Following a brief pause over the Easter Bank Holiday in the UK, the secondary fine wine market resumed with renewed energy.
From 22nd March to 4th April, Bordeaux and Burgundy reaffirmed their dominance in global wine trade, leading both in value and volume. Champagne followed closely, showing an upward trajectory, as traders adapted to shifting preferences and seasonal cues.
Bordeaux and Burgundy: Still on Top
Bordeaux held steady, capturing 34.4% of total trade by value—virtually identical to its March share. Burgundy, however, saw notable momentum, increasing from 28.0% to 31.6% of trade by value. Together, these two powerhouse regions accounted for nearly two-thirds of the market, reflecting their continued relevance to both collectors and investors.
Champagne also gained ground, climbing from 9.5% to 11.5% of trade. Rare 2008, one of Champagne’s standout prestige cuvées, was the second-most traded wine by value. Its increasing visibility comes despite trading 11.5% below its release price, possibly making it a more attractive acquisition for price-sensitive buyers.
Château Beychevelle 2021: The Market Leader
Château Beychevelle 2021 was the undisputed leader, topping the charts for both value and volume. Since its bottling and secondary market release, the wine has gained momentum. Initially offered En Primeur as the most affordable of the estate’s last ten vintages, it now trades at GBP 812 (EUR 947) per 12×75, marking a 15.0% increase from its release price of GBP 706 (EUR 823). Its accessible price and brand recognition seem to have struck a chord with buyers, making it the focal point of recent trading activity.
Other Market Movers
Burgundy's prestige remains resilient, with high-value trades including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2009 and Emmanuel Rouget’s Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Cros Parantoux 2008. The Rouget label has made repeat appearances in recent weeks, signaling consistent interest in mature Burgundy.
Château Lafite Rothschild 2009, another high-profile name, rounded out the list of top trades by value. It recently changed hands at GBP 6,400 (EUR 7,462) per case, significantly down from its 2022 peak but still commanding serious investment attention. Its decline of 27.3% since its ten-year high suggests a market correction aligning prices with long-term trends.
Champagne and Seasonal Shifts
Beyond Rare 2008, Louis Roederer’s Cristal 2015 ranked high by volume, despite a downward trend in pricing since its 2023 release. With buyers responding to the best available bids, it appears sellers are adjusting expectations to meet market demand. Meanwhile, Domaine Tempier’s Provence Bandol Rosé 2022 made an appearance in volume rankings—a sign of seasonal demand as spring weather lifts rosé interest across the Northern Hemisphere.
Domaines Leflaive’s Mâcon Verzé 2022 also featured among the most-traded by volume, illustrating that quality white Burgundy at accessible price points is gaining traction.
Conclusion
While Bordeaux and Burgundy continue to anchor the fine wine trade, Champagne is gaining ground, and rosé wines are beginning to reflect seasonal shifts in consumer behavior. Château Beychevelle 2021's performance confirms that value-driven, brand-recognized wines remain a strong force in a market adjusting to post-boom corrections. As buyers grow more price-sensitive and selective, market share battles are intensifying—especially with Burgundy and Champagne rising and the U.S. trade share sharply falling from 10.7% to just 4.5%.
The next few weeks will test whether this momentum continues or if shifting economic pressures and consumer sentiment will redraw the fine wine investment landscape once again.
Source: Liv-ex