Heritage and provenance 'most important for wine buyers'
People seeking fine wine are more motivated by the heritage and provenance of the drink than the ethical credentials of its producer or its availability, new research suggests.
According to a study by Wine Intelligence, most buyers focus on established chateaux such as Haut-Brion and Margaux, meaning newer producers may find it difficult to be taken seriously by connoisseurs, Off Licence News reports.
The other most important criteria for fine wine lovers include provenance and the nature of production, with buyers naturally favouring traditional hand-crafted methods.
Lulie Halstead, chief executive of Wine Intelligence, said that rarity is usually a factor motivating serious collectors, while ethical practice is "not a deal maker or deal breaker".
She advised newer producers wishing to join the more illustrious ranks of their established counterparts: "You have to find a way to reassure consumers who are looking for heritage as the first thing when they are buying fine wine."
Wine Intelligence will host a seminar programme at the London International Wine Fair next month, where it will advice retailers and producers on exploring opportunities in growing markets.