Pay now, drink later: A beginner’s guide to En Primeur wine

It’s that time of the year again – En Primeur season in London for the highly anticipated 2024 vintage of Burgundy. For wine enthusiasts and collectors, this is an exciting time, as it provides the chance to purchase some of the world’s most sought-after wines before they are even bottled. But what exactly is En Primeur and why would anyone take the risk of buying wine before even trying it? Let’s delve into the world of Burgundy En Primeur and discover why it’s worth the gamble.

En Primeur, also known as “wine futures”, is a practice where wine is offered for sale before it is ready to be bottled and released onto the market. This tradition originated in Bordeaux, France, but has now spread to other wine regions such as Burgundy. En Primeur allows buyers to secure their share of the limited production of highly sought-after wines, ensuring that they don’t miss out on these rare and exceptional bottles.

But why would anyone invest in something that they haven’t even tried yet? The answer lies in the exclusivity and prestige that comes with owning En Primeur wines. Burgundy is home to some of the most prestigious and sought-after wine producers in the world, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy. Their wines are highly sought-after, with limited quantities available and often selling out quickly upon release. En Primeur allows buyers to secure their share of these limited production wines, ensuring they won’t miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of Burgundy’s most prestigious wines.

En Primeur also offers buyers the chance to purchase these coveted wines at a lower price. Wines that are En Primeur are sold at a discounted price compared to their future release price. This is because the wines are still in the barrel and have not yet been bottled, and therefore do not have any additional costs associated with bottling, labeling, and packaging. This can result in significant savings for buyers, making En Primeur a cost-effective way to acquire these prestigious bottles.

Another advantage of buying En Primeur is the opportunity to secure the best vintages. Vintage variations can greatly affect the quality of wine, and some years produce exceptional wines that become highly sought-after. By purchasing En Primeur, buyers can secure these sought-after vintages before they are released onto the market, ensuring that they get their hands on the best bottles.

Attending En Primeur events in London also offers buyers the opportunity to taste the wines before they purchase them. Tasting the wines in their early stages allows buyers to get a feel for the potential of the wine and make informed decisions about their purchases. It’s a chance to experience these highly anticipated wines in their raw form and be a part of the process.

But it’s not just about the wine itself; En Primeur offers a unique experience for buyers. It’s a chance to be a part of the excitement and buzz surrounding the wine world, as top producers, critics, and buyers come together to taste and discuss the wines. It’s a chance to immerse oneself in the culture and history of Burgundy and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for wine.

For wine collectors, En Primeur is a way to add value to their collection. These wines are highly sought-after, and as they age and become rarer, their value increases. By purchasing En Primeur, buyers can secure their share of these rare and exceptional bottles, ensuring that their collection continues to grow in value.

In conclusion, En Primeur season in London for the 2024 vintage of Burgundy is a time of excitement and anticipation for wine enthusiasts and collectors. It offers the opportunity to secure some of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after wines before they are even bottled. En Primeur may seem like a risky endeavor, but for those who are passionate about wine and willing to take the gamble, it’s a chance to be a part of the exclusive world of Burgundy wine and secure their share of exceptional bottles. So why not take the plunge and join in on the excitement of Burgundy En Primeur season? You never know, you may just find your next favorite bottle of wine.