What You Need to Know About Buying Wine Directly from Barrels: Fractional Sales
En-primeur (EP), also known as wine futures, is a method of purchasing wine while it’s still ageing in barrels. For decades, it has provided collectors worldwide with a great way to secure their allocation of fine wines, and this practice has been excitingly evolving. How has the En-Primeur offering developed with time into the future of wine collecting? Curation, community, personalisation
Why did En-Primeur Start?
The exact year of the first EP is still under debate; some say it was the 1700s, others it was the 1980s with some wild guests of the first-century AC. Be as it may, the tradition of EP took off somewhere in the 1950s and 1982 (with the legendary vintage) – Some producer’s pages affirm that it was to take away power to Negotiants and others as a way to generate interest in the year – about 70 years later the tradition is still going strong. If you are a wine history buff, We found this article from Wine Spectator pictures the story well: The Origins of En-Primeur
An important principle to know about En Primeur is that wines are bought before bottling, so there is a gap between purchase and wine delivery.
Beyond its birthplace into Burgundy
While En-Primeur began in Bordeaux, the concept has since expanded to other regions, notably Burgundy. Renowned for its small-scale, high-quality production, Burgundy has embraced En-Primeur to manage global demand for its highly sought-after wines.
Burgundy’s wine production is distinctive. It’s not uncommon for a winery to own just a few rows in prestigious vineyards scattered across villages. For example, Domaine Fourrier owns approximately 0.89 hectares of Clos Saint Jacques, producing only about 2,000 bottles annually.
Producers in Burgundy have recognised the advantages of selling their premium wines before bottling, not only for early revenue but also to build excitement and anticipation around each vintage.
Quick tip on the En-Primeur calendar
Bordeaux: May to late June / Burgundy: January
Keep an eye on Crurated.com for updates.
Advantages of buying on En-Primeur:
Access to exclusive wines—The most renowned Wineries produce limited quantities, and buying early ensures you can secure some of the vintage before it sells out.
Favourable pricing – En-primeur prices were typically lower than the final market price once the wine was released, allowing early buyers to benefit financially.
What Are Barrel Fractions?
Traditionally, buying en-primeur meant securing multiple cases of wine before their release, which could represent a significant investment.
Now, with barrel fractions, you can own smaller allocations—such as a quarter, half, or even smaller barrel shares—providing flexibility to the before-mentioned benefits of classic EP.
This system is particularly appealing for several reasons:
Accessibility: Instead of investing a large amount of capital to purchase multiple cases of wine before gaining access to a particular cuvée, you can access exclusive releases of limited-production wines.
Shared Ownership: Barrel fractions mean shared ownership, which has fostered a growing community of wine enthusiasts. It’s a collaborative way of experiencing fine wine at its best.
Personalisation: Have you ever dreamed of having your favourite wines labelled with your name and the format of your linking? With barrels, it is now possible.
Security: Counterfeiting is unfortunately common in the wine industry, so it’s important to know that the wine comes directly from the winery. Purchasing a portion of a barrel guarantees authenticity. Visit Crurated to learn about our NTF wine tracking system.
Barrel fractions revolutionise wine ownership, offering access to exclusive wines for collectors of all levels. This model allows enthusiasts to own a share of exceptional wines and follow their journey from vineyard to bottle.
Discover the upcoming barrel selections at Crurated!
At Crurated.com, we have carefully curated a collection of Barrell wine releases and are working directly with wineries to offer exclusive fine wines from the most prestigious producers. You can explore your options today at Crurated.com and reserve your wine allotment.
Discover the world’s finest wines with Crurated’s exclusive membership. Access rare allocations, secure storage, and personalised wine concierge services. Join today the elite club of discerning wine enthusiasts.
At Crurated.com, we have carefully curated a collection of Barrell wine releases and are working directly with wineries to offer exclusive fine wines from the most prestigious producers. You can explore your options today at Crurated.com and reserve your wine allotment.
Discover the world’s finest wines with Crurated’s exclusive membership. Access rare allocations, secure storage, and personalised wine concierge services. Join today the elite club of discerning wine enthusiasts.
