant room with a view of the vineyard, we enjoyed tasting refined samples based on individual parcels before tasting through classic vintages over a delicious 3 course lunch.

The wines of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste are quintessential Pauillac—concentrated yet balanced, refined yet powerful.

The atmosphere grew more convivial when we sat down for lunch.

The Borie family’s hospitality was as generous as their wines. The meal featured classic French dishes designed to pair harmoniously with the wines.

The Wines

Over lunch we enjoyed the Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac Cru Classe vintages 1985, 1995, 2015.

We started the meal with the Lacoste-Borie 2015, Pauillac, Second vin du Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste

As we lingered over lunch, Emeline shared more about the challenges and rewards of leading a family estate in the modern era.

She spoke candidly about balancing tradition with innovation and maintaining the estate’s identity amidst growing competition in the wine world.

Her pragmatic approach to the family legacy was apparent—this is not a château content to rest on its laurels, but one that continually strives for excellence.

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a prime example of how a family-driven approach can sustain and enhance an estate’s reputation over generations.

Marisa DVari

The post Pauillac Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste appeared first on The Luxury Report.

UGCB 2022 Bordeaux Vintage Preview

Marisa DVari — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:52:20 +0000

UGCB 2022 Vintage Preview

As a globetrotting journalist specializing in fine wine, one of the highlights of my year is always the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) 2022 Vintage Preview in New York City.

This annual release event offers a rare and invaluable opportunity to explore the vintage destined to captivate connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.

For me, it’s as much about tasting and learning as it is about reconnecting with the passionate individuals behind some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates.

The 2022 vintage, as described by UGCB President Ronan Laborde of Château Clinet, is a triumph, producing “deep, rich, round wines with tremendous precision.”

The wines are still young and need time to mature before their true beauty is fully expressed. Yet, they reveal fascinating nuances in style across Bordeaux’s varied appellations. It was a joy to taste these wines side-by-side and consider how terroir, technique, and vintage conditions shaped their personalities.

The event buzzed with energy, with eager members of the wine trade crowding into the tasting room.

I navigated the crowds to connect with as many producers as I could, savoring both their wines and their stories.

Highlights

A few highlights include catching up with Jean-Jacques Dubourdieu of Denis Dubourdieu Domaines and Lilian Barton Sartorius of Château Léoville Barton.

I was delighted to see Emeline Borie of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste—though I knew in advance she would be showing her wine at this event.

A few days earlier, she had hosted me and other recent graduates of the OIV MSc in Wine Business Management at her château for a tour, elegant lunch, and unforgettable tastings of older vintages.

Emeline’s warmth and hospitality struck me as much then as it did again at the UGCB tasting, where she and other producers appeared remarkably fresh despite their whirlwind US tour.

Attending events like these is not just about the wines we taste—it’s also about the bonds we strengthen.

Many of the producers present had invited me to their homes for dinner, lodging, or a walk in their vineyards.

Friendship

Bordeaux is built on heritage and friendships, and the UGCB’s mission to spotlight its member châteaux around the world is a key part of preserving and sharing that legacy.

For those unfamiliar, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, established in 1973, represents more than 130 distinguished Bordeaux grands crus. Their mission is to promote the region’s exceptional wines and connect producers with professionals and enthusiasts across the globe.

Stay tuned as I delve deeper into my visit to Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste at a later point.

Until then, my glass is raised to the 2022 vintage and the people who bring its promise to life. Santé!

Marisa DVari

The post UGCB 2022 Bordeaux Vintage Preview appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Bordeaux En Primeur Week

Marisa DVari — Thu, 16 May 2024 17:39:41 +0000

Bordeaux En Primeur Week

En Primeur: A Tale of Negociants, Courtiers, and Bordeaux Excitement

The world-renowned En Primeur campaign, also known as wine futures, has become an integral part of the Bordeaux wine trade.

Organized by the Union Des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, Each year, wine enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals eagerly await the release of the latest vintage, hoping to secure their share of the most sought-after wines.

En Primeur

The world-renowned En Primeur campaign, also known as wine futures, has become an integral part of the Bordeaux wine trade. You could see members of the trade from around. the world at the opening party at Chateau Leoville Poyferre.

Each year, wine enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals eagerly await the release of the latest vintage, hoping to secure their share of the most sought-after wines.

But how did this system come to be?
The answer lies in the fascinating history of Bordeaux’s negociants and courtiers.

The En Primeur system traces its roots back to the 18th century when Bordeaux’s wine trade was dominated by negociants. These merchants acted as intermediaries between the chateaux and the buyers, purchasing wine in bulk and then selling it to customers around the world.

However, the negociants faced a challenge: they needed to generate excitement and demand for the wines they had purchased, often before the wines were even bottled.

To overcome this challenge, the negociants turned to the courtiers, who served as brokers between the chateaux and the negociants. The courtiers had an intimate knowledge of the wines and the market, and they used this expertise to help the negociants drum up interest in the latest vintage.

Click here for Wine Resources

Tasting the New Vintage

The courtiers would visit the chateaux during the spring following the harvest to taste the young wines still in barrels. They would then share their impressions with the negociants, who would use this information to make their purchasing decisions and set prices.

The negociants, in turn, would offer the wines to their customers as futures, allowing them to purchase the wines at a lower price before they were bottled and released to the market.

This system of selling wine futures proved to be a brilliant marketing strategy. By generating buzz and excitement around the latest vintage, the negociants and courtiers were able to create demand for the wines and secure sales well before the wines were ready for delivery.

This not only helped the chateaux and negociants manage their cash flow but also gave consumers the opportunity to invest in the most promising wines at a lower price point.

As the En Primeur system evolved, it became an increasingly important event in the wine world. Critics and journalists would join the courtiers in tasting the young wines, and their scores and reviews would further fuel demand for the top-rated wines. The En Primeur campaign became a frenzy of activity, with buyers scrambling to secure their allocations of the most highly sought-after wines.

Today, the En Primeur system remains an essential part of the Bordeaux wine trade, although it has undergone some changes in recent years.

Bordeaux Culture

Bor

As a journalist first attending in 2011, the En Primeur campaign over the years has allowed me to meet many of the chateau owners in their homes. observe their vineyards, and taste and rate their wines.

During some early years of En Primeur, I was invited to lodge with key producers in their chateaux. This provided the opportunity to write spotlight articles on them, and also develop a richer sense of the culture that shaped Bordeaux.

New Bordeaux Trends: Tourism and Social Media

Outside of wine and evolving winemaking styles, one of the biggest trends in the last several years is a renewed focus on tourism. During the recent En Primeur campaign, almost every producer I spoke with has created guest rooms at their chateaux – or is in the process of doing so.

Though guest rooms can generate income, they also serve as a positive way to brand the region and stimulate wine sales and return visits to the Bordeaux region.

In addition to guest rooms, a few chateaux have created highly branded luxury hotels, such as Smith Haut Lafite with their Hotel Les Sources de Caudalie.

Many chateaux, especially in the Sauternes and Barsac appellations noted for their fine sweet wine, have created food and wine pairing classes for visitors who wish to discover how to pair these fine wines with cuisine. Aline Baly of Chateau Coutet is one of the founding chateaux to create these classes. And at Chateau Carbonnieux in Pessac-leognan, their tasting events have evolved to “carbon neutral” walks around the vineyard.

(You can click here for an article I wrote for the World of Fine Wine, about how to pair Sauternes with cuisine, as well as its history).

Bordeaux: Climate Change

You will discover many changes in the last ten years in the way the top Chateaux plant, pick, blend, and sell their wine. Some of these changes are due to climate change (which can affect the percentage of grapes in a blend) and other changes due to changing consumer preferences.

Through changing times, the En Primeur system remains a testament to the unwavering commitment of Bordeaux’s wine professionals in producing and promoting the region’s outstanding wines.

Marisa DVari

The post Bordeaux En Primeur Week appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Domaine de Chevalier

Marisa DVari — Mon, 13 May 2024 19:14:29 +0000

Domaine de Chevalier

Domaine de Chevalier: A Legacy of Quality and Innovation

It was so exciting to say hello to Olivier Bernard at the 2024 kick-off party for En Primeur Week in Bordeaux, held at Chateau Leoville Poyferre. The gregarious Mr. Bernard is a familiar figure in Bordeaux, as he is the past president of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.

Today Mr. Bernard works with his son Adrien to produce delicious wine from this top-rated chateau in the Pessac-Leognan region of Bordeaux.

Olivier Bernard acquired Domaine de Chevalier in 1983, then elevated the chateau’s legacy through a blend of respect for tradition and a push towards innovation.

Family Legacy and Management

Adrien grew up at Domaine de Chevalier, deeply immersed in the winemaking world from a young age. This intimate connection to the vineyards and his foundational knowledge of winemaking have been pivotal as he took on more significant roles within the family business.

Despite his profound roots in tradition, Adrien pursued higher education rigorously, earning an MBA that prepared him for the multifaceted challenges of managing a renowned wine estate.

Domaine de Chevalier New Generation

Innovations and Global Outreach

One of Adrien’s notable contributions has been his role in expanding the estate’s reach, particularly in Asia. Having spent many years developing distribution networks across the continent, he focused on educating both distributors and consumers, overcoming language barriers, and adapting to market needs.

The Wines of Domaine de Chevalier

The appellation allows for the production of both red wine and white wine. At Domaine de Chevalier, the red wine is made from a majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, followed by Merlot. For the white wine, Sauvignon Blanc is the primary grape supported by Semillon.

Cultural and Market Influence

Adrien’s deep understanding of the cultural nuances and market dynamics in places like China has allowed Domaine de Chevalier to thrive in non-traditional markets. He discovered that in China, Bordeaux wines are appreciated not just in high-end restaurants but also in supermarkets like Carrefour, where consumers recognize and respect the brand, showcasing the broad appeal of the estate’s wines.

Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

As Domaine de Chevalier moves forward, it does so with a respect for its past and an eager eye towards the future, embodying the spirit of innovation that Adrien Bernard has woven into the fabric of this storied estate.

Marisa DVari

The post Domaine de Chevalier appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Aline Baly: Chateau Coutet in Barsac

Marisa DVari — Mon, 13 May 2024 18:26:39 +0000

Aline Baly Chateau Coutet in Barsac

Chateau Coutet: Modern History

Recently I caught up with Aline Baly at this year’s ‘Welcome Party’ for International Journalists in Bordeaux, France – the party that kicks off En Primeur Week.

The gorgeous room at the party’s location, Chateau Leoville Poyferre, was filled with Bordeaux’s finest producers. Aline looked great and was full of exciting news about her chateau and this vintage. Here’s a quick introduction to Chateau Coutet and Aline’s place in it.

The Family Legacy

Aline is half-American, born in France but raised in the States. Her family’s story started in the 1970s when her French grandfather from the Alsace region visited Bordeaux. A friend introduced him to the gorgeous Chateau Coutet, then for sale. When that friend teased Aline’s grandfather that he could never manage a 1st cru classified growth, her grandfather bought Chateau Coutet to make good on the bet.

This happened in 1977.

The first few years were challenging. Yet Aline’s father and uncle worked side by side with the staff to manage and improve Chateau Coutet.

Chateau Coutet: Modern History

The Family Legacy

Aline's Journey

Aline’s Journey

Aline majored in economics and international relations. She started her career in the bioscience pharmaceutical industry. Her desire to pursue an MBA led her to the Kellogg School of Management.

The pivotal moment responsible for her decision to be a co-owner of Chateau Coutet occurred when she translated her uncle’s French to English during a winery event in England. As she shared her family’s stories and Chateau Coutet’s history, she realized she wanted to become part of the chateau’s future. Before joining Coutet as co-owner, she performed an internship in a classified growth then joined Chateau Coutet full-time in 2008.

Innovations at Chateau Coutet

One of Aline’s early achievements at Chateau Coutet was to bring social media to the chateau. She started applying Twitter and Facebook early on, recognizing the value of these platforms for communicating and engaging with people.

Today, social media continues to be an essential tool for Chateau Coutet to connect with wine lovers worldwide.

Another significant milestone was the launch of Opalie, a limited-production dry white wine showcasing Chateau Coutet’s unique terroir in Barsac. Aline and her uncle worked closely with their technical partners to develop a wine that would represent the vivacity of Chateau Coutet’s clay and limestone terroir.

The name “Opalie” was chosen to represent the freshness and acidity that cuts through the sweetness, like a knife (“coutet” in French). The label design for Opalie was a challenge, requiring market testing, strategy, and a talented designer to create a visual representation of the wine’s elegance and uniqueness.

Click here for Wine Resources

Add Your Heading Text Here

Spreading the Love for Sauternes and Barsac

Aline has been instrumental in promoting the wines of Sauternes and Barsac, particularly in Asia, where she has witnessed increasing popularity and interest in pairing these wines with savory foods. She actively participates in tastings and wine dinners to educate and inspire people to explore the versatility of these golden wines beyond traditional dessert pairings.

In the United States, Aline enjoys meeting first-time tasters and engaging with those who compare their experiences with different vintages. Her passion for sharing the stories and wines of Chateau Coutet is evident in her dedication to hosting events and introducing new people to the joys of Sauternes and Barsac.

The Future of Chateau Coutet

Looking ahead, Aline and her team have exciting plans for Chateau Coutet. They are continuously working to improve quality in the vineyard and the cellar while spreading the word about the exceptional wines being made at their historic chateau in Barsac. Aline firmly believes that the region has tremendous potential for growth and success, and is committed to sharing the next chapter of Chateau Coutet’s story with the world.

Marisa DVari

The post Aline Baly: Chateau Coutet in Barsac appeared first on The Luxury Report.

Château Léoville Poyferré

Marisa DVari — Mon, 06 May 2024 19:47:59 +0000

Château Léoville Poyferré

Château Léoville Poyferré: A Bordeaux Icon of Elegance and Excellence

Chateau Leoville Poyferre is a charming estate in Saint Julien, where the Cuvelier family graciously hosted their domaine for the welcome party to kick off En Primeur Week.

The estate’s rich history traces back to the 17th century, when it formed part of the vast Léoville estate owned by the noble de Moytie family.

Throughout the centuries, Château Léoville Poyferré changed ownership, each leaving a distinct mark on its legacy.

However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the estate truly flourished under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family, who had established a long-standing negotiant business in Bordeaux.

Cuvelier Family - Custodians of Tradition

For over a century, the Cuvelier family has meticulously overseen the vineyards and winemaking practices at Château Léoville Poyferré, upholding a tradition of quality and dedication.

As guests arrived at Château Léoville Poyferré and ascended the staircase to the welcome party, they were greeted by an attractive, smiling woman on the landing. Flanked by two servers offering sparkling wine on silver trays, the woman was Sara Lecompte Cuvelier, warmly welcoming her guests.

Ms. Cuvelier assumed management of the estate in 2018, succeeding her cousin Didier Cuvelier after his retirement. She had previously pursued a career outside of the wine industry before returning to lead the estate, having completed her wine estate management diploma at Bordeaux Sciences Agro.

Climate Change and Adaptation

Ms. Cuvelier has been proactive in addressing climate change, a key issue impacting the vineyard’s operations. Changes in climate have necessitated adjustments in picking times and vinification choices, but so far, the estate has managed these challenges successfully while maintaining the wine’s distinctive style.

Click here for Wine Resources

The Cuvelier Welcome

Joining Ms. Cuvelier in greeting guests was her sister, Anne Cuvelier, who oversees tourism and events at the estate. Following a welcome from Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux president Ronan Laborde, both Anne and Sara delivered impassioned speeches summarizing the chateau’s history and outlining their vision for the future, including their establishment of Cuvelier Los Andes in Argentina in 1998.

Château Léoville Poyferré Terroir

Château Léoville Poyferré benefits from an exceptional terroir characterized by gravelly soils that impart a unique flavor and mouthfeel to the wine. Notably, there has been a shift towards emphasizing freshness in the wine and reducing the use of Merlot in the blend, reflecting a commitment to evolving with the changing landscape of winemaking.

Château Léoville Poyferré Portfolio

Château Léoville Poyferré boasts a portfolio of exceptional wines, including the flagship Château Léoville Poyferré Grand Vin, renowned for its opulence, richness, and aging potential. The second wine, Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré, offers a more accessible expression of Saint-Julien’s elegance and sophistication.

Global Acclaim and Recognition

The wines of Château Léoville Poyferré have earned international acclaim, receiving accolades from critics and connoisseurs worldwide. The welcome evening provided guests with the opportunity to taste these celebrated wines alongside their peers, as members of the UGCB shared their own bottles for comparison.

Kudos to the Cuvelier family for extending their hospitality to international guests and hosting a memorable En Primeur kick-off event.

Marisa DVari

The post Château Léoville Poyferré appeared first on The Luxury Report.