(Decanter) - Cheap money, new owners and the pursuit of perfect wine are propelling a new golden era of investment in Bordeaux’s centuries-old vineyards and wine estates. 

Bordeaux’s 2016 en primeur tastings week was book-ended by purchase deals.

Lynch-Bages gave merchants something to discuss in airport queues by acquiring fellow Pauillac 1855 Château Haut-Batailley. And within five days, the Florida-based Moraes family had bought Bordeaux Supérieur estate Château Peyfaures.

More Deals

Two very different deals, but both a sign of the times. French land agency Safer counted 28 deals for Bordeaux estates in 2016.

It’s part of a bigger investment story in the region, despite the market for Bordeaux wine facing several knocks in recent years.

Buyers aren’t necessarily chasing the crown jewels of the 1855 Classification – and it would be interesting to watch the French government reaction if they did. This is often about deals with the scope to develop supply chains and add value.

‘The strength of the US dollar continues to attract US investors,’ said Michael Baynes, of Christie’s-affiliated estate agency Maxwell Baynes. ‘However it is notable that during 2016 and 2017 the last five Bordeaux vineyards we have sold to US buyers have all been targeted business investments for the buyers.’