Champagne buying surge at BI

Bordeaux Index has reported a steep rise in Champagne buying this year, with sales exceeding £5 million – the best result since 2008.

Four years ago the merchant had its best year when it reached Champagne sales of £4m.

Founder Gary Boom said that with Champagne sales in 2010 and 2011 running at around £2.5m a year, this new record heralded a “major shift in focus for our clients”.

The top selling wines have been: Cristal 2004, Comtes de Champagne 2002, Dom Pérignon 2002 and Philipponnat’s Clos des Goisses 2002.

It was noted recently on Liv-ex that Champagne sales were growing again, particularly those from the 2002 vintage and even more particularly from Comtes de Champagne.

Boom continued: “Another key factor is that the market tends to consume the current available vintage, particularly through bars, nightclubs and restaurants. This means that great vintages of the most prestigious Champagnes have genuine investment potential.

“The other factor driving sales is the relative decline of interest in Bordeaux – especially following the lacklustre 2011 en primeur campaign. Together with the sharp rise in price of leading Burgundy producers and estates, cost conscious buyers are looking for value elsewhere.

“Top Champagnes continue to represent incredible value, with considerable investment in the vineyard and winery leading to serious critical acclaim.”