Where should I buy my wine?
Many people buy directly from local producers when they go on trips to a winegrowing region. This can be worthwhile when prices are lower than those usually found in retail outlets. However, this is not always so, particularly if the producer usually sells through a negociant – in which case he will often keep prices much the same to avoid competition. That said, vineyard visits offer a personal touch, and you may be able to taste or chat with the winemaker before you buy. Please note, though, that many estates are not equipped to receive impromptu visits or sell to the public, and it is advisable to make an appointment beforehand. If you do buy at the estate, make sure to avoid exposing your wines to extremes of temperature when taking it back home in your car.
In Bordeaux (and, to a lesser extent, elsewhere) the finest wines are sold "en primeur", which is to say on a futures basis, several months prior to bottling. In the Gironde, this is generally restricted to negociant firms and their customers. However, some lesser-known estates also sell their wine directly this way. This usually represents a bargain compared to the price of the wine once it is bottled. Many of the most famous châteaux distribute their futures on an allocation basis, rewarding those customers who buy their wine even in mediocre vintages. It is therefore preferable to purchase wines you are really interested in regularly to maximize your chances of receiving an allocation.
You are looking for rare or sought-after wines that will be more difficult to find at a later date.
You want to buy outsize bottles (magnums, jeroboams, etc.). On the other hand, avoid half bottles – wine ages better in large bottles.
The prices are competitive, compared to similar-quality wines from other vintages (or wines other regions).
You want to be sure the wine is genuine. With some bottles going for as much as 500 euros each these days, fraud is unfortunately not unheard of in the wine trade (or indeed any luxury goods trade), and there have indeed been instances of counterfeit wines passed off as famous châteaux... It is much cheaper and easier to forge a wine label than bank notes or a Rolex!
You think that the value of the wine once it is bottled will be equal to, or less than the price you paid for it (plus the interest charges the money would have earned if invested).
You think the wine you are interested in may be readily available in shops soon after bottling. Some wines are actually less expensive at this stage than if you buy them in advance.
If prices are expensive compared to other similar-quality wines from other vintages or appellations.
If the wine is from a poor or so-so year and/or is not considered ageworthy.
Special bi-annual tastings, or foires aux vins, began in France in the 90s, and have enjoyed continued success ever since. While these events often feature attractive prices, it is important to avoid a few basic traps. First of all, some great wines are available only in extremely small quantities, and are used as "bait". People rush to buy them as soon as the doors open, and have been known to fight one another while trying to grab one or two precious bottles! Also, many large supermarkets see these promotions as a way of shifting stocks of inferior vintages or mediocre wines. With this in mind, it is best to consult the catalogue closely beforehand, to know what you are looking for, and preferably to go there on the first day. Outside these special promotions, the manager of the wine section in certain supermarkets may be able to help, although their knowledge varies from store to store… Supermarkets are by no means the ideal place to buy wine, and you should confine your purchases to young wines that have not spent long periods of time in an over-heated store or warehouse. Buying older bottles of wines from supermarkets is generally not advised.
These are at the opposite end of the spectrum from supermarkets. Thanks to their detailed knowledge, the staff can help you to discover little-known, yet high-quality producers. Furthermore, such shops often set aside rare and hard-to-find bottles for their best customers. Because of their special relationship with winemakers, these merchants are able to offer a personalised and highly professional service. However, this comes at a cost, and you will often pay a great deal more for a bottle or case of wine at a specialized shop. These shops also offer solutions for clients who do not have enough space or the right storage conditions to keep all their wine at home. Very popular in America and the UK, cash and carry stores are starting to appear in continental Europe. These combine the advantages of supermarkets (bargain prices, large volumes, and wide selection) with those of independent wine merchants (personal touch, knowledgeable staff, etc.). Cash and carry stores offer interesting possibilities and often feature worthwhile special promotions.
Internet sites selling wine have mushroomed since the early 90s. Their main sales argument revolves around lower prices. However, cost varies hugely from site to site, so it pays to shop around! A word to the wise: check what extra expenses (shipping, service charges, etc.) are added to the bill before you buy – and that all prices include tax! Also, take a careful look at delivery deadlines – many "last minute" type sites have difficulty keeping to schedule. Young wines bought online often come direct from the supplier, but watch out for older wines that may have been stored for long periods under less than ideal conditions.
Auctions offer some fantastic deals – but also some bad surprises such as poorly stored wines from less than scrupulous sellers.
Furthermore, some recent cases involving counterfeit wines sold online underline just how hard it is to verify a wine's authenticity over the Net. In traditional auction houses, this risk is reduced thanks to the presence of expert staff. Sites such as Idealwine.com also attend conventional auctions, and can bid on your behalf. However fees amount to 15-20%.
