Taking advantage of its roots in the Bordeaux region, French e-retailing leader Cdiscount has built up considerable expertise in oenology. Cdiscount sold and shipped more than three million bottles of wine in 2013, offering customers a selection of 2,600 French and international wines. It has also become the specialist in “second wines”, with more than 200 different listings from Bordeaux’s leading châteaux. In addition, Cdiscount sells 300 award-winning wines. This high-quality selection is on display from 10 to 29 September during Cdiscount’s 10th Annual Wine Fair.
Although well-known by the general public as France’s leading e-retailer, low-price champion and identifier of new trends, Cdiscount is also a major player in online sales of wine and champagne. Based from the beginning in Bordeaux wine country, the company has forged long-term relationships of trust with the region’s prestigious winemakers. In line with its commitment to offering the “Best Products at the Best Price”, the site has developed a vast selection of “second wines” from Bordeaux’s leading châteaux so that customers can discover fine wines at affordable prices.
Thanks to other partnerships developed over the years with French and international winemakers, Cdiscount now offers 2,600 wines and champagnes, a large majority of which are tasted and graded by Cdiscount Experts before being listed for sale. As the individuals in charge of selecting wines, these specialists nurture long-term partnerships with the site’s 130 wine and champagne suppliers so that they can offer both celebrated names and more personal favourites.
Cdiscount backs its rigorous selection process with top-notch logistics expertise. From storage to packaging to delivery, the wine is handled with care, under the conditions required by a finely crafted product. Cdiscount sold and shipped more than three million bottles of wine in 2013.
A discriminating selection developed by expert wine tasters
Cdiscount’s online wine selection reflects a clear set of values promoted by a team of specialists with deep winegrowing knowledge and extensive tasting experience.
The catalogue of 2,600 wines and champagnes has been developed on the basis of rigorous quality criteria. Cdiscount’s experts visit French vineyards, take note of rising winemakers and identify the best cuvées. As professional wine tasters with degrees in oenology or winemaking and years of experience in tasting, they are collectively responsible for the site’s wine selection.
The panel of tasters rates the wines according to the same criteria. Each glass is subjected to a complete sensory analysis based on the tasters’ experience and knowledge of the vineyard, its appellations and its best years of vintage. The wine’s colour (or robe), aroma and bouquet (nose) and flavours and texture (mouthfeel) are analysed. Its balance, structure and lingering aftertaste are carefully assessed. The selected wines reflect a clear set of values and all offer excellent quality and drinking pleasure for the money.gb