En Primeur Wine: What are They and Why Invest in Them?
If you’re like most wine enthusiasts, you’ve probably heard of the term “en primeur.” But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why should you care? There are a few reasons why someone might choose to buy en primeur. Let’s look at what en primeur really is and why you should buy en primeur wine.
What is En Primeur Wine?
En primeur refers to the practice of purchasing wine while it is still in the barrel. The wine is then shipped to the buyer once it is bottled, typically a year or two later. It’s essentially a French term used in the wine trade for wine futures that means wine that’s “in their prime.” Many wine enthusiasts believe that the best and most authentic way of enjoying wine is while they’re still enclosed in barrels where its flavour is most pronounced.
The En Primeur System Explained
The en primeur system is a wine-buying method that allows you to buy wine before it is bottled. This means you can buy wine at a lower price, as the wine hasn’t yet been subject to the usual markups that happen when it is sold in shops. The wine is usually purchased from the winery during the year that it is harvested. This means that you are buying the wine based on the quality of the grape crop rather than the quality of the final product.
The en primeur system usually applies to high-end wines, as these are the wines that are most likely to appreciate in value over time. The most famous example of an en primeur wine is probably Château Lafite Rothschild, which is often sold for significantly more than its original price once it has been bottled and released.
The benefits of buying wine en primeur are twofold. Firstly, you have the opportunity to buy wine at a fraction of the price it will eventually retail for. This is because you are paying for the wine before it is bottled, labelled and released onto the market. Secondly, you are often able to taste the wine before you buy it. This means that you can be sure that you are buying a wine that you will enjoy.
The Risks of Buying En Primeur
There are several risks associated with buying en primeur wine, the most significant of which is that the wine may not be delivered. If the wine producer goes out of business or is unable to bottle the wine, the wine negociant may not be able to fulfil their contract. This could leave you without the wine they ordered and without a refund.
Another risk is that the wine may not be of the quality that was expected. This can happen if the wine is not properly stored or if it is not bottled according to the producer’s specifications. If you’re not satisfied with the quality of the wine, they may not be able to return it or may only be able to receive a partial refund.
Lastly, there is always the possibility that the wine market could change, and the price of the wine could drop before it is delivered. If this happens, you may not be able to resell the wine for as much as you paid for it.
Despite these risks, many people choose to buy en primeur wine because it can be a good way to get access to limited edition wines or to wines from top producers that may be difficult to find. It is important to do your research and understand the risks before making any purchase.
Why Buy Wine En Primeur?
Wine enthusiasts and collectors know that one of the best ways to get their hands on top-quality wines is to buy them en primeur or in advance of the actual release. But what are the benefits of buying wine this way? Here are a couple of reasons to consider adding en primeur wines to your collection:
1. Access to Top-Quality Wines: One of the main reasons to buy wine en primeur is to gain access to wines that may be difficult to find or purchase once they’re released. This is especially true for limited-edition or highly sought-after wines.
2. Save Money: Another benefit of buying wine en primeur is that you may be able to save money on the purchase. This is because the price of the wine is typically lower when it’s still in the barrel than it is once it’s been bottled and released.
3. Invest in Fine Wine: Buying wine en primeur can also be seen as an investment. This is because the value of the wine typically goes up once it’s been bottled and released. So, if you’re looking to invest in wine, buying en primeur is a great option.
4. Obtain Rare and Limited-Edition Wines: Some of the most highly sought-after wines in the world are only available in limited quantities, so buying en primeur is often the only way to guarantee that you’ll be able to get your hands on them.
How to Buy En Primeur Wine?
The first thing you need to know is that en primeur wines are usually only available for a limited time. This is because they are made in very small quantities and are only released once they are ready to drink. This means that you need to be quick if you want to get your hands on some of the best wines.
To buy en primeur, you will need to find a wine merchant specialising in this type of wine. Once you have found a merchant, you will need to pay a deposit on the wine, which is usually around 20-30%. The wine will then be shipped to you once it is bottled, usually a year or two later.
When you buy wine en primeur, you will usually have to pay a deposit. This deposit is usually around 10% of the total price of the wine. The reason for this is that the producers need to know that you are serious about buying the wine and that you will pay the rest of the money when the wine is ready to drink.
Once you have paid your deposit, you will then have to wait for the wine to be ready. This can take a year or two, but it is worth the wait. When the wine is ready, you will then be able to pick it up from the producer or have it delivered to your home.
En Primeur Wine: The Most Worthwhile Investment You’ll Ever Make
Overall, buying en primeur can be a great way to get your hands on some of the best wines in the world at a fraction of the price. However, it is essential to be aware of the risks involved and to only buy from reputable merchants. It will also take time to get your hands on such a worthwhile investment. But remember, the wait is definitely worth it, and you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best wines available in the market.
If you’re ready to begin your journey as a wine collector or you’re looking to expand your existing collection, Cru Wine is the partner you need. Our passionate team of fine wine specialists are well-sought after by wine collectors in the UK. When it comes to collecting, purchasing, and fine wine investment, we are the ones to call. Partner with us today for a more enriched wine-collecting experience.
