The challenge of predicting the next big collectable Italian wine
Italian Challenge
It is a challenge to predict the next big collectable Italian wine from a specific region as the wine world is dynamic and constantly evolving. However, we accept the challenge to reveal 5 interesting wines or even the next big collectables per region.
The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) in Verona, Italy assigned us the challenge of predicting the next big collectable Italian wine. Quite a daunting task considering the numerous renowned Italian wines available. In the world of Italian fine wines, certain wines stand out for their exceptional quality and reputation. Among them are the Tuscan wines known as the Big Five – Sassicaia, Tignanello, Solaia, Masseto, and Ornellaia – highly coveted and sought-after by wine collectors.
However, other wines are becoming increasingly popular too in the fine wine world. Amarone della Valpolicella from Veneto and Barolos and Barbarescos from Piedmont are excellent alternatives to expensive Burgundy wines or the Italian Big Five. Barolos and Barbarescos’ most iconic bottles, known for their high quality and value for money, have already gained popularity among wine collectors. Despite the fluctuating prices of these wines under different circumstances and vintages, their prices display an undeniable upward trend.
Wine is perceived differently by different people. For me, wine has always been about drinking, preferably in good company, while others prefer collecting. Some collectors think that the value of a collectable wine comes from owning it, from having it in the cellar, not necessarily from drinking it. Is this a good thing for wine? That is debatable, as one of the most rewarding aspects of collecting and cellaring wine is to enjoy your collection over time.
In short, Winejus has accepted the VIA challenge and searched the scope of Italian wines to identify five wines that have the potential to become the next big collectable. One of the critical factors in the search is affordability.
To identify these wines, we applied specific criteria. By using these criteria, we hope to discover wines that are not only collectable but also accessible to wine lovers and devotees:
- Indigenous or native Italian grapes used to create authentic Italian-style wines. Wines made with respect for the terroir, history, and grape variety.
- Wines produced from old vines (35 years or more) or ungrafted Vitis vinifera generate a lower yield but often with more intensity.
- Rarity. A limited amount of available bottles. Wines of low but high-quality yields, single vineyard wines, rare grape varieties or older aged wines.
- Longevity/ageing potential. One of the most definitive indicators of a future value is the ageing potential of a wine. Unexpected grape varieties can produce age-worthy wines, proving that everyone who thought differently was wrong.
- Grapes from exceptional vintages.
- Wines from volcanic soils. The most exciting and intriguing wines coming out of Italy have one thing in common: the volcanic origins of their soils.
- There is a trend towards wines produced in a cooler climate or from higher altitudes, and vineyards planted on north-facing slopes or close to the sea produce wines that are generally lighter and fresher and with lesser alcohol content. This aligns with current consumer trends for fresh white wines, lower alcohol and sparkling wines. A trend for nature-inspired or orange wines is emerging.
- Sustainability, Organic, Bio. The growing attractiveness of sustainability to wine consumers is prompting more winemakers to produce sustainable wines. These wines are often certified as organic or bio.
- Critical acclaim. Wines that receive high scores and praise from wine critics and publications are often considered collectable due to their critical acclaim.
Curious about which wines we come up with that are of value or interest to wine collectors or drinkers? Read our future articles about interesting wines or even the next big collectables per Italian wine region. It’s important to note that not all wine drinkers are collectors and vice versa. Some aficionados purchase wine solely to drink it. Ultimately, the next big collectable wine from Italy could come from any region that consistently produces fine wines of exceptional quality, distinctiveness, and age-worthiness, capturing the attention of collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
