My Article: Italy Taking Market Share from Bordeaux in Trading

Some people may say that Super Tuscans are on the decline, but globally they lead the way in fine Italian wine trading. For example, it’s hard to convince many high-end wine collectors in Hong Kong or Shanghai of Barolo, or even Brunello di Montalcino. But they are happy to buy Solaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia, Masseto, and Sassicaia.

I read an interesting blog over the weekend from Liv-ex, the London-based fine wine trading platform, that noted the share of its monthly turnover in April showed a rise in top Italian wines – especially Super Tuscans.

Here is what it wrote:

This year’s decidedly underwhelming En Primeur campaign appears to be prompting buyers to look elsewhere. Italy’s share of monthly turnover rose from 1.1% in April to a nine-month high of 4.5% in May. Sassicaia (LWIN 1102037), Tignanello (LWIN 1095391) and Ornellaia (LWIN 1102024) all saw steady trade throughout the month, but it was Solaia (LWIN 1095388) that really lifted the region’s share of turnover. 

Where the Bordeaux 2011 vintage offers buyers little incentive to part with their money, vintages of Solaia that have received 95 points or more from the Wine Spectator are available at £100 per bottle – or less. This can be seen from the table below. The 2003 (WS 95) in particular catches the eye at £950, as does the 97-point 2006, which is currently offered on Liv-ex at £1,100. Trading members of Liv-ex can view live markets here.

The asterisks note tasting scores from this site, but, in fact, all the scores are mine since I tasted them while at The Wine Spectator. 

It’s interesting that the most expensive Solaias are in highly rated vintages of Bordeaux – 2009 and 2005 – yet those years are not the best in Tuscany. The 2006 and 2007 are the top years for the Chianti Classico region, where Solaia is produced. In any case, Solaia is a very consistent high quality wine from the Antinori family.