by Hervé Lalau

For the second year in a row, producers in Burgundy have sold more wine than they made. After progressing by 10% in 2006, sales were up again by 4% in 2007 according to the region’s trade office, the Bureau Interprofessionnel de Vin de Bourgogne (BIVB). An estimated 208 million bottles were sold worth €1.2bn, an average of nearly €6 per bottle.

Exports, which only fives years ago represented barely 45% of sales, should surpass 50% this year to hit a record high, with initial estimates indicating an increase of 16% in volume on 2006 to 115m bottles and €700m, breaking the record of 104m set in 1998.

The United States and Great Britain, the two major off-shore markets, each represent about a quarter of total exports – and both grew healthily in 2007. Japan is the third largest export market, followed by Belgium. China, although still small by comparison, posted 230% growth.

With 27,200 hectares, Burgundy represents only 3% of French vineyard area, but a much higher percentage of total wine value. In fact, the 6% value growth for French wine off shore in 2007 is almost entirely due to exports of Burgundy.