Debate: UK buyers cast their verdict on new Bordeaux Clarets

Bordeaux’s decision to reclaim the term ‘Claret’ and revive it as a lighter, fruit-forward style of red wine it used to make in the Middle Ages certainly makes sense in terms of making and promoting a style of red wine that is very much on trend in all its key markets around the world. But it is not without controversy. Particularly in the UK where ‘Claret’ has for two centuries been used to describe traditional Bordeaux red wines often introducing the category to new drinkers, and has been a key revenue driver particularly for traditional wine merchants and major retailers. To help some of the UK’s most influential Bordeaux Claret importers understand why the move has been made The Buyer hosted a debate between them and the Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieur Wine Union . It resulted in a frank, open and at times blunt exchange of views, but ultimately was an opportunity to look at ways the new Claret classification can best be introduced to the UK market, and potentially introduce new drinkers to Bordeaux, whilst also protecting the all important business that many UK importers, merchants and retailers have in Bordeaux Claret. All photography by Thomas Skovsende.