BREAKING: UGCB cancels primeurs week

The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux has announced it is suspending its en primeur programme that was due to take place at the end of this month.

The group said in a statement this morning (13 March): “The UGCB & its members have decided to suspend the 2019 En Primeurs week. For the time being, we shall all commit to implementing the recommendations set out by the authorities to cope with the situation, and take care of our loved ones in a spirit of solidarity.

“Our teams are currently working on finding solutions that will enable us to taste the 2019 vintage at another time. We will provide details of this as soon as the context deems it fit.

“For the time being, we shall all – both individually and collectively – commit to implementing the recommendations set out by the authorities to cope with the situation, and take care of our loved ones in a spirit of solidarity.

“We would like to thank all industry professionals – négociants, buyers, journalists, and wine enthusiasts – who, once again this year, were planning to attend this event. We are sure that, given the current situation, everyone will understand and agree with our decision.

“We would also like to thank all the teams who have dedicated their efforts to plan this event over the past few months.

“This suspension is an adapted solution to an exceptional context. We hope that we can all see each other very soon to taste the 2019 vintage.”

The UGCB said earlier this month that the tastings were still due to go ahead as planned but as Covid-19 has developed into a pandemic so the situation has changed.

French president Emmanuel Macron addressed the country last night (12 March) to announce the closure of schools and universities, advising the vulnerable to stay home as much as possible, calling for the suspension of all but the most vital gatherings and even calling up medical students and recently retired doctors and nurses to help in hospitals and medical centres.