If you're in the market for fine wines, then one of your first decisions should be whether or not to get exclusive or prestige wines. After all, the reason you're shopping around is that you're looking for the best value wines that are rare and exciting. So, exclusive wines may be the way to go. However, this decision has several pros and cons, so understanding these can help you make the right choice. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of budget and fine wines.
One of the advantages is that there is a price differential between the two types of wine. With a premium bottle of red wine, you are essentially getting something that is one-of-a-kind. This choice of wine can be exciting because it means you'll have a bottle to look forward to enjoying. But, keep in mind that the price will be more than that for a budget-friendly bottle. When you consider that some prestige label wines can appreciate in cost over time, the prospect of investing in prestige wines becomes even more appealing.
Buying wines from a restaurant can add a premium to each bottle, though some restaurant wine cellars will give you access to rare vintages that are otherwise difficult to find on the market. With this taken into consideration, the price tag becomes relatively cheap when you think about the time you could save in sourcing that perfect bottle of wine.
So, what's the catch? It's all about the name. Producers of exclusive wines aren't afraid to use their rarity as a selling point on their labels. This clever marketing creates a sense of exclusivity and mystery that drinkers find exciting and makes them crave the experience.
However, it's also true that many restaurants and bars choose signature cocktails instead of exclusive wines. Many fine dining establishments do not serve extensive wine menus anymore because of how popular cocktails have become. Many of them choose to list a range of classic and exclusive cocktails that you can't find anywhere else. The result is that these establishments can diversify their drinks menus to make them appealing to a broader range of people.
A disadvantage associated with exclusive wines is they are more challenging to come by. This fact might make you think you won't be able to find a range of excellent wines and that you may have trouble finding one at all. For example, it may take you longer to find a Dominus or a Cabernet Sauvignon than it would to find a Chardonnay. While some people believe it takes more time to find and appreciate the more expensive wines, others point out that it could take less time if you know where to look.
Thanks to the internet, the search for rare and exclusive wines no longer involves hunting for one in your local grocery store or high street specialist. You can purchase rare and vintage wine online and have it shipped directly to you, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a better price. When you buy from an online retailer, you have many more options available. You can look for a specific rare cabernet sauvignon or a merlot without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
Most retailers will carry wines priced above the standard " Signature" range if you have a pricier wine label in mind, but you don't need to limit yourself to that selection. Many excellent and relatively inexpensive wines fit into the " Signature" category. If you know what you are looking for and have struggled to find it, many online wine merchants will be more than happy to help you source what you need. Bear in mind that this kind of service can incur an additional fee on top of the label price of the wine.
Many top chefs use costly wines in their signature dishes. These wines can be great gifts for people you know and love, whether they are into fine wines or love cooking with fine wines. If you want to impress your date or give an awe-inspiring gift to a business colleague, you can also do that with an exclusive vintage. Your next dinner party may be made even more impressive with some of these varietals. A wine priced above the standard "Signature" range should be on your list of purchases if you want the very best.