Burgundy Wines Tasting

Begin the Year with Burgundy

at Terroirs et Signatures de Bourgogne Trade Tasting 2007 — Thursday 11th January

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The annual Burgundy trade tasting “TERROIRS ET SIGNATURES DE BOURGOGNE 2007” will take place on Thursday 11th January 2007 at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London (Lindley Hall; 10am to 5.30pm). 78 producers and negociants from across the region will exhibit under the BIVB banner (Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne).

The tasting will focus on 2 vintages: 2004 and 2005. Michel Baldassini, BIVB president, comments: “2005 has been the harvest of our dreams, thanks to climatic conditions that are rarely equalled. Both whites and reds have an excellent balance and structure. Our Chardonnays have developed great harmony and impressive complexity, while the Pinot Noirs have produced wines close to perfection: concentrated, richly coloured, with intense aromas, impressive texture and great ageing potential.”

BIVB representatives Anne Parent, vice-president of BIVB Communication Committee and president of the association “Femmes et Vins de Bourgogne”, and Raphael Dubois, producer in the Côte de Nuits, will be on hand to reply to press questions.

Burgundy’s performance in Britain in 2006 has been strong. The UK alone has imported over 28 million bottles (+ 6%) from August 05 to July 06 and remains Burgundy’s first export market in volume terms (Source BIVB/French Customs). It accounts for nearly half of Burgundy’s European sales and 30% of world sales. The UK is the leading market for Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuit village appellations – both red and white – with a turnover of £16 million. Chablis also enjoys an enviable position, with UK consumption equating to 40% of total exports.

Raphaël Dubois, producer in Côte de Nuits says: “The BIVB investment in a collective initiative, namely the advertising campaign launched in 2005, which has continued throughout 2006 is paying off. The campaign positions Burgundy as the home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The UK is a mature market and consumers are now keen to explore the world of wine and embrace the concept of terroir. The time has come for Burgundy, which has much to offer in terms of diversity of style, heritage and variety of ACs.”

Globally Burgundy sales rose by over 10% and have returned to the high point of the late 90s, with the equivalent of 199m bottles sold during the year. Sales are buoyant both on the domestic market (+7%) and on export markets.

Totalling 93m bottles, Burgundy’s exports from August 05 to July 06 increased by 14% year on year, (Source BIVB/French Customs). The BIVB’s Anne Parent explains: “The excellent 2005 vintage was keenly awaited by all foreign buyers and sales of the regional ACs started the ball rolling in fine style. The Burgundy négociants were ahead of the game and rapidly acquired half the harvest. The strong upturn in Chablis exports, up 24% and accounting for 28% of total Burgundy exports, has also played a significant part.”

While most export markets have enjoyed double-digit growth both in terms of volume and value over the year, the trend has been confirmed by the good results of the Hospices de Beaune auction on Sunday 19 November. Contrary to expectations, prices exceeded those of the exceptional 2005 vintage. Whites in particular achieved a staggering 63% increase, while overall the average barrel price was up by 15%.

For further information, please contact Sabine Cleizergues, Sopexa UK
Tel 020 7312 3636 or sabine.cleizergues@sopexa.com

BIVB Press Contact: Cécile Mathiaud, cecile.mathiaud@bivb.com
12, Bouvelard Bretonni̬re РB.P. 150 Р21 204 Beaune Cedex, Tel 00 44 380 25 95 76
More information on Burgundy wines can be found on www.burgundy-wines.fr

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