On 13, 14 and 15 February 2023 was held what many consider as the future leader of international meetings of professionals in the world of wine, Porte de Versailles in Paris. Justfocus was a happy present at Vinexpo 2023. A look back at an edition hailed as an absolute success.
VINEXPO 2023: +36,000 visitors, 3400 exhibitors, 149 countries, 6 dedicated thematic pavilions
Rodolphe Lameyse had promised, this edition of Vinexpo 2023 would be exceptional. And the general manager of the event did not lie, the success was clearly there. And so much the better. Because the ambitions are great for the Parisian international show: Replace ProWein, historical reference in the field, and conquer hearts beyond European borders, to become THE SALON OF THE YEAR. Just that.
30,000 professional visitors were expected during these 3 days of meetings, contacts and commercial conquests – sometimes without hope – to obtain allocations from the most coveted winegrowers. Not only the big groups, but also the rising stars of tomorrow's spirits and wines. Because it is true, this microcosm of privileged people often refuses newcomers, who seek to obtain large bottles, yet all reserved even before the opening of sales.
Guigal, emeritus reference of the wines of the Rhone Valley, was asked, why make thousands of curious people salivate in vain on huge wines such as La Turque, Château d'Ampuis or La Mouline (to mention only their 'Côte-Rôtie'), when they are not available? Answer: because wine is shared. We will not complain about it. In the absence of being able to order, we come to discover them, vintage by year, and enrich the know-how of the guardians of the Brune and Blonde coasts.
Exceptional Masterclasses on various themes
Champagnes, Alsatian wines, Pinot Noir and its regions, Italian Abruzzos, Chenin… There was a choice to gain knowledge and discernment again this year. Masterclasses well conducted, in optimal comfort conditions. Having participated in the Master du Chenin, it was a treat. Blind tasting, pedagogy of regions and feelings, powerpoint presentations and translations French / English, the moment is memorable.
We leave with our heads full, but mainly surprises, memories, and also doubts. Because the Chenin produced in Anjou or Touraine, does not have on the nose or in the mouth the same aromas as that of South Africa. The climate and the soils transform it abundantly, so much so that when you tick the box: "Do you think this glass comes from France or South Africa? ", well we're a little lost. And that's magical.
Our top of Vinexpo 2023
Fallen in love with Alsace 2 good years ago, we hoped to find our winegrowers from the east of France more visible and better represented than last year. And the surprise was huge. On the initiative of the DOMAINE MARCEL DEISS, an entire stand of Complantés welcomed us all smiles for this first (and hope for a long series) union of forces. Ah… Planting.
Much more than a winemaking technique, this philosophy which consists in reconnecting with the contribution of the soil and the terroir, and putting in the background the belief in the sole dominance of the grape variety (s) to characterize a wine. Pure wonder. A counter-sense of will that restores to the region the sovereignty it once had. Classic grape varieties of the region, of course (Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinots…) but also lesser-known grape varieties, see forgotten. All mixed together. Like the peasants of yesteryear.
Thus, we discover a formidable stand of complantés, with MARCEL DEISS, VIGNOBLE DU RÊVEUR, LAROQUE D'ANTAN, CHAMPAGNE GEOFFROY, DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD, NIEPOORT, TELMO RODRIGUEZ. France, Spain, Portugal, Reds, Whites, Champagnes… One thing in common: Planting. The smiles on the faces of the planters gave the feeling that they are free. Free to choose winemakers, to try new experiences, to seek new sensations. Free to dazzle, and to be dazzled. Jean Baptiste Geoffroy made us taste some of his recent creations, real magic potions. "Do you like it? " he worries. Answer: We love it.
Special mentions:
– Château d'Arche : Grand Cru Bordeaux in Sauternes, classified in 1855, which returns with a new strategy, both in the bottle and outside. The 400-year-old estate of love history dazzled us, especially with its Arche Lafaurie 2016 head cream, intoxicating and very affordable!
– The Domaine des Closiers : located in Parnay, in the heart of the Saumur Champigny appellation, this is a great discovery for this house in organic conversion since 2020, which has invested a lot in its equipment to respect the organic specifications and bring care to its vinification. A terrible potential for a house that climbs four to four the stairs the great wines of the Touraine region.
– The press corner : We must mention it. The show honored the press corner and saw things big for a chic and very friendly welcome. With an ultra professional bartender and a thoughtful space, the lounge sets the bar very high and delighted with its hospitality.
Our black spot of Vinexpo 2023
We will not go through four paths. We expected a lot from the stand of the Bordeaux HALL 6, with a hundred great wines of Bordeaux (2020). A godsend, as the interest for us to pass through this Hall was, essentially, to taste great wines. Despite an obvious potential of wines to age and become interesting in a few years, a great disappointment invades us. The year 2020 was very closed, on the nose but especially in the mouth. The aromas do not come out, the wine does not express itself. We would almost thank the Sauternes for having been there, to finish on a sweet note and an enthusiastic mouth.
And because a remark never comes alone, the show has experienced a considerable delay in displaying the booth panels. On several occasions, we get lost in the aisles, we go around in circles, we get annoyed. So do exhibitors. Not enough to spoil the event, but hey. Since we are close to perfection, we might as well give the axes of perfectibility.
What's next for VINEXPO?
With an exciting Olympian year, VINEXPO 2024 promises to be a new edition full of surprises. Rodolphe Lameyse, director of the event, has a little idea in mind: the "Wine Paris Awards". Oscars version wines and spirits in short. Enough to give an even more vibrant atmosphere to the Parisian event.
Vinexpo 2024, we can't wait to be there!
Charles Nilovic
