Wine has a deep-rooted history, one that intertwines with centuries of culture, art, and tradition. Among the many intriguing aspects of wine culture, futures wine—also known as “en primeur”—stands out as a unique and exciting practice. From its origins in the famous Bordeaux region of France to its modern adaptation in wineries around the world, including here at Wiens Cellars, futures wine offers wine enthusiasts a chance to invest in something truly special.
In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of futures wine, explain what it means for collectors and wine lovers, and highlight how you can take part in this tradition with Wiens Cellars’ current 2022 Intento Futures offering.
What Is Futures Wine?
Before diving into its rich history, it’s important to first define what futures wine is. Futures wine, or en primeur, is a practice where consumers can purchase a wine while it is still aging in barrels, typically before it is bottled and released to the general market. By investing in the wine at this early stage, buyers secure bottles at a lower price than they would pay once the wine is officially released.
The practice is particularly common with wines from prestigious regions like Bordeaux, where limited-edition wines can become highly sought after. Buyers take a calculated risk, betting that the wine they invest in will evolve into something extraordinary after bottling.
The Origins of Futures Wine in Bordeaux
Futures wine traces its origins back to the Bordeaux region of France. Known for producing some of the most esteemed wines in the world, Bordeaux has a long-standing reputation for creating high-quality vintages that age beautifully. As early as the 18th century, Bordeaux winemakers began selling their wine before it was even finished, allowing merchants and enthusiasts to invest in the upcoming vintage.
At the time, buying wine while it was still aging in barrels was a practical business decision. Winemakers needed financial support to continue production, and merchants wanted to secure their stock of what they believed would be exceptional vintages. It was a win-win for both parties—merchants could guarantee they had the best wines available for their clientele, and winemakers received crucial funding upfront.
In fact, this practice became so widespread in Bordeaux that entire networks of brokers, négociants (wine merchants), and châteaux (estates) were built around the futures wine system. To this day, many of the most prestigious Bordeaux estates sell their wine in futures, offering wine lovers the chance to invest in high-quality vintages long before they are released.
Why Buy Futures Wine?
For wine enthusiasts, futures wine offers several benefits, including:
- Early Access to Exclusive Wines – One of the most compelling reasons to buy futures wine is the chance to secure rare and limited-production bottles. Often, these wines may sell out quickly once released, so purchasing futures guarantees that you’ll have them in your collection.
- Lower Price Point – Because you’re purchasing the wine before it’s bottled, futures wine is typically offered at a lower price than it will be once officially released. This provides an opportunity for significant savings, especially for premium wines that can increase in value.
- Connection to the Winemaking Process – Tasting wine from the barrel and envisioning its potential is an exciting part of the futures wine experience. It gives buyers a deeper appreciation for the winemaking process, allowing them to feel connected to the journey from vine to bottle.
- Investment Opportunity – Although futures wine isn’t primarily about financial investment, collectors often see their bottles appreciate in value as the wine matures. For those who purchase wine as an investment, buying futures can be a lucrative opportunity, especially when purchasing highly sought-after vintages.
How Futures Wine Is Tasted
One of the most unique aspects of futures wine is the opportunity to taste the wine before it’s ready. During the futures wine season, winemakers invite merchants, critics, and sometimes consumers to taste wines directly from the barrel. These barrel tastings are important for understanding the wine’s early characteristics—such as its fruit profile, structure, and tannin balance.
While the wine at this stage hasn’t fully developed, an experienced palate can anticipate how it will evolve with further aging. It’s an exciting glimpse into the future of the wine, where buyers can imagine what their investment will taste like once it’s been bottled and matured.
Wiens Cellars & The Tradition of Futures Wine
Here at Wiens Cellars, we are proud to bring this revered tradition to the heart of Southern California. As one of the few wineries in Temecula Valley offering a futures wine program, we give our wine club members and loyal customers the chance to secure their own piece of Wiens history. Our revered Futures program represents the continuation of our commitment to creating exceptional, limited-production wines, and we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to you.
Introducing Wiens Cellars’ 2022 Intento Futures
Our 2022 Intento Futures is a proprietary blend of Italian varietals, crafted with care and aged to perfection. The wine is currently aging in a combination of American and French oak barrels, allowing the rich fruit flavors to integrate seamlessly with the complex structure of the wine. While still young, this wine already exhibits bright red fruit notes, a silky mouthfeel, and balanced tannins that promise to mature into a bold, full-bodied wine.
This wine is perfect for those who enjoy a wine with complexity and depth. Whether you’re planning to enjoy it for a special occasion or save it as a gift for a loved one, the 2022 Intento is a wine you’ll want in your collection.
Flavor Profile of the 2022 Intento Futures:
- Aroma: Ripe cranberry and candied fig, with hints of toasted oak.
- Palate: Bright red fruit, smooth tannins, and subtle spice.
- Finish: Long and smooth, with a lingering complexity that promises to develop further with age.
Invest in the Future of Wine with Wiens Cellars
Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or someone looking to expand your collection, purchasing futures wine offers you a unique and personal connection to the winemaking process. By securing your 2022 Intento Futures today, you’ll not only lock in a special price but also become a part of the wine’s journey, from barrel to bottle.
As we continue the tradition of offering futures, we invite you to share in the excitement of this special offering. Don’t miss out on your chance to secure this extraordinary wine for your collection.
A Perfect Holiday Investment
Paired with a Holiday Feast: The 2022 Intento Futures is a perfect pairing for holiday meals, especially rich dishes like beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, or lamb chops. The wine’s bold flavors and balanced structure will complement the hearty, savory flavors of a holiday spread.
Gifting to Those You Love: With its limited availability, the 2022 Intento Futures makes for a thoughtful and unique gift. Surprise a fellow wine lover with a futures purchase, or hold onto a few bottles to gift in the future once the wine has reached its peak.
How to Purchase:
You can purchase the 2022 Intento Futures directly through our online store or by visiting our tasting room in Temecula. Whether online or in-store, futures purchases allow you to secure your share of this special wine before it’s officially released. We swap these out every few months, so this vintage won’t last for long!