Edition of October 23, 2026

Moulis president calls for a new Bordeaux image

In June, 29-year-old Théophile Cordonnier became president of the Moulis AOC and called for collective action to change perceptions that Bordeaux wines are too expensive and resistant to innovation.

The challenge is broader than promotion. Bordeaux must reconcile its prestige identity with the commercial realities facing appellations and producers outside the region’s most famous estates.

Source: Vitisphere Moulis The Fine Wine MarketEstates and People

Mature Bordeaux attracts investment attention

According to Decanter, mature Bordeaux wines from the 1990s and 2000s are being tipped as an opportunity for collectors as reaction to this autumn’s La Place releases remains muted.

For collectors and merchants, the focus puts older vintages, rather than only new releases, at the center of the secondary-market conversation.

Source: Decanter The Fine Wine MarketHistory and Archives

SAFER faces high stakes over €72 million classified-growth sale

A rival bidder is challenging SAFER’s allocation of the €72 million 2021 Château Beauséjour sale to Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse and the Courtin family of Clarins.

The case tests how SAFER exercises its influence over major Bordeaux estate transfers. Its outcome could carry consequences for future ownership contests involving classified properties.

Source: Vitisphere Château Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse Estates and PeopleRules and Classifications

Cycling the Médoc wine route

A 3-day, 29-km bicycle route from Blanquefort’s station leads through Médoc vineyards, six wineries and a cooperage, with tastings and encounters with Haut-Médoc producers.

The route highlights wine tourism as another way for the Médoc to connect its estates and landscape directly with visitors.

Source: France.fr Haut-MédocMédoc Visiting Bordeaux

Bulk red guidance remains below production costs

The CIVB launched a non-binding €1,100-per-tonneau guidance price for Bordeaux AOP bulk red wine, below producers’ costs, as farmgate prices remain under pressure.

The report extends this week’s argument over the €1,100-per-tonneau guidance. A benchmark intended to structure trade has instead exposed disagreement over whether current prices can sustain production.

Source: Vinetur The Fine Wine Market

SAFER stands firm as Beauséjour sale faces annulment request

The Libourne court examined on October 22 a request to annul the €72 million sale of Château Beauséjour in Saint-Émilion, after SAFER designated the Courtin family as buyer.

The hearing advances a dispute that has dominated Bordeaux’s ownership conversation this week. It also puts the process behind a prominent Saint-Émilion transaction under direct judicial scrutiny.

Source: Sud Ouest Château Beauséjour J. Duffau-Lagarrosse Saint-Émilion Estates and PeopleRules and Classifications