_Wine investment tips from a Master Sommelier

The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index (Q4,2018) identified wine as the equal third asset with the highest growth in value in over the last 12 months. When it comes to fine wine, there is no one better placed to provide insights into collecting and investing in wine than Master Sommeliers. 

There are only six residing in Australia, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sit down with Jonathan Ross – an American Master Sommelier who has recently relocated to Australia to take on the role of  Beverage Director at The Rockpool Dining Group in Melbourne.

He has partnered with finewineco. to host exclusive premium masterclasses and educational sessions. 

He talks to us about his recommendations when it comes to purchasing wine for your collection and what is involved in becoming a Master Sommelier.

From an investment and cellaring perspective, what wines would you recommend purchasing and laying down?

“Louis Roederer as a brand and champagne house is one that I have always respected, and I think they are doing their very best work to date. They are the region’s largest biodynamic farmer, and while they stick to traditional processes in the winery, they have thoughtfully evolved their portfolio of wines to satisfy a broad range of drinking preferences. I quite enjoy the 2012 extra brut, especially out of magnum. But of course, from an investment perspective, the 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal is a luxury wine. Both powerful and delicate, this is a remarkably balanced champagne with classic minerality and white fruit and citrus notes. From a cellaring point of view, it can be conserved for over twenty years without losing its freshness and character. A once in a lifetime wine.

I’m quite in love with the Wines of Bruno Rocca at the moment. They have matured into a Barbaresco producer that offers wines of generosity and fragrance while being quite fine and elegant.  The recent releases of 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been fantastic, and it will be even better to watch them mature in the cellar.  The 2013 Curra is a showstopper, but for something to put on the dinner table regularly, the Fralú Langhe Nebbiolo over-delivers. 

Moving to Australia has provided me with an opportunity to dive into a new world of wine. An estate that I love visiting is Giant Steps. Their vineyard holdings in the Yarra Valley are some of the absolute best, and the fruit is handled with perfect care.  The recently released 2018 ‘Primavera Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is perfect for right now, and for holding on to.”

What is a Master Sommelier?

“The first Master Sommelier exam was held in London in 1969 and was administered by the same organisation that created the Master of Wine exam.  The Master Sommelier exam took the rigorous knowledge and skill level set by the Master of Wine exam and applied the added layer of wine through hospitality and service. The Court of Master Sommeliers was founded in 1977 as an independent organisation that would teach and examine as it saw fit.  

In 1989, the organisation broke into two chapters, the US and the UK chapter. While the operations, and lexicon of the chapters is quite separate, they work closely to ensure a global set of standards and missions to ensure that Master Sommelier remains the top global wine credential.”

What is involved in passing the exam?

“Today there are four levels of exams/credentials given by the Court of Master Sommeliers: Introductory (a written theory only exam after a multi-day workshop), Certified Sommelier Exam (a three-part exam of written theory, written blind tasting exam of two wines, and a short practical service exam all of which must be passed in one sitting). Advanced Sommelier Exam (three-part exam of written theory, a more encompassing practical service exam and a blind tasting exam of six wines of which all three parts must be passed in one sitting).  Master Sommelier Diploma (oral theory exam, blind tasting of six wines, in-depth practical exam of both service and business aptitude of which the three sections must be passed within three years before the need to retake previously passed portions occurs). There are currently 258 Master Sommeliers in the world, six of which reside in Australia.”

For more information please contact FineWineCo. at team@finewineco.com.au