START-UP ADVICE

INVEST IT
WINE
1. Look for the name.
If you’re buying wine as an investment with a
view to reselling at some stage in the future,
then concentrate on the big names as these
will be most likely to offer you a safe return.
There are many top brands on the wine
market that are worth investing in at the
moment, but some particular ones of note
are; Romanée-Conti, Château Margaux,
Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Lafite,
Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
2. How to spot a fake
There are a growing number of fakes coming
on to the market, so this is something to
be particularly aware of if you are a novice
collector. It is best to be cautious, so don’t
be afraid to ask questions or demand
more details or information. You should be
particularly wary of any wines that are of a
famous vintage as these are more likely to be
copied.
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You should always compare the label
and capsule to those of a known genuine
bottle, and look closely to ensure the label
is straight and centred. You should always
check the wine’s provenance and be very
wary if there is any lack of, or unwillingness to
provide, information on this. If you have any
reason to be suspicious, or if you are simply
inexperienced and are not sure what to
look for, then you should seek advice from a
professional before purchasing.
3. Storing your wine
You need to be extremely careful when storing
your wine. Poor storage can affect the value of
your wine, or in the worst case scenario ruin
your wine (and therefore its value). Potential
buyers will often ask you about your storage
conditions and some auction houses will
even be reluctant to sell any wines with an
uncertain storage history.
The perfect conditions for storing wine are as
follows:
- A constant temperature of between 10-14
degrees.
- A slightly damp atmosphere.
- A healthy environment with no mould.
- A dark room which is protected from light.
4. Provenance
It is crucial to the value of your investment to
ensure you know the quality and provenance
of the wine you are buying. This includes the
wine’s origin and the confirmation that it has
been stored in an appropriate environment.
When purchasing a new wine it is always
advised to ask the seller for this information in
addition to a copy of their purchase invoices,
if they have them, so you can validate this
information.
5. Understanding Vintage