Intercontinental wines limited

Know About the Champagne Vintages 2014-1988

Though Cava & Prosecco are fast becoming popular among wine lovers, but when it comes to buying expensive wines, Champagne still rules the hearts, minds and wallets of many around. To conclude, these lofty champagne prices are justified, in context of other world class wines. The Vintage Champagne is a rarity and is about 10-15 percent of the total wine production in a region. Experts in fine wines did a thorough research on the Vintage Champagne and have come up with this definitive guide to the vintages of Champagne: 

2014- The 2014 harvest in Champagne is successful and satisfying. Many growers and houses are happy with the year's crop, as a warm, dry September helps boost the grape quality.

2013- A recent research revealed that the initial study of the 2013 crop in Champagne was exactly the same as that of the legendary 1996. Also, they said that though the Chardonnay was badly affected by millerandage resulting in smaller crop, but the quality was very high.

2012- The Vintage Champagne of 2012 is considered as one of the best vintages of the region. As quoted “The quality and the intensity are definitely there to make an outstanding vintage”. Though the yield was very low, but they show a lovely richness and acidity to make an outstanding & long-lived wine.

2011- The year saw a difficult harvest. A few vintage Champagnes are likely to be made.

2010- It is hard to imagine a very difficult harvest with prominent rot. Some vintage Champagnes are likely to be made.

2009- The experts stated that the 2009 vintage wines are quite adamant. As ‘99s young wines, the 2009s vintage which is marked by yellow fruit do not fascinate at first glance, but over time, those ugly ducklings turned into charming swans, becoming silky and sensuous presenting class and elegance.

2008- These vintage wines were satisfying, successful and high in quality. With good flavor profiles, they maintain an appealing balance of acidity and concentration. And, yes, you can keep these vintages for long.

2007- These vintage Champagnes focused more on delicacy, rich aroma and are fine in quality. Also, these are considered as the nice fruit of the year packed delicately.

2006- The year appeared like a large chummy galoot of vintage wines. The vintage is really liked by all. The experts believe that it is reliable and suggest you to keep.

2005- 2005 in Champagne was not as uniformly successful as in some other French regions. Some of the wine lovers say 2005 vintage Champagne has same charm and quality, but many state it as a rotten potato thing.

2004- While the year experienced a huge crop, but most of its wine was unexciting and competent. And, the best of the 2004s vintages were the green flavors, such as wintergreen, lime-zest, balsam, verbena etc.

2003- It is said that the heat waves of this year’s summer were too hot to produce fine quality Champagne. And, experts advise you to avoid.

2002- The great wines of 2002 offer everything including focused aromas with flowers, flavors showing classic parameters, and certainly made an amazing vintage. And, idea to keep 2002s vintages is perfectly fine.

2001- Studies show that 2001 also experienced a poor summer followed by heavy rains that destroyed the harvest. Few vintage wines were made.

2000- The year marked relatively soft and approachable wines. Though the vintages are fine in quality, with a little more body & strength, but it seems that these wines are aging fast.

1998- These are the vintages that continue to grow in quality & taste with time. And, experts say that these wines can be kept for special occasions.

1997- Pretty good in taste and are marked by pleasing ripe fruit flavors. 1997s wines are altogether marvelous that are suggested to keep.

1996- This year has been considered a fantastic vintage that produced classic wines. But, experts say that these wines are aging. So, keeping them is not advised.

1990- A fantastic year that produced half-dozen vintages of the last century. The vintage Champagne shows fine body and spectacular depth of fruit as well as fine quality and good longevity. And, better is to drink it soon.

1989- 1989s Champagnes are luscious, soft and rich in taste. The hot summer produced wines are lovely, appealing and slightly short on acidity. Also, experts advise to drink them soon.

1988- Strong, classically structured, and were not immediately appealing. But, with the passage of time, these wines have shown them to be rich in fruit, quality, and balanced. Experts advise either you can drink them or keep.

To know more visit at Expert Tips on How to Drink Champagne like a Pro - Intercontinental Wines

Collecting Fine Wines- Know the World’s Most Expensive Brands of Wines

For many of us, wine is a vitiated juice derived from grapes, but for some, wine is an identity resplendent, a living thing and even more. These wine aficionados are passionate about wines and are fond of collecting the most expensive & fine wines of the world.

These fine wines are considered as a symbol of class, sophistication and glamour. Collecting fine wines is a passion for many, and for some it a symbol of class, luxury and pricey fixed attitude in the society. This is the reason that these wines are greatly priced in market and auctions. Each bottle of fine wine brings over a hundred-year refinement, an amazing culture and luxurious manufacturing, and wonderful drinking experience.

The Major Factors that Determine the Price of Wine

• The market value of the wine
• Vineyard
• Owner of the wine bottle- the Brand
• Age of fine wines

So, if you are also passionate about collecting fine wines, then here is a list of the world’s most expensive wine brands along with their selling or auction price, (a slight variation in price is possible)-

• Chateau Lafite (1869) – $232,692
• Chateau Lafite (1787) – $160,000
• Screaming Eagle Cab (1994) – $80,000
• Chateau d’Y quem (1784) – $56,588
• Massandra Sherry (1775) – $43,500
• Romanee Cont, DRC (1990) – $28,112
• Montrachet (1978) – $23,929

--------and the list continues---------

For many of us, remembering the names of wines is difficult, but for some collecting these luxury wines is more than just a hobby. A wine expert can tell you better why these wines are greatly priced. We, at Intercontinental Wines are a UK based fine wine merchants with a global reach, utilising our extensive range of contacts to source the very top tier of fine wines from around the world. With over 15 years experience and knowledge surrounding the fine wine world, we are in a great position to source fine wines and more recently rare & collectible spirits.