Recent Posts

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:22 February 2016

Auction Report: top mature vintages from Bordeaux to Loire take the lead

iDealwine’s latest auctions ended on January 27. Mature vintages from all regions were much in demand. Here are the full details. Bordeaux’s oldest vintages once again forged ahead. Château Latour in particular stands out with its 1970 vintage selling at €960 (+50%) and its 1995 at €672 (+19%). It was the same story for Lafite with a 1950 going for €1380 (+49%). Even "humbler" vintages from Petrus soared in price with the 1977 reaching €1260 (+30%). Two other trends are worth noting after this sale. First of all, Mouton Rothschild is still the…

Continue ReadingAuction Report: top mature vintages from Bordeaux to Loire take the lead

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:25 January 2016

Auction Report: Strong enthusiasm for Petrus, La Chapelle 1961 & top Champagne

Going against the grain, on a market where Bordeaux wines have remained stable for many months, one wine has stirred up the auctions, and wine enthusiasts - Petrus. The last online auctions of 2015 included the traditional prestige bottles. This year, Petrus has made the headlines, with at least 150 bottles of precious Pomerol sold in their original wooden cases, alongside bottles of big name Champagne, an extremely rare 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle and wines from the Romanée Conti estate. Let’s take a look at the astonishing prices. A rare series of Petrus…

Continue ReadingAuction Report: Strong enthusiasm for Petrus, La Chapelle 1961 & top Champagne

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:25 January 2016

Climate: winegrowers fear the consequence of a mild winter

In recent weeks, widespread enthusiasm about the quality of 2015 vintages has given way to growing concern about the current mild winter and its implications for the 2016 harvest. Winegrowers had been saying it months before their optimism spread throughout the wine sector when the harvests were over: 2015 was an excellent year for almost all France's vineyards. The long period of warmth in June and July, tempered by the rain in August and followed by good temperatures in September created the ideal conditions for grapes to ripen. There should not be any…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:12 January 2016

Will corked wine soon be a thing of the past?

Research is moving apace to try to resolve the problem of corked wine which leads to millions of hectolitres of wastage per year– something winegrowers and wine enthusiasts alike could happily do without. We review the alternatives available and scientific progress in this area. Every year, 1-3 % of bottles sold are corked when opened. Fortunately, this rate has tended to go down in recent years due to continuous improvements in cork manufacturing techniques. Treatments used on cork and corks have been enhanced to prevent the growth of the molecule responsible for cork…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:12 January 2016

China will be the top wine-consuming country by 2027

According to calculations by Coface (a French export credit insurer), China will be the top market for wine in the world in 2027, ahead of the United States, France, Italy and Germany. World wine consumption should rise by approximately 10% in the same time-frame, but will double in China (to 30 million hectolitres). China currently ranks fifth in the world for wine consumption with 16 million hectolitres drunk in 2014, but a dozen years from now, it will be in first place (it is already the leading consumer of red wine). Wine consumption…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:23 December 2015

Bettane + Desseauve award iDealwine for its innovation in wine!

On Thursday 7 December, at the lavish party at the Quai d’Orsay to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Grand Tasting, iDealwine was awarded the “Grand Prize for Wine Innovation”. This distinction pays tribute to the fruits of fifteen years of work to develop and continuously enhance the online auction platform, iDealwine price database, indices iDealwineindex, and free mobile app. We are very proud to have earned this recognition! It was a memorable evening at the Quai d’Orsay as the bettane+desseauve team celebrated in lavish style the 10th anniversary of a fair which…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:8 December 2015

November 25th Auction Report: Rousseau, Verset, Château-Grillet, Clos Rougeard and Selosse rising

The latest online iDealwine auction, which closed on 25 November, featured an increase in the number of foreign bidders hailing from over 30 countries. They purchased 50% of the available lots – clear proof of the popularity of our vintages on the export market! These include Domaine Armand Rousseau, in Burgundy, where prices have risen again – and it is not alone. We take a closer look. One auction follows hard on the heels of another on iDealwine, and the end-of-year period is particularly fruitful both in terms of the diversity of wines…

Continue ReadingNovember 25th Auction Report: Rousseau, Verset, Château-Grillet, Clos Rougeard and Selosse rising

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:24 November 2015

Changes of ownership at Châteaux de Rayne-Vigneau and La Tour de Mons

  CA Grands Crus, subsidiary of French bank Crédit Agricole and Caisses Régionales d’Aquitaine et du Languedoc, owner since 2004 of the renowned Sauternes Chateau Rayne-Vigneau in Bommes, has just sold the majority of its shares to the group Trésor du Patrimoine. In the same time, CA Grands Crus is becoming sole owner of Chateau La Tour de Mons in Margaux.   Chateau Rayne Vigneau owns 84 hectares of vineyards in one piece, near the legendary Château d'Yquem. Its sub-soil is composed of sandy gravel on clay and is planted with 74% Sémillon,…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:24 November 2015

November 12th Auction Report: 1990 vintage, Romanée Conti, Jamet…

The proportion of foreign buyers in the latest auctions increased significantly, especially for the rarest and most expensive bottles. In the auction closed on 12th November, we could note a strong demand for the 1990 vintage as well as for special releases and collectors’ bottles.   In Bordeaux, older vintages did particularly well as this bottle of Château Latour à Pomerol 1959 that went for €1,200 to a wine lover from Hong Kong. In Sauternes, a Château d’Yquem 1958 reached €840 (+25%). Beyond the most significant price evolutions, note Château Margaux 1990, sold…

Continue ReadingNovember 12th Auction Report: 1990 vintage, Romanée Conti, Jamet…

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:22 November 2015

October 28th Auction Report

Stunning auction wines reach new heights The Online Auction that closed end of October saw 2,000 lots sold, with prices ranging from €10 to more than €10,000, the latter paid for a 2002 Romanée-Conti. Buyers from more than 30 countries competed, resulting in some of these wines to cross the €1,000 threshold – in some cases for the first time. Petrus, the undisputed star of Bordeaux In Bordeaux, it is clear that Petrus is still in the lead. This famous Pomerol recorded price increases of at least 10% compared to the iDealwine estimate,…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:22 November 2015

The WineDex® registered slight rise in October

  The iDealwine 100 index, which includes the great wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, remained relatively stable in October (+0.18%), at least compared to the CAC 40. But since January 2015, its progression has remained significant at +9.75%, and even more so over the last 12 months (10.46%). This is due to sharp increases earlier this year, with the inclusion of the 2010 vintage. It is once again the Burgundy indices iDealwinethat leads the pack, with an increase of 0.28% during October. A progress slower than in previous months, but…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:25 October 2015

October 14th Auction Report

Nearly 600 buyers from over 30 countries in Europe, Asia and America have set their sights on the second auction of the month on iDealwine, closed on the 14th October 2015 Mature wines have been particularly demanded.   In Bordeaux Petrus again lead the way with the 1988 to €1,480 an increase by 28% from its previous estimate. The mature wines of Château Margaux also demonstrated a strong demand: +49% for the 1990 vintage (€780), +20% for the 1982 (€672), the 2000 remaining stable at €720 and the 2009 starting to rise again at…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:11 October 2015

The influence of yeast on wine aromas

A recent study conducted by four researchers from Auckland University (NZ) demonstrates the evidence that regional microbial signature impacts the aromatics of a wine. A scientific approach that confirms a common understanding of the correlation between yeasts and terroir. What is a yeast? A yeast is a microscopic fungus consisting of single cells that enable wine to ferment. Yeasts are commonly used in bakery and have the function of “lifting” the bread. Saccharomyce cerevisiae is the name given to the yeast responsible for the alcoholic fermentation in grape juice. What is the role…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:11 October 2015

Organic wines gaining popularity in Europe

Ipsos and Sudvinbio1 conducted in July 2015 a study on European consumption and organic wines and have just released encouraging results and findings for this part of the wine industry. As part of a better public sensitivity for the environment and traceability, organic wines appear to offer an increasingly interesting option. Less than two months before the COP 212, this study on European consumption of organic wines3 is so timely. The results are very positive since the consumption of organic wines appears to consumers primarily as a response to environmental problems. The Swedish, champions in…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:11 October 2015

September Auction Report

The Online Auction that closed on 30 September saw buyers from around the world battle to get their hands on certain bottles. Prices soared with several rare bottles, especially Montrachet of Comtes Lafon, Cornas of Noël Verset and Arbois of Overnoy.   Mature Bordeaux staring This Online Auction comprised a significant proportion of Bordeaux grands crus, although this tendency seems to decline over time, with buyers broadening the spectrum of their purchases. These wines represented 40% of the lots sold at this Online Auction. Château Mouton Rothschild confirmed its position as a star…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:11 October 2015

iDealwine WineDex® indice on the rise since January 2015

  iDealwine indices continued their upward trend in September, registering an increase of 9.55% since the beginning of the year. The wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy have pulled up the performance of this fine wine auctions’ indice, while the wines of the Rhône remained stable. The iDealwine indices enroll in an uptrend since the beginning of the year, eventhough the curve has inflected in recent months. Bordeaux wines are rising again after a virtually stable year. The regional index rose by 0.47% in September. Among the vintages represented in the index basket, the…

Continue ReadingiDealwine WineDex® indice on the rise since January 2015

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:5 October 2015

Champagne | Sparkling at auction

In the first online auction of September, iDealwine displayed a great collection of Champagne, and could observe a strong demand arising from all around the world with prices increasing particularly for old vintages and grande cuvées. [embeddoc url="https://www.idealwine.info/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/2015-10-Champagne-iDealwine-The-Drinks-Business.pdf" viewer="google"] See Champagne currently on sale See all wines currently on sale Register here to access auctions and fixed-price sales Receive a free estimate of your cellar Read further on iDealwine Le Blog: Top 20 of Champagne Sparkling wines: global trends and challenges Pol Roger, the excellence of champagnes since 1849

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Veuve Clicquot iDealwine

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:13 September 2015

Rare Veuve Clicquot cuvées on Auction

The current Online Auction closing on Wednesday 16th September displays a rare collection of 50 cuvée from Veuve Clicquot going back to 1975 vintage. All the bottles come from the cellar of a very fine wine collector from Champagne, particularly careful with the conditions of conservation of his wines. Although Veuve’s Clicquot generic Yellow Label will never be an auction’s blockbuster, the famous champagne house also produces a few truly exceptional cuvées from its premier and grand crus vineyards. Always dominated by Pinot Noir, the best vintages offer extremely complex and refined wines.…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:9 September 2015

August Online Auction Report

Château Latour, Dujac, Châteauneuf du Pape and Vouvray top the August Online Auction The recent Online Auction that ended 29th August showed no respite of impressive results, even in the heart of summer! 550 buyers from around the world (25 countries) competed for lots. Despite the ups and downs of China's economy, Asia was not outdone, representing 8% of the buyers. The auction resulted in many price increases in all regions. In Bordeaux,where prices remain globallystable, Petrus continues to be one of the most demanded wines: +19% for the 1990 vintage (€3,200) and…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:8 September 2015

iDealwine’s Foire aux Vins: discounts, choice & mature wines

French wine lovers often associate the month of September with the traditional Foires aux Vins. The concept started centuries ago when wine merchants used to clear their stock to free some space for the arrival of the latest vintage. The concept became extremely popular over the years and always a great opportunity for customers. While keeping with its identity of selling a great diversity, haute couture and mature wines, iDealwine proposes a special selection with discounts ranging from 10 to 40%. September is the perfect moment for fine wine lovers to fill in…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:24 July 2015

July Online Auction Report

Magnums, double-magnums, jeroboams and imperials have been the main focus of attention in the last Online Auction that ended on the 8th of July. These generous formats benefit from a price premium compared to 75cl bottles. Bottling larger formats enables wineries to create a scarcity effect on wines that are not otherwise rare, as it is the case for large estates of Medoc. This effect is intensified by the quality of the vintage and the age of the bottle. In this first Online Auction of July, Château Mouton Rothschild perfectly illustrated this situation with…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:8 July 2015

This year’s Top 50 wines over €1,000

The top wines sold at iDealwine’s Online Auctions during the first half of 2015 were unsurprisingly dominated by Bordeaux and Burgundy, particularly domaine Romanée-Conti, Petrus and Yquem. Of the Top 50 bottles sold for more than €1,000 since January 2015, Bordeaux and Burgundy occupies 47 seats, or 94% of the total – with 27 of the Top 50 wines from Bordeaux. These results support recent analysis of the most searched wines on iDealwine.com, where Bordeaux accounted for 92% of the Top 100 most searched wines. Burgundy came in second place, with 20 bottles…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:6 July 2015

WineDex up nearly 8% for first half of 2015

Driven by the success of Burgundy wines, the iDealwine indices have recorded a growth rate of nearly 8% for the first half of 2015. During the last six months, buyers were particularly interested in top French wines, with the iDealwine iDealwine 100 indice appreciating by 7.92%. Several factors contributed to this good performance, but it can primarily be ascribed to the popularity of top Burgundy wines. These are traditionally more difficult to find than Bordeaux and available in minute quantities, with the top domaines of Côte de Nuits even more in demand due…

Continue ReadingWineDex up nearly 8% for first half of 2015

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:6 July 2015

iDealwine’s subsidiary IWA ranked #1 in France

Recently released 2014 figures by the French Council of Auctioneers places International Wine Auction (IWA) – the subsidiary of iDealwine that handles the administration of our online auctions – as the number one for wine auctions in France. We have to confess (blushing slightly) that we are very proud to be officially recognised as the No. 1 French wine auction operator. We are especially proud of our team’s hard work over the last 15 years and the recognition by our ever increasing customer base. Over the last few days, the French Council of…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:4 July 2015

Tapas week – Shrimp frittatas

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Tapas week – Shrimp frittatas Serves 6 people Ingredients 250 g small, peeled raw prawns (shrimp) 200 g flour 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley 3 sliced chives (two thirds of the white part and one…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:3 July 2015

Tapas week – Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes)

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine.   Tapas week – Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes) Serves 4 people Ingredients 4 large potatoes, with firm flesh ½ onion 3 garlic cloves 2 cayenne peppers 1 teaspoon paprika 1 cup tomato pulp 1 teaspoon flour…

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The winning team from Imperial College London, with Baron Eric de Rothschild, Emmanuel Cruse and members of the Commanderie du Bontemps.

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:3 July 2015

London’s Imperial College wins Left Bank Bordeaux Cup

The Imperial College London team emerged as victors at this year’s final of the prestigious Left Bank Bordeaux Cup tasting competition. The final of this competition, organised by the Commanderie du Bontemps, again took place at the renowned Château Lafite Rothschild, at an event that participants won’t soon forget. This competition is for young students of French and foreign universities and takes place over six months. The first selection phase for foreign teams began in January in New York and in the end, the competition brought together more than 50 students from eight…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:2 July 2015

Tapas week – Marinated anchovies

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Marinated anchovies Serves 8 people Ingredients 1 kg anchovies 6 - 8 tablespoons olive oil 50 g flour Salt and pepper 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 pinch saffron 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon ginger 25…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:1 July 2015

Petrus | Wisdom in old age

Buyers of Bordeaux are bypassing the more recent vintages in favour of more mature bottles to get their fine wine fix, according to online auction house iDealwine. [embeddoc url="https://www.idealwine.info/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/2015-07-Petrus-iDealwine-The-Drinks-Business.pdf" viewer="google"] See Petrus wines currently for sale See all wines currently on sale Register here to access auctions and fixed-price sales Receive a free estimate of your cellar Read further on iDealwine Le Blog: Is Petrus worth the price? Auction Report: Strong enthusiasm for Petrus, La Chapelle 1961 & top Champagne Top 20 of Bordeaux wines

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Emmanuel Macron and Manuel Valls at the National Assembly.

• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:1 July 2015

Evin Law: the final decision

On the 16th of June, the French Prime Minister and National Assembly officially added a new amendment to the Macron Law, which distinguishes information from advertising. This outcome has been hailed as a victory by the wine industry, even if the adopted definition is somewhat diminished from the initial version by Senator Gérard César. Here is a short chronological summary to conclude this debate about the Evin Law and its definition of advertising: The Evin Law – proposed by MP Claude Évin and passed in January 1991 – aims to tackle the issues…

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• Post author:iDealwine
• Post published:1 July 2015

Tapas week – Tortilla Espanola

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Tortilla Espanola Serves 3 people Ingredients 4 eggs ½ kilogram of potatoes, with firm flesh 1 medium onion Olive oil Salt Preparation Peel and wash the potatoes. Cut into fairly thin slices or dice finely. Cut…

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