The exceptional value of high quality wines depends on their specific soils, the growers and the respect towards their vineyards, Mother Nature and her microclimates. But also the passion and the pleasure of the great wine tasting plays an important part.
A fine wine improves in quality throughout its maturation. Time enhances the taste and the tang of its soil. ‘Terroir’ as they simply call it in French.
Rare fine wines increase significantly in value. They attract people who like to invest and to taste wines, and to profit of their investment. Pleasure and investment go together.
Wine was the last asset to feel the effects of the economic crisis and the first to show signs of a recovery. Beyond auctions, where sales have returned to substantial records, the market in general has revived and wine is heading in the right direction.
The interesting premiers grands crus, as always, put in an impeccable performance, with fine, powerful, distinguished and truly elegant ones.
Many of the Châteaux have made corrections caused by the current financial conditions. But the prices of the ten or so premiers crus and comparable wines are only slightly affected. Their intrinsic quality combined with finite supply will push prices significantly higher in the years to come.
What better basis for creating an alternative and secure investment for the future?
BASIC ADVICE TO NEW INVESTORS
The exceptional quality of all the Bordeaux premiers crus of the last few years has been confirmed by the Robert Parker’s ratings. Many of them scored higher than 90/100. With their unique characteristics they are products with good price stability, strong market demand and quality improved by maturation.
Given the quality and short supply of 2008 primeur Bordeaux wines, prices have started to take off again and should rise quite quickly in the future. The demand is there and the reduced quantities will also tend to push up the prices of older vintages.
A reliable professional sommelier is the best advisor for an investment in great fine wines with higher return. A sommelier, who has many years of experience, thoroughly knows the wines, the best vineyards and their soils.
He has the same philosophy as the winemakers he knows. He has had the opportunity to taste the wines for many years and can recognise every outstanding vintage produced from the same soil and terroir. In fact they have shared together the professional experience, aware of every change in the process of vinification, from the ancient methods till the modern wine production.
A skilful and experienced sommelier has mastered the wine so well that winemakers trust him like a member of the family. He is not only their best ambassador, but is granted the best allocations of first growth wines. He will be a considerable help in making the optimal decision.
GENUINE COLLECTING VS MERCANTILE COLLECTING
There are major differences among investors. You will meet great wine tasters and wine lovers, who appreciate the finest wines for a wise investment, and on the other hand, shrewd investors who just buy a wine for its special label, looking at it as a way to make money or show off.
A smart combination of passion and performance gives much more pleasure. It allows the investor to enjoy the wines he prefers with the additional benefit of a sound investment.
BASIC COLLECTING DRIVE
The passion for wine, the colour, the nose, the taste, the evolution and the final impression: they should all harmoniously merge into a unique experience. Wine is just like the art of the great French cuisine. When pairing food and wine together, both products of a terroir of high nobility will be mutually highlighted.
Wine brings people together, family and friends, colleagues and tasters. It creates an intense and exceptional moment, maybe with the very vintage evoking the celebration year of a special life event, … |
