The definition of fine wine is not an exact one. There is not a specific set of criteria to follow, as wine connoisseurs have different ideas on how to evaluate wines. This is why fine wine is an art more than a science, and why it fascinates people all around the world. It is an ever-evolving concept that changes with time and fashion, and with the taste of its consumers.
However, we can all agree that what distinguishes fine wines from mass-produced ones is their taste. There is no harshness in fine wines, their smoothness and complexity are pleasing to the palate making them an excellent choice to be enjoyed on their own or with food. The quality of the wines essentially depends on two factors: their region of origin and the winemaking techniques. In order to preserve the condition of the wine, storage is probably the most important factor. Without the correct storage, even the best bottles can quickly deteriorate and go bad. Many fine wines are stored for ageing, but there are also some extremely high-quality young wines that are best consumed shortly after production. Therefore, whether a wine has to be kept for months or decades, the cellar has to be of extremely high standards in order to guarantee the quality of the wine.
When fine wines are stored for ageing, the best bottles are not only kept for many years but also benefit from the ageing process by improving their flavours and aromas. In this process, nothing can be left to chance. The wines can later be sold for thousands of pounds, consumers and investors demand the very best quality when paying these prices. Ageing wine is a very delicate process and if it is to be done properly, the rewards are substantial. Many bottles will develop complexity and balance as they age, making them more valuable.
The most famous wine cellars around the world are large and dark and they somehow resemble a labyrinth. They can hold hundreds of bottles and have become places for wine lovers to visit as if they were museums. However, in order for a cellar to be of top quality, its size and shape are of secondary importance. The right temperature, humidity and protection from the light will ensure the wines are kept at their best, whether for the short or long term. Wine connoisseurs also know that the positioning of the wines is not to be overlooked. wine bottles have to be kept horizontal so that the cork always touches the wine and prevents it from drying out.
From wine packaging to storage to transportation, fine wines have to be handled with care and professionalism to ensure that they can keep all their finesse. The wine industry is an extremely large and profitable one and the competition is fierce as new players enter the market year after year. Investing in high-quality storage facilities is essential and something that wine lovers enjoy doing, as they grow with their wines, nurture them and take pleasure in the whole journey of bringing the bottles to their very best.
