Interview of Alain Moueix

Interview Primeurs 2009

Interview of Alain Moueix

Chairman of the “Crus Classés de Saint-Emilion”

2009… Hong Kong…
and a new classification for 2012…

“Certainly, this year 2009 was nearly perfect. Despite the dramatic hail episode on part of the Saint-Emilion vineyard, all the elements were favourable. To say that 2009 is better than 2005, it is a bit like having to choose between Mozart and Beethoven… a Cornelian dilemma! 2009 will revive the interest: wines with some substance, nice fruit, quite smooth tanins, with sometimes a high but well-balanced by good acidity alcoholic strength. We will then see if the interest for the vintage and the tense economic context turn into buying act... despite the fact that the end of 2009 and the early 2010 were more favourable, we have to remain confident but careful for our classed growth. Currently the 'powerhouse' effect of the great wines does not work anymore, the markets react differently. One has to adapt, work on its own brand and distribution, always with wines of great quality; this also need means. We have to work on our image, that is why we were on Vinexpo Hong Kong for a presentation of our wines during the great opening dinner, with the presence of the members of the Jurade, of Asian professionals and of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Hong Kong, with crus classés and premiers grands crus classés being served during this high-flying, elegant, refined and of good spirit meal. A dinner to introduice us, show our qualities, tell the story of our wines and talk about our historical heritage, even if our volumes of production are very reasonnable. We also successfully organized a big tasting on Wednesday 26th and received numerous Asian, and particularly Chinese, willing to understand and know our wines.

Continental China is an emergent market that we cannot ignore. This trial run of Vinexpo Asia is conclusive and we have to perpetuate this opportunity. Our great wines, our great brands of Bordeaux wines have a significant image and considerable volumes compared to some other vineyards. They currently are the spearhead of the French wines in China. That is why we have to accompany the Bordeaux trade on these new distribution networks, even if caution is proper.
Then we flew to Japan, a loyal and traditional market. Back in France, we deal with our classification. A group works in collaboration with the INAO* to consolidate our ranking which is always revisable, with of course the care to be indisputable before a court, that cannot call into question either the process, the accuracy or the equity. The current system continues until 2011, it goes without saying that our next classification will see the light of day in 2012... A certain pressure of time, with a legal, practical and economic part that has to be considered. We also rely on the professionals and our partners sommeliers to get over the message, relieve our efforts for a better consistency in our appellation and in the qualities of our wines, in France and worldwide.”

Florence VARAINE

*INAO : Institut National des Apellations d'Origine
(now called : Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité).

HONG KONG : At the occasion of Vinexpo Asia Pacific, on May 26th, more than 1300 people were present at the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion Cup, which crowned Château Pavie Decesse, that outstripped by a narrow margin Château Destieux, la Couspaude and Monbousquet, and at the tasting of the Association of Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion that followed, ie an attendance that doubled compared to 2008.