Wine, a sector that is a key sector in Bordeaux’s economy

Wine is part of the history of Bordeaux and its region. It is a drink that is very popular in the world, is important and is exported around the world. China is the world’s largest importer of Bordeaux wines. Each year, 525,000 hectolitres of Bordeaux wine enter Chinese soil, proof of the interest in regional production. Vitiviniculture is a fairly variable industry, which evolves according to market conditions. Climate variations, economic, or geopolitical conditions between countries can impact the sale of wine internationally.

Wine recovers after the pandemic

The wine sector is largely driven by foreigners, fond of buying Bordeaux wine… But also with wine tourism, which allows tourists to go directly to the heart of the wine estates to discover the secrets of making the greatest wines. However, the pandemic has undermined this dynamism, and blocked the possibilities of going to the largest areas of Bordeaux.

Also, to revive their activity after the pandemic, producers are betting everything on new offers, more up to date, to expand their community of consumers. “Fresher” wine bottles with a modern design to attract younger consumers… Or organic wines, more respectful of the environment. In short, all the criteria to which consumers are sensitive.

A promising sector, despite recent events

In 2019, Bordeaux’s wine exports jumped by almost 12% worldwide. The various events of the year do not seem to have prejudiced the sale of Bordeaux wine. Indeed, the world has witnessed the Brexit of the United Kingdom, the tensions in Hong Kong, or the increase in taxes on Bordeaux wine in the United States… The latter, introduced in October 2019, still disrupted the volume of exports, which were significantly down. A striking difference from the front, where the United States was one of the countries where export was the most important, along with China and the United Kingdom… However, the year 2019 is a nice boost in production for Bordeaux wine, given the climate of previous years. A wine that even benefits from a Controlled Origin Calling, which concerns 55% of the Bordeaux vineyard. A proof of quality, to which consumers are sensitive.

The Bordeaux-Superior, which benefits from the AOC, is characterized by its shelf life. Unlike a classic Bordeaux, it can be kept much longer in the cellar, before tasting. It is indeed a wine more suitable for aging, which sees its aromas increase tenfold over time. Bordeaux Superior covers 60,000 hectares of vines, and a production of 2.6 million hectolitres each year. That’s 384 million bottles, which are sold in France and abroad.

Château La Caderie is one of the wine producers that benefit from this appellation. This estate also benefits from an Organic Agriculture label, which proves its involvement in the production of organic wines. That is, the abandonment of non-organic or plant treatment products. The consumption of organic wines is a major success, and many winemakers choose to turn to more responsible production.

Bordeaux Wine could see red in 2020

In Bordeaux, the production of wine is mainly represented by red wine, the region’s par excellence symbol. Indeed, in 2019, AOC red wine represents a production on 34,774 hectares, and the Red Superior on 13,119 hectares. In comparison, white and rosé wines are much further back. They have production on 5480 hectares and 3593 hectares respectively. But what will happen to the 2020 vintages? Events related to the coronavirus crisis will have a significant impact on the wine business of the year in Bordeaux. First, regarding the export of wines abroad. The closure of trade borders as with China sharply slows the trade in Bordeaux wine. This is a very difficult phenomenon for regional producers, both in terms of their production and for the economy.

Bordeaux wine has always been known around the world for its quality. But COVID-19 seems determined to impact the sector by 2020. In Bordeaux, everything is done to encourage the support of wine estates as well as tastings within the Domains. The City of Wine also offers its residents a preferential rate to visit its museum, and rediscover the wine. All these operations are aimed at Bordeaux, but also the French as a whole to support the promising sector of New Aquitaine…

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Sources:

The French Wine Review – Bordeaux wine exports still at their highest despite China’s slowdown

Figaro Wines – 30/05/2020 – Bordeaux’s great vintages for export

Pro Planet Bordeaux – 2020 – Key figures on Bordeaux Bordeaux Superior and your Syndicate

Château La Caderie – http://www.chateaulacaderie.com/

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