In August Italian wines became the second most traded regional group so far in 2015. Burgundy, which had been holding this position since 2011, was pushed into third place. This was largely due to high activity for Super Tuscans, and the flurry of trade for the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino vintage earlier in the year.
Champagne has also been pushing ahead, and in September joined Italy in overtaking Burgundy. So far this year, Champagne’s average monthly share of trade has been 6.6% – more than double its share in 2014 – compared to Burgundy’s 6.2%.
As the chart above shows, Burgundy benefited the most as the market for Bordeaux began to roll over in 2011: between 2011 and 2013, its trade share increased from 2.6% to 7.0%. The Burgundy 150 – the best performing sub-index of the Liv-ex 1000 over the past five years – has been looking strong. However, when looking at trade share, other regions are now moving into the spotlight: while Burgundy has drifted, Italy, Champagne and ‘Others’, which includes trade for areas such as the USA and Australia, have gained ground.
Champagne’s boost can be explained in part by the high volume of its wine available in the market after several consecutive vintages have been declared by major houses. 71 different Champagne labels have traded so far this year. Wines including Cristal 2006 and 2007, and Taittinger 2005 and 2006 have been amongst the most active.
