The historic trading house proves its commitment to sustainability with the launch of eco-designed Bordeaux “88-89”

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Maison A. de Luze is a well-established trading house that has been representing premium Bordeaux wines since 1820. This year it is unveiling its first eco-designed cuvée, “88-89,” a limited edition line aiming to embody its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Each stage of the “88-89” cuveé’s production has been meticulously thought through to minimise its environmental impact, according to Maison A. de Luze. At the same time, the eco-friendly cuvée, which the trading house is presenting here at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2024, preserves all of the quality that has characterised Maison A. de Luze’s wines for over two centuries.

Produced from a single plot in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, this Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Bordeaux red wine presents notes of black plum, crushed blackberry, blackcurrant, touches of graphite and wild thyme. On the palate, savoury notes of juicy black fruit and firm tannins combine with a marked freshness. According to Maison A. de Luze, the wine reveals the purity and strength of its clay-limestone terroirs and offers the signature qualities of the Bordeaux wine region and its emblematic grape varieties.

“Plot-based winemaking means paying attention to the grape variety, listening to the soil and its biodiversity. Each grape variety is harvested according to its ripeness, then vinified separately in order to preserve its typical character and enhance its expression. This process is in line with our primary ambition: to offer the right wine, in the right place, at the right time,” asserts Marie Huchon, Marketing Manager at Maison A. de Luze.

Produced through local partners and organic farming, using total recyclability and parcel-based vinification, the “88-89” cuvée aims to be as carbon-free as possible. Moreover, particular care has been taken with respect to the wine’s packaging, logistics, and transport to ensure a minimal ecological impact, eliminating overcaps, using plant-based glue on its labels, and lightweight bottles as a part of a deposit scheme.

The 6,000 bottles in this limited edition have been adorned with recycled paper labels designed by local Bordeaux artist Alice Bottigliero. Conceived as a tarot card, the design brings together the symbols that have marked the long history of the trading house.

“Our heritage is precious, and Baron Alfred de Luze’s thirst for discovery continues to inspire us every day. As on our first day, our passion and curiosity for the vineyards of Bordeaux, France and the world remain the watchwords of our trading house, which aspires to become increasingly modern and sustainable,” says Marie Huchon, Marketing Manager of Maison A. de Luze.

Hall 6 / Stand E 083

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La Maison A. De Luze: Combining heritage and innovation

Founded in 1820 by Baron Alfred de Luze, one of the pioneers of Bordeaux wine trading, Maison A. de Luze has made a significant contribution to the global reputation of the region’s wines. Today, the trading house has over 200 partner vineyards, and exports its 500 wines to 75 countries. After more than two centuries, it continues to build on its expertise while aiming for ongoing innovation.

Beyond the launch of its eco-designed cuvée, “88/89,” Maison A. de Luze is continually striving to integrate innovative practices and minimise its environmental impact while selecting sustainable vineyards for all of its lines, including those that boast a high environmental value (HEV) label, Terra Vitis certification, and organic wines.

As a part of the trading house’s environmental efforts, Maison de A. de Luze is gradually implementing a number of initiatives, such as certification for the Bordeaux cultivons demain (Bordeaux Cultivating Tomorrow) corporate social responsibility (CSR) label; the recycling of label glassine, bottle deposits; a partnership with Eco in Pack; the reduction of waste tonnage; an in-house waste water treatment plant, and support for the Agir Cancer Gironde association via the collection of corks.

Photo : © Milena Delorme