WHAT DOES A VINTAGE LOOK LIKE?
TRADE CULTURE AND A FEW FIGURES
The region lies on the 45 th parallel, in south- west France, close to the Atlantic Ocean, warmed by the Gulf Stream, and enjoys a moderate, maritime climate . This usually protects the vineyards from freezing winters although spring frosts remain an anxiety. A normal spring will be warm and damp, but the region’s proximity to the Atlantic means that weather can be unpredictable, especially during the crucial flowering period in June. Summers are hot, often with thunderstorms in August, but the pine forests of the Landais to the west of the region help to moderate temperatures and protect the vineyards from the strong, prevailing winds off the Bay of Biscay. Harvest is from early September to the middle of October, depending on the grape variety and the conditions of the year and, as autumn approaches, rain during that period is a constant threat.
A NÉGOCIANT is a merchant house, selling wines made at estates or commercial brands. The latter is sourced from producers or co- operatives, usually as wine, and matured by the négociant before blending, bottling and sale. One that undertakes that process is known as a “négociant-éléveur”. Although there are almost 400 registered négociants, nearly 90% of the profession’s business is accounted for by about 25 firms. The sector is responsible
All Bordeaux vineyards lie within the département of the Gironde. This vast region of 120,000 ha of vineyards (four times the size of Burgundy) has 57 different appellation contrôlées . It is the largest producer of AOC wine in France, representing 1.5% of the world’s total vineyard area. Red wine, with minimal amount of rosé, accounts for 88% of production. Bordeaux has 10,000 wine producers, 53 co-operatives, 130 brokers and 400 négociants . It is estimated that one person in six of the Gironde’s working population is involved in the trade. Not all wine producers own châteaux, of which there are approximately 5,000 across all the regions of Bordeaux. Through its reliance on courtiers and négociants (known generically as “la place”), its way of working is unique in the wine business.
PRODUCERS account for an average of 850 million bottles each year. Of these, 60% make wines on their own properties (75% of all wine produced). The balance is processed and marketed by the region’s co-operatives. CO-OPERATIVES work in an essentially technical capacity for their members, offering vinification, blending and packaging facilities. The role of the BROKER (“courtier”) is to work as an intermediary between the producers and the négociants, matching supply and demand, advising and conciliating between the two parties. Brokers work as guarantors to the supply contracts and monitor the quality of the wine through its period of maturation, ensuring that the finished product corresponds to the buying samples.
for selling 75% of all Bordeaux’s production to more than 160 different countries.
They are paid by commission (“courtage”), normally set at 2% and paid by the buyer.
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