What does 'en primeur' mean in wine sales?

'En primeur' refers to the practice of purchasing wine while it is still in the barrel and before it has been officially bottled and released for sale. This method is particularly common with high-quality wines from regions like Bordeaux, where consumers and investors buy wine futures, securing their purchases at a lower price before the wine is bottled and prices may rise due to anticipated demand.

This process allows buyers to invest in wines with the hope of appreciation in value over time. It also benefits wineries by providing crucial cash flow early in the wine's production cycle.

The other choices represent different aspects of wine sales but do not capture the specific concept of 'en primeur' as effectively as the correct answer does. The practice is specifically tied to buying wine prior to its official market release, making option B the correct understanding of the term.