▻ Bordeaux Courtiers with Jane Anson

10 Minute Masterclass

6 Nov

Written By Sarah Kemp

In conversation with Jane Anson

Episode Summary:-

Jane Anson explains the role of the courtier in Bordeaux, who are hardly known by the general public, but play a key role in the sales of Bordeaux wine. She explains that “a courtier is a broker, think of it as a matchmaker, a middleman who sits in-between the château and the negociant.” While the negociants deal with the outside world, the courtier deals in the internal Bordeaux market. They are extremely discreet, but know everything. They are paid 2% by the negociant, but advise the châteaux as well. They have been around since the Middle Ages, and operated mostly under the radar until 1982, when En Primeur took off, and the increased amount of sales due to the heavy demand meant the 2% was worth a considerable amount. “You know who is a courtier if they are wearing highly polished hand-made shoes,” Jane advises.

There are 70 courtiers in Bordeaux, and a typical day is spent tasting and visiting the châteaux and other negociants. They keep up-to-date on personnel changes, and more and more often, investment strategy. The most famous name is Tastet Lawton, who have daily weather records going back to the 17th century. Today, you have to take an exam to become a courtier, and questions include the legal process of selling and buying wine. Courtiers are not just used in Bordeaux for wine, they are busy in France in the food and property sector too.

Sarah asks if there is a conflict of interest, with negociants paying the 2%, but the courtier advising the château. Jane says there is a potential conflict of interest, but it’s an established system. The one major change is the courtier now dealing with overseas estates, and Jane sees that as a trend that will continue. Jane’s obscure fact? It was a courtier who delivered the Petrus to the space-ship to be sent to the International Space Station; His job? To guarantee its authenticity.

Running Order:-

0.00 – 5.57

“They are extremely discreet, but know everything.”

– The role of a courtier.
– How a courtier is paid.
– Courtiers established in the Middle Ages.
– How 1982 En Primeur changed the financial fortunes of the courtier.
– A typical day for a courtier.
5.58 – 10.45

"You know who is a courtier – if they are wearing extremely polished hand-made shoes.”

– How you become a courtier.
– The courtier system outside the wine sector.
– Potential conflicts of interest.
– Changes ahead for the courtiers.
– Jane’s obscure courtier fact.