French bulk wine availability remains tight

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 07 May, 2014

Availability of most varieties of bulk French wine remains tight, although this should ease as wineries look to clear some older stock.

As weather improves across France and the danger of frost has passed without damaging vines, wineries are more confident about the coming vintage and ready to release some of the wines still in their cellars. French white wines are still under greater pressure than red wines, whose availability is slightly better. French bulk wine prices have jumped by up to 65% in the past three years, with white wines the most affected, according to information from Murphy Wine Company.

According to Anya Robson of bulk wine broker Murphy Wine Company, Italy and Spain have availability across the board. As the 2014 harvest approaches, wineries are very keen to empty tanks, leading to downward pressure on pricing.

Looking to the New World, Robson points out the at despite concerns over a lack of rain, "the mood is optimistic for another good harvest in the USA".

Meanwhile southern hemisphere harvests have thrown up no major surprises.

Western seaports in the US are still labouring under the threat of industrial action over renegotiations on contracts. Opinions are divided over the likelihood of a strike taking place, but as Robson puts it, "no-one is in any doubt about the disastrous consequences if it does".

Some of the most reasonable prices for bulk wine are being found in Spain, with prices for dry white per litre FCA starting at £0.21. The French equivalent is starting at more than three times that price at £0.67 for a dry white wine.

Italian Pinot Grigio is among the most expensive listed, starting at £1.03 per litre FCA.

For detailed pricing information, go to our Insights section for the latest list from Murphy Wine Company.

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