Interview of Philippe Castéja

Interview Primeurs 2009

Interview of Philippe Castéja

Chairman of the top ranked
growths of 1855 council

Historical jewels, the classed growths of 1855 count 60 Médoc,
1 Graves and 26 Sauternes and Barsac wines. Image of the Bordeaux great wines, they are under the spotlights every year during the Primeur week: they set the tone of the vintage as much for the quality as for the prices...

"Top quality vintage, the 2009 is similar to the 2005 in a different style, with more fruit in particular. Compared to the international context, this great vintage calls out. Less cautious, less timid, the big wine buyers are present for the purchase of the 2009, a vintage that cannot be ignored. The crisis is not finished, this period is still complicated and difficult, but it is a great opportunity to present this vintage: it always is 'more pleasant to have quality goods in stock' (laughter). It reassures the owners and the buyers!
A classed growth is something unique. Whatever the vintage is, quality is there and the prices of the classed growths have nearly not changed for the last four years. Their owners have made efforts, invesments also, to promote wines always equal to the task. Each owner is present with the strength of its brand and the image of our vineyard, that he conveys in partnership with the actors of the network. 1855, historical phenomenon, certainly, but a History confirmation by the quality and the image of the wines. A lot of 1855 Classed Growths were present at Vinexpo Hong Kong through different events, like the dinner of Commanderie du Bontemps, or various tastings organized by their distributors.

The French products take advantage of a good image in this area of the world. The fundamental work of the trade, for years, to establish the Bordeaux wines in Hong Kong and in Asia, pays. The Chinese market starts shaping with new operators. Everything is setting up: providers, products and a integrated distribution. Now, the 'Châteaux' and estate structures allow to develop the business relations initiated a few years ago, and are a logical continuation. Intended for the tasters and connoisseurs who came to the fair, we presented the wonderful book that came out for the 150th anniversary, in 2005, of the Imperial Ranking of the Bordeaux in 1855. 8 versions exist today, the BEIYUE Editions have published, in December 2009, the Chinese version of our work on the Top Ranked Growth. A magnificent publication that we accompany in its development and diffusion.»

Florence VARAINE