Vinexpo Bordeaux to focus on Riesling

Vinexpo Bordeaux is to focus on the Riesling grape at its show in June, according to head of the exhibition, Guillaume Deglise.

At a briefing on the show in London last month, Deglise said that the Tuesday of the fair, which runs from Sunday 18 June to Wednesday 21 June, would be “Riesling Day”, which a “programme of events” around the grape.

Expressing surprise at the choice, the drinks business asked Deglise why he had chosen Riesling – a grape that may be the darling of the wine trade, but in commercial terms lags the likes of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Deglise justified his decision on the grounds that it has a high level of global recognition and is planted worldwide. He also said that he thought it would be “fun”.

“We chose Riesling because I think it would be such a fun thing to have a big Riesling day at Vinexpo – it’s a funny message to have a Riesling focus at a show in Bordeaux,” he said.

He also commented that Riesling would be a “good reason” to bring together different nations at the fair, from Germany, France, Australia and the US.

Finally, he said, “And I love Riesling”.

As previously reported by db, this year’s show will also include a focus on organic and biodynamic wines. Named WOW! (World of Organic Wine!), the exhibition will include an area dedicated entirely to organic and biodynamic producers to meet a growing demand from buyers for such wines.

Vinexpo Bordeaux is a biennial fair and will run from 18-21 June this year. For 2018, the fair will be in Hong Kong, and run will from 29-31 May, marking the twentieth year since the show first launched an exhibition in this city back in 1998.