Wine traders expect strong demand for Bordeaux futures

april 20,2011

Wine merchants warned Friday demand could be high for another excellent Bordeaux vintage after buyers from around the world descended on southwest France for the annual market.
China and Hong Kong have become the biggest customers for the world renowned Bordeaux wines but some traders are warning against neglecting the more traditional markets in Europe and the United States.
Most expect sales and prices to match last year’s or to increase through the three month sales period, leading up to June’s annual Vinexpo sales fair.
The sales drive kicked off in buoyant mood.
“I am mostly optimistic and confident about this campaign,” said Bordeaux merchant Philippe Tapie, noting the exceptional quality of the vintage due to the weather and “colossal investments” to improve technical quality.
But it is one thing to have a great vintage and another to sell it. This past week, barrel tastings tested interest in the vintage before prices are set and the wines are sold as commodities futures – or “en primeur.”
“The number of people who attended was down slightly compared to last year but with more real professionals and a greater number of nationalities,” said Philippe Dambrine, director of Chateau Cantemerle.
Overall there were 19,000 visits to the seven chateaux hosting barrel tastings, with visitors from 68 countries, according to Jean-Marc Guiraud, director of the trade body the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.
“If you consider the fact that more than 80 percent of our business is with fewer than 20 countries, that figure shows a high level of interest in all the markets,” Guiraud wrote in an email to AFP.
“The main distributors from these small markets were there and this is a very encouraging point, as many people think that China now absorbs a growing part of our production.”
While China and Hong Kong have quickly become Bordeaux’s biggest export market, the question is whether they will put cash into a product that will not actually arrive in their warehouses for another two years?
“I definitely think so,” said Philippe Laqueche, general manager of Yvon Mau, one of Bordeaux’s largest wine merchants.
“The key players in Hong Kong and Mainland China are confident of the quality and the future ratings and they want to follow what they did in ’09.”
But Chinese importers new to the trade may find it hard to get allocated the most coveted brands of such an exceptional vintage.
“We get allocations because of our longstanding relationships,” said Bandy Choi, an importer-retailer trading in Macau, Hong Kong and China. “The new importers won’t get allocations – just a case or two to say ‘hello’.”
Bordeaux tends to prefer long-term market builders.
“Unless they have a clear and significant project, it will be difficult for them to get an allocation,” confirmed Laqueche.
Chinese demand is expected to remain limited to established labels.
“We expect Asia to still only want the top 10 or 20 names and can’t see that changing,” said Gary Boom, managing director of Bordeaux Index, which has offices in Hong Kong and London.
“They won’t buy unknown brands,” confirmed Hong Kong trader Dennis Lok. “These will be sold to mature markets.”
Mature markets in Europe and America have become a concern for chateaux as they see their wine flow to China, leaving shelf space open to rivals.
“The attraction of the Asian and Chinese markets is a terrific engine, unique. Nevertheless, one must not neglect and get cut off from traditional and historical markets,” said Bordeaux merchant Tapie.
The US market has not yet fully recovered but currency fluctuations mean the price will increase for American buyers.
“Our currency has slipped – so even flat pricing will mean an increase in the USA,” noted Chris Adams, CEO of Manhattan retailer Sherry Lehmann.
“Then we have avid worldwide interest, which I understand may translate to Asian buying in this campaign.
Bordeaux loyalists also have reason to beware demand from new investors.
Choi, who provides wine investment training for Bank of China employees and their wealthy private banking customers, says the Chinese are quickly grasping the profits to be made in wine speculation.
“But chateau owners don’t want to hear about wine investment and speculators because it makes the prices crazy,” said Choi.

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/wine-traders-expect-strong-demand-for-bordeaux-futures-2266227.html

Foodies and wine lovers travel north from Manila to wine and dine at Philippines’ best fine dining restaurant in Pampanga Clark Freeport worth the 60-minutes drive for a memorable evening of good food with vintage wine at Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar

This fine dining restaurant is also famous for its low carbohydrates “low carb” dishes highly recommended for frequent diners who are on a low fat food and favor healthy food. This is a unique restaurant that can help frequent diners maintain a healthy diet and enjoy delicious fine dining cuisine at the same time. Vegetarian dishes are a specialty here also and so are “halal” cuisines also.

Favorites of frequent diners, foodies and wine lovers are steaks, Wagyu, Foie Gras, lobsters, venison, kangaroo loin, osso buco, veal chops, Kurabuto pork, escargots and a good selection of cheeses to enjoy with fine Vintage port and Sauternes. Cuban cigars such as Monte Cristo, Cohiba, Upmann, Partagas, Romeo Julieta and Trinidad are also available in the Magnum Room which is a wine bar and lounge for before and after dinner relaxation. A good selection of Armagnac, Cognac, Single Malt, Vodka and other liquor is served in addition to the wine vintage wines some served by the glass.

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Inquiries and reservations

Restaurant@Yats-International.com

(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401

Ask for Pedro and Kiko

Http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

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How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.

Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

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