One of the wine merchants James recently interviewed for his Financial Times’ special report on wine investment is Paulo Pong, the founder and managing director of Altaya Group. In the year of 2015, consumers seem to have picked up their interest in wine investment again after a relatively quiet period. Napa 2012 and Brunello 2010 are moving fast in the market, and rare bottles of Bourdeaux and mature vintages of Burgundy are favourites among consumers, said the executive. Meanwhile, for Italian wines, Barolos and Barberescos together with Super Tuscans are outselling wines from other regions of Italy, he adds.
In the interview, he also shared with us some of the top names of Italian wines that consumers should look out for investment and purchases. Read the full interview below to find out.
JamesSuckling.com: What are your views on wine investment at the moment?
Paulo Pong: For the past six to 12 months, the words “wine investment” have resurfaced. I believe the collapse of prices for blue chip wines with the weakening of Euro are getting people excited in wine again.
JamesSuckling.com: How is Bordeaux selling?
Paulo Pong: Bordeaux over the past 10 years are selling very well. Rare bottles with excellent provenance are also moving quickly as they are getting harder to come by.
JamesSuckling.com: Is there any upside to Burgundy? Why?
Paulo Pong: Mature vintages still have an upside as they become rarer by the day. For the younger vintages, people seem to pick and choose a bit more from 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012 vintages.
JamesSuckling.com: Any other regions to highlight for wine investment, price inflation or just plan collecting?
Paulo Pong: Wines such as Napa Valley 2012 and Brunello 2010 are our hot picks. They rank as some of the best ever produced vintages in their respective regions.
JamesSuckling.com: Italy seems to be outperforming most regions at the moment, are you bullish? Why?
Paulo Pong: Thanks to the great ratings from various critics, the red 2010s from Piedmont and Tuscany are selling very well. We enjoy them a lot and we like introducing them to our clients.
JamesSuckling.com: What areas from Italy sell the best?
Paulo Pong: Barolo and Barbaresco in particular, as well as super Tuscan from Bolgheri outperform other areas. But we also sell quite a bit of the delicious sparkling wines from Franciacorta and refreshing whites from Friuli.
JamesSuckling.com: What areas and producers do you look for the future in Italy for investment and purchase?
Paulo Pong: It’s hard not to focus on the top names such as Gaja, Giacosa, Clerico, Sassicaia, Masseto, Ornellaia.
Photos from top to bottom: Paulo Pong, founder and managing director of Altaya Group; Domaine de la Romanee Conti Tache Grand Cru Monopole Cote Nuit Vosne
