How to buy wine en primeur (before its official release)?

Buying wine en primeur is increasingly appealing to enthusiasts eager to access exceptional vintages at preferential prices. This typically Bordeaux practice involves reserving wines while they are still aging, well before bottling. It's the ideal opportunity to enrich one's cellar with prestigious wines or rare cuvées.

Every spring, Bordeaux becomes the epicenter of the wine world with the en primeur campaign. Cavissima supports you in this process with a rigorous selection of châteaux, a secure purchasing process, and optimal logistics. Here's everything you need to know to... buying your wine en primeur with complete peace of mind.

What is en primeur wine? Understanding the concept

Buying wine en primeur means acquiring a wine several months before it is bottled. After the harvest and the first few months of aging, Bordeaux châteaux offer a portion of their production for sale. Buyers, whether wine merchants or individuals, can then reserve their wines, which will only be delivered approximately 18 to 24 months later.

The following should not be confused new wine with the new wine (like Beaujolais Nouveau), which is vinified to be consumed quickly. Primeur wine, on the other hand, is intended for la garde. This system allows estates to finance their production, and customers to buy highly sought-after wines as a priority.

Why buy wine en primeur? The advantages for the wine lover

Buying wine en primeur (before its official release) offers several advantages, particularly for enthusiasts who wish to plan their purchases in advance and build a personal wine cellar that reflects their tastes:

• Attractive prices Wines sold en primeur are generally 15 to 25% cheaper than their final price after bottling.

• Priority access For the grand cru wines: some highly sought-after vintages are only offered during the primeur campaign.

• The ability to track a vintage from its origin For enthusiasts, it is a pleasure to follow the evolution of a wine from its very beginning.

• Optimized logistics : the wines are stored in a professional cellar under ideal conditions, until their delivery.

This approach values the customer's commitment and strengthens their connection with the terroirs and properties they appreciate.

How does an early harvest campaign unfold? The key timeline to know

The en primeur calendar is well-established, punctuated by key events that make the news in the Bordeaux vineyards during the spring:

• March-April Samples are taken from the barrel and tasted by professionals and journalists from around the world. The CIVB coordinates the tastings across the entire vineyard.

• May-June The châteaux are gradually revealing their sale prices. Quantities are limited, and allocations are often made very quickly.

• June to autumn Customers place their orders. The wines then continue to age until bottling (usually the following year).

• 18 to 24 months later : the wines are delivered to customers, often directly to their storage cellar.

International reviews strongly influence demand: a high rating can lead to a price increase and a faster sale. Therefore, it's essential to act at the right time to take advantage of the best opportunities.

Buy first with Cavissima: our customer promise

At Cavissima, we select the best wines from the en primeur campaign each year. Our mission: to offer you a smooth, transparent, and secure experience.

• Transparency : we only offer the volumes that we have actually ordered, with a full guarantee on allocations.

• Fair prices Our prices are in line with market prices and already include delivery to our storage cellar in Burgundy.

• Logistics security : your wines are kept in optimal conditions until they are made available.

• Personalized advice Our team of sommeliers is at your disposal to guide you in your choices.

 

Buying en primeur is a unique adventure, an exciting way to enrich your cellar while gaining access to prestigious wines at the best price. With Cavissima, you benefit from a carefully curated selection, expert guidance, and top-of-the-range logistics.

Reserve your wines today on Cavissima and be among the first to discover the great wines of tomorrow.