For some time we have bought our wine in 10 litre boxes from a chateau near Blaye. We bought 3 boxes in March and filled 13 bottles from each box (as indicated on the box). In case you think we're massive drinkers, we serve the wine with our table d'hote for our b&b guests.We bought 10 more boxes last week and noticed that the packaging on the boxes was different. We decided to open one to check that the wine is the same (it is) but were suprised to find that this box only filled 12 bottles. We weighed the other 9 boxes and found that they are half a kilo lighter than the old boxes, which explains the difference in capacity. I rang the vineyard, who told us not to worry, they would make up the difference the next time we go there, which won't be soon as we live 160 kms away. Obviously, being French, there was no apology. We're in a quandary as we love the wine but are very disappointed, first of all that they've short changed us and secondly that they are so dismissive about the whole thing. If we were in England I would be in touch with the local Trading Standards office. Does anyone know of a similar organisation in France, or does anyone have any advice? Thanks.
I contacted the Chamber of Commerce who weren't the slightest bit interested. They suggested I speak to the Direction Regionale des entreprises de la concurrence de la consommation du travail et de l'emploi. After speaking to three different people in this organisation I am still no further forward as they all said there's nothing they can do, it's up to me to sort it out. I do find it amazing that a chateau can short sell their wine and no regulatory body is interested. The chateau concerned have sent me a voucher to cover the difference but quite frankly we have no confidence in them and certainly don't want to make a 4 hour round trip to pick up 10 litres of wine.
On the other hand, we visited Guadaloupe earlier this year and bought 2X5 litre boxes of 50% proof rum at about 7 euros a litre, and they were full to busting!
This is fascinating. If you weren’t filling your bottles you’d never have found out. So us who merely drink it would be short changed and oblivious. (Probably paralytically oblivious as well!)
I would contact the local Chambre de Commerce. They will know who to talk too
Hi Nola
We're going to give them a week to see if they try and put their mistake right. After that I'll get in contact with the Maison du Vin in Blaye (thanks for that info!) and let you have the name of the chateau we bought the wine through.
I'd ring the Maison du Vin in Blaye and ask them for their thoughts.... Could you pm me with the name of the Chateau please as am curious.