Imperial Wines of London | China’s taste for fine wine is boosting the French economy

Posted on February 22, 2013 by admin

Whilst to some people, Bordeaux and Beijing might seem as if they are worlds apart, the reality is that these two cities have become more and more intertwined as of late. Sales of the French city’s wines have risen dramatically over the past year; however it’s not the French that are consuming it, but the Chinese. Imperial Wines of London have noticed that in the last twelve months, China has become of Bordeaux’s top export destinations; this development is especially surprising when one considers how little wine was consumed in China up until a few years ago.

Today, more than thirty chateaux in France have been purchased by investors from China, and there are rumours that another twenty are likely to be snapped up in the near future. This interest in the fine wine of France is part of a trend of Chinese interest across the European continent, with investors hoping to meet domestic demand for high end wines. Given that China has a population of over one billion it’s little wonder that the rising demand there has had such a significant impact on the fine wine market.

In Saint-Emilion, the technical director of one of the region’s most prestigious vineyards, Chateau Angelus, says that he has noticed a dramatic increase in the number of Chinese investors attending their wine tastings. The director, Emmanuelle d’Alignby-Fulchi, believes this to be a very positive development, as wealthy investors are good for business. The French economy has been suffering recently, due to the Eurozone debt crisis, and as such, Imperial Wines of London note, China’s growing tastes for high end French wine could not have come at a better time. Alex Hall who runs a company named Vineyard Intelligence agrees with Emmanuelle, adding that the investment from the Chinese is providing the traditional industries in France with some much needed support.

In terms of specific sales figures, Imperial Wines of London read that Bordeaux’s total revenues reached £3.7billion last year, up ten percent in value and two percent in volume on the previous twelve months, according to the Bordeaux Wine Bureau CIVB. The president of the organisation George Haushalter, says that not only have the Chinese been buying up Bordeaux wines, they have also begin to purchase vineyards. In the last five years, Haushalter adds, Chinese investors and consumers have taken a huge interest in this particular wine region. Currently, China now accounts for more than 71million sales of Bordeaux wine per year.

Diversify and stabilise your investment portfolio with fine wine | Imperial Wines Of London

Posted on February 15, 2013 by admin

One of the easiest ways to diversify your investment portfolio is by investing in fine wine – over the years, it has proven itself to be a highly profitable commodity, outperforming many other assets even during times of economic turbulence. Fine wine investment companies like Imperial Wines of London have seen a huge increase in their client base in recent years, as more and more people are catching on to how reliable fine wine is, in terms of returns.

Whilst stocks and shares are, for most investors, only meaningful when they can make a profit, a lot of investors who put their money in fine wine tend to develop a great deal of interest and passion in the subject. It becomes not only a way to make money, but also a hobby which they can enjoy for a lifetime. One reason why organisations like Imperial Wines of London have so many clients is due to the stability associated with this type of investment. Whilst the property and stock markets fluctuate wildly from one day to another, wine remains comparitvely stable, slowing rising in value as each month passes.

Currently, it is Asian investors who are driving up the demand for fine wine, whilst the traditional markets of the USA and Europe are a bit slower. The sudden burst of personal wealth amongst Hong Kong residents, along with the abolishment of duties on wine imported to the city, has resulted in a huge number of Asian investors suddenly taking a keen interest in the fine wine market.

Wine imports to Hong Kong rose by an incredibly sixty percent in just nine months in 2011, and one Chinese investor purchased just one bottle of fine wine at an auction for a whopping £135,000. The bottle – a 1961 Latour – had previously been valued at just a third of what it eventually sold for. The supports the idea that Asia is developing a serious thirst for fine wine – particularly fine wine from the top Chateaux in France. The auctioning off of the Latour, a First Growth, prestigious wine originating from Bordeaux, for such an unexpectedly high price, served as confirmation for Imperial Wines of London that the demand for such wines in Asia is set to continue. It’s also a clear sign that there is a great deal of wealth amongst Asian investors – in the UK, it would take the average work close to seven years to purchase a bottle for this price and moreover, in certain parts of the country, you could even buy a house for the same amount of money.

Imperial Wines Of London comment on rising popularity of natural wine fairs

Posted on January 30, 2013 by admin

One of the first Australian natural wine fairs has been established in Sydney this year; Rootstock Sydney will be offering more than one hundred wines, originating from thirty different producers, each of whom aims to achieve sustainable viticulture and wine making practices. Imperial Wines Of London say that most of the exhibitors are from Australia, although there are a small amount from Spain, the USA, Slovenia, Greece, France and Italy. Some of the wineries which will be participating in the fair include Pyramid Valley, Milton Vineyards, Giuseppe Rinaldiare, Paxton, and Lucy Margaux.

The fair was set up by two bars owners from Sydney, named James Hird and Giorgio De Maria, along with Mike Bennie, a wine writer. The three organisers have stressed that whilst the term ‘natural’ is being used to describe the wines sold at the fair, their definition of natural relates to sustainability, as opposed to organic production. The wines are of artisan origin and produced by hand, rather than by industrial farming methods. When speaking with Imperial Wines Of London, Bennie remarked that Australian winemakers have noticed a significant increase in the demand for more naturally produced wines, a trend which has also occurred in Europe and America; one example would be the Real Wine Fair in London.

However, whilst their kinds of fairs have been drawing in thousands of visitors, they have also been a source of controversy, mainly due to different interpretations of the word ‘natural’. Given the fact that large scale producers dominate the industry, a lot of independent small winemakers already identify themselves as being ‘artisan’ or ‘natural’, despite using some industrial farming practices. For instance, Imperial Wines Of London point out that many continue to routinely add sulphur dioxide to their wines, for the purposes of stabilising them – this is something which quite a few natural winemakers are opposed to, as they believe this should only be done as and when it is necessary.

Despite the controversy, Imperial Wines Of London say, most consumers remain relatively unaware of the issue, and are more concerned with the quality and history behind a wine, than with how it was produced. But, as more and more people educate themselves about viticulture practices this lack of concern is likely to change. In much the same way that the organic food movement has been revived in recent years, many wine experts are now expecting a similar growth in awareness within the wine industry.

Imperial Wines Of London comment on the Russian love of fine wine

Posted on January 15, 2013 by admin

Whilst Russia has always had an affinity for alcohol, it has typically been for the spirit variety. Only in recent years, Imperial Wines Of London say, has wine consumption in Russia begun to increase. Although vodka remains a popular drink, you are far more likely now to see people in high-end bars and restaurants sipping on fine wine, particularly in St Petersburg and Moscow, rather than downing shots of spirits. This shift in drink preferences has been noted not only in the general population of the country, but also in one of its former presidents, Dmitry Medvedev, who has publically encouraged Russians to switch from vodka to wine.

Medvedev believes that drinking wine will help to prevent Russians from overindulging in strong spirits, as the latter are far more likely to lead to health problems, when consumed in excess. Only time will reveal whether or not this tactic will prove successful; however, Imperial Wines Of London point out that the mere fact that such a strategy has been adopted, shows that fine wine consumption is quickly becoming an integral part of this country’s culture.

One of the most significant trends in regards to wine in Russia is its rise in reputation as a status symbol and luxury product. The move in the 1990s from a socialist to a market economy resulted in the creation of new upper classes that have taken a great interest in the market of luxury goods. Russians today are now not only drinking fine wine, but are also investing in it. Generally speaking, Imperial Wines Of London add, this nation has been known for its conservative investment approach but there has been a definite change in recent years. Russians have become far more adventurous in terms of where they put their money, leaving traditional share and stock markets behind as these become less stable, and instead veering towards alternative investment opportunities.

Russia currently ranks as one of the top ten countries in terms of its fine wine sales, and Imperial Wines Of London are confident that this trend will continue in the coming years, especially now that the Russians themselves are starting to produce their own fine wines in newly-developed vineyards around the country. Russian investors are known for being very particular about the commodities in which they put their money, and fine wine satisfies all of their criteria, offering stability, and impressive returns within a very short space of time.

Facts to consider when investing with Imperial Wines Of London

Posted on December 18, 2012 by admin

When you finally decide to invest in fine wines, there are a number of things that you should consider to make this a successful venture. Imperial Wines Of London, work to ensure that you get value for your money. This is made possible by the cooperation they get from the clients, as well as by the desire to excel. By doing the following, you are assured of making it through the tempest of wine investment.

• As a client, ensure that you take into consideration the size of the business that you plan to trade with. Often, there are large multinational companies, and the best thing about such established enterprises is that they are less likely to go under. The same cannot be said of small and medium sized companies, especially those that are just breaking into the market.

• Consider the amount of information given on the contacts. At Imperial Wines Of London, all this information is available on their website, and includes both a physical and a postal address. This goes to show that they are a credible partner as far as investing in wine is concerned. Beware of companies which only give a phone number as this could be a non-existent company. Make sure you research the company thoroughly.

• Once you have selected the company that you would like to transact with, make sure that you get their price list. This is business so it is paramount that you find the company with the most competitive prices. While researching this you should also inquire whether delivery is catered for in the indicated prices.

• As you make transactions with your choice of wine company, make sure that you receive timely invoices and statements. The details on the two must be indicative of what shares you have in the wine investment.

• Create a private account in your name. The reason for this is that failure to do so may predispose a company to claiming your wine entitlement. You are also exempt from paying taxes, so ultimately the benefits are yours.

For more information on how to invest in fine wines please get in contact with Imperial Wines Of London.

Imperial Wines of London discuss the differences between American and French wines

Posted on October 18, 2012 by admin

France has been one of the leading wine making countries in the world for centuries, and is, according to Imperial Wines of London, the number one producer of top class wines almost every year. Virtually all of the most treasured and critically acclaimed sweet, sparkling, white and red wines originate from France, and furthermore, the wine making techniques used by wineries in this country are used as the basis of wine making in dozens of other countries around the globe. There are three main ways in which French and American wines differ.

The first, Imperial Wines of London say, is the way that the wines are named. The majority of French wines are given the same name as the region they come from, such as Burgundy or Bordeaux, whilst American wines are typically named after the grape varieties which have been used to make the wine, such as Merlot or Chardonnay.

French and American wines also differ in regards to the climate in which the grape varieties are grown. Most French wines are produced in either temperate or cool climate regions, such as Champagne, Loire Valley and Alsace, whilst there are very few American wines grown in these types of climates. Because of the cool climate in France, its wines tend to be higher in acidity, lower in alcohol and lighter bodied than warm climate wines, like those grown in Californian vineyards. As a result of these characteristics, Imperial Wines of London add that French wines are a little easier to pair with food than the high alcohol, full bodied wines of American origin.

There are also differences regarding the emphasis being placed on the grape variety versus the ‘terroir’. French wines always reflect the terroir they were grown in; for instance, wines from Bordeaux are almost always rich, with an aroma of blackcurrants. Additionally, Imperial Wines of London point out that terroir is important is France because of its centuries of traditional winemaking techniques, which differ slightly from one region to another. Conversely, American wines focus on the grape variety, so that a Merlot, for instance, regardless of whether it was grown in Oregon or California, would have the same fundamental characteristics.

Imperial Wines of London – Chateau Haut Brion estate

Posted on September 27, 2012 by admin

History of the Brion estate
by Imperial Wines of London

Château Haut Brion is situated in Pessac, Graves, approximately one mile away from Bordeaux. The vineyard here stretches over more than 109 acres, and according to figures from Imperial Wines of London, produces up to 14,000 cases of wine every year. Haut Brion is the only estate outside of Medoc to be named as a First Growth. Wine grapes have been grown on the land here for several centuries, with the earliest record of this indicating cultivation during the 15^th century. The estate itself was constructed in 1525, when Jeanne de Bellon and Jean de Pontac married.

The wine from Haut Brion was one of the first from the five First Growth estates to be exported to the United States; Imperial Wines of London say that it was Thomas Jefferson who purchased six cases whilst travelling through France, and sent them back to his house in Virginia. Haut Brion has been owned by many notable people over the course of the last four centuries, including three mayors of the city of Bordeaux, a Governor of Guyenne, a French Grand marshal, an archbishop and several admirals. In the mid 20^th century, it was purchased by the Secretary of the US Treasury, Douglas Dillon. The estate was then inherited by the Duchesse de Mouchy, which, Imperial Wines of London say, makes it the only one of the First Growths to have been owned by an American.

According to Imperial Wines of London, Dillon was quick to modernise the winemaking techniques used at Haut Brion, and introduced the stainless steel fermentation vats. This proved to be a wise decision, as just a few years later the 1970 vintage was named as one of the top ten French red wines, in the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ wine contest. To this day, the Grand Vin at Haut Brion is fermented in vats made from stainless steel, after which it is aged in oak barrels for two years. It has a highly complex bouquet of mineral, earthy scents, combined with tobacco and ripe fruit, along with a full body and excellent structure. Imperial Wines of London say that Haut Brion winemakers are particularly adept at producing wine which is perfectly balanced.

Imperial Wines of London – Petrus to be a reliable investment

Posted on August 30, 2012 by admin

Reliable investment by Imperial Wines of London

The Master of Wine, Christies Anthony Hanson has said that from an investment perspective, Petrus is one of the very best wines to purchase, considering the fact that its average annual return stands at 14 percent. Imperial Wines of London comments along with Petrus, several other wines were deemed to be investment worthy, including the initial five growths from the famous wine region of Bordeaux. Hanson added that the reason for Petrus’ success has been the commitment of its producers to traditional wine-making methods, which Hanson said ensure that bottles of Petrus are always consistent in quality.

For many years, Imperial Wines of London say that investors have viewed wine as an alternative investment, which they hoped would bring them greater profits that they had found in the stock market. This, according to many wine brokers, is logical, as there is little connection between the financial and wine markets – with wine, the risk is relatively low and for those taking a long-term view it is a wise commodity to invest in.

Imperial Wines of London says fine wine investments tend to be the last to fall during times of economic adversity, and the first to regain strength. Whilst it’s true that the price of wine has risen and fallen with significant frequency over the last couple of years, wine investors are continuing to yield impressive returns, with those who invested five years ago now receiving returns of around ten percent. Although it does take quite some time to profit, investing in wine is often said to be far more enjoyable and rewarding than investing in the stock market. And despite the rollercoaster of price changes over the years, wine has proven itself to be a hugely profitable investment.

According to Imperial Wines of London, there has been a significant increase in the amount of Chinese wine investors; however most of these address their wine purchases to Hong Kong; this is because elsewhere in China, a tax duty of 47% must be paid, but in the capital, wine duties have been abolished. In addition to the rising popularity of wine investments in China, Hanson has said that South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan are also seeing increases in this form of investment.

Advice for new wine enthusiasts from Imperial Wines of London

Posted on August 20, 2012 by admin

There are many people who find the diversity, history and of course the taste of wine to be fascinating, but are unsure as to where to begin their exploration of this interest. Here, Imperial Wines of London provides new wine enthusiasts with some tips on how to do this.

It’s not a good idea for those who are just dipping their toes into the world of wine to fill their cellars with the first few varieties which appeal to them. When you discover a wine which you really enjoy, it

Tempranillo varietal wine bottle and glass, showing colour Shot with Nikon D70s (Photo credit: Wikipedia) – Imperial Wines of London

may be tempting to buy several cases; however experts from Imperial Wines of London say that it’s important to be aware that your tastes will change and develop over time, as you learn more about the nuances of different wines, and if you bulk-buy too early, you’ll find yourself with a cellar full of wines which you don’t want to touch. With this in mind, it’s best to buy several different single bottles, rather than full cases.

In terms of educating yourself about wine, there are a huge amount of resources available both online and off; however tastings are the best way to learn about the subject – go to as many as possible, and don’t hesitate to speak to the wine connoisseurs in attendance, as they will be able to guide you through each tasting. However, do take what you are told by these experts with a grain of salt, as according to Imperial Wines of London, wine tasting is more of an art than a science, and there are really no ‘wrong’ opinions.

Many new wine enthusiasts fall into the trap of only seeking out expensive or high-rated wines; whilst this is understandable, particularly for those with disposable income, Imperial Wines of London say that the best way to approach purchasing wine is to choose a wide variety of both mid and high priced wines, as this allows you to create context in which to fully appreciate higher quality varieties. Lastly, remember to keep notes on all of the various wines that you try; although at first, you might not be sure what to write, experts from Imperial Wines of London say that your confidence will gradually develop as you learn more about this topic.

Close-up of wine bottle label showing both Tem...

Close-up of wine bottle label (Photo credit: Wikipedia) – Imperial Wines of London

Imperial Wines of London – Identifying wine spoilage

Posted on August 7, 2012 by admin

Spoilage by Imperial Wines of London

People say that wine simply wouldn’t be the same, if it were always sold in screw capped bottles. However, experts from Imperial Wines of London point out that this would, however eliminate the issue of cork taint. A bottle of wine is said to be corked when it has come into contract with another cork, which is infected with a fungus which produces the chemical called TCA. It is not the fungus itself which causes the issue, but rather the TCA which it releases. This TCA imparts an unpalatable flavour to the wine inside the bottle.

Imperial wines of London – Bottles of wine with labels (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For hundreds of years, the wine industry has had to deal with this problem, and some of the solutions which have been devised include screw cap bottles, cork sterilisation methods, synthetic corks and beer bottle caps. Despite these alternatives however, corks are still used for most wines, and it is estimated that at least five percent of all wines are spoiled by this chemical. Unfortunately, Imperial Wines of London say that there is no way to tell if a bottle is corked before purchasing it, although you are well within your rights to return the wine, if upon opening it, you discover that it has spoiled.

However, the identification of a corked wine can be tricky, as the level of TCA may be present in a miniscule or very significant amount. A wine which is subtly corked will usually taste uninteresting, slightly unbalanced and fruitless. If you’re unsure, Imperial Wines of London advise you to leave the wine open for a few hours, as a corked wine’s unpleasant characteristics are likely to become more apparent after it has been opened for some time. Wine which contains high levels of TCA will typically smell of mould or mushrooms, and have quite a bitter taste. In terms of appearance, cloudy wine can sometimes be an indication of spoilage (although this cloudiness should not be confused with a wine’s natural sediment deposits), and with white wines, a tawny-amber colour is usually a sign of a corked wine.

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