Knowledge

The 2025 vintage is being hailed by the Union des Grands Crus (UGCB) as "brilliant," but for collectors, it is a year of historic scarcity and radical classification shifts. 2025 Bordeaux En Primeur watchlist focusing on historic yield lows, Château Lafleur's move to Vin de France, and new Médoc Blanc AOC status.

The Champagne market is experiencing a structural shift in consumer preferences, with buyers increasingly moving away from traditionally dominant Grande Marque brands toward Grower Champagnes and premium local sparkling alternatives. This change is redefining what consumers value in their festive purchases, prioritizing unique terroir and quality-to-price ratio.

Château Mouton Rothschild continues its celebrated tradition of commissioning original art for its labels, naming Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos as the creator for the 2023 vintage. Titled "Paraíso" (Paradise in Portuguese), the work marks the first time ever a Portuguese artist has illustrated the prestigious Pauillac First Growth label.

Climate change continues to be the dominant long-term factor reshaping the European fine wine landscape, leading to earlier harvests, higher sugar levels, and regional adjustments in vineyard management and varietal choices. Recent data emphasizes the ongoing pressure on classic cool-climate areas and the increasing suitability of previously marginal regions.