How does a bottle of Bordeaux end up on a collector's table? What will its journey be, from the châteaux to the world? Who decides who gets access to highly allocated wines? And the most fascinating question of all: who is currently making money (or not) in the fine wine supply chain? Are current margins enough to sustain a complex system?

In this third episode, hosts Felicity Carter and Pauline Vicard look at the behind the scenes of La Place de Bordeaux and consider the opportunities and challenges of this distribution system.

Get ready for an in-depth exploration of how the system really works, bringing in diverse and layered opinions from all part of the supply chain, from producers to fine wine merchants, all operating in crucial markets. With: Max Lalondrelle, Thomas Parker MW, Jeremy Stockman, Philippe Newlin, Vianney Gravereaux and Mathieu Chadronnier.

Inside la Place de Bordeaux is a seven-episode podcast series produced by Areni Global, a think tank dedicated to the future of fine wine. Areni Global helps wineries, distributors and retailers to understand how the world is changing, and how that creates risks to be managed and opportunities to be seized. What risks? What opportunities? 

Visit us at Areni Global to learn more about becoming a member.

Additional resources are available for this episode. You can find an edited transcript of Max Lalondrelle’s interview. Max is fine wine purchasing director for UK based merchant Berry Bros & Rudd. Founded in 1698, BBR has accompanied and shaped Bordeaux fine wine trade over centuries and retains a large influence on the Place de Bordeaux. Max himself has been buying Bordeaux wines for almost 25years. What are the major changes that he has witnessed, or led? How does he ensure BBR’s access to in-demand wines? What are the main challenges and opportunities of working with La Place?

Max Lalondrelle’s interview: https://areni.global/inside-la-place-de-bordeaux-episode-three/

Areni members can also access 5 Things to Know About Bordeaux’s Fine Wine Distribution, an analysis summarizing all the main takeaways from this episode, a perfect tool for wine students and wineries looking to work with la Place de Bordeaux: https://areni.global/five-things-to-know-about-bordeauxs-fine-wine-distribution/

Follow Areni on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin: @areniglobal

This podcast episode was edited by Polly Hammond and the 5 forests team: https://5forests.com/ 

Inside la Place de Bordeaux was made possible thanks to the support of the CVBG, one of Bordeaux’s leading négociant house. To learn more about the CVBG:

Visit their website: https://www.cvbg.com/?lang=en

Follow them on Instagram: @cvbg_bordeaux 

Thank you for joining us today!