Wine Basics
Wine Investing
Apr 24, 2025
Champagne Appellations
Introduction
Champagne, the sparkling jewel of northeastern France, is synonymous with celebration, luxury, and refinement.
With its storied history, centuries-old traditions, and unparalleled terroir, Champagne has captivated the palates of wine connoisseurs around the globe. From the prestigious houses of Reims and Épernay to the quaint vineyards of the Marne Valley, Champagne is a region steeped in elegance and prestige. Join us as we embark on a journey through the rolling hills and chalky soils of Champagne, exploring the craftsmanship, the artistry, and the sheer joie de vivre that define this iconic wine region.
Montagne de Reims:
Located to the north of Reims, the Montagne de Reims is renowned for its Pinot Noir-dominated vineyards, which thrive on the region’s chalky soils.
This area is home to some of Champagne’s most prestigious Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, including Verzy, Verzenay, and Ambonnay.
Producers in Montagne de Reims, such as Krug, Bollinger, and Louis Roederer, craft powerful and structured Champagnes with excellent aging potential.
Vallée de la Marne:
Stretching along the Marne River west of Épernay, the Vallée de la Marne is known for its diverse terroir, where both Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes thrive.
This region is famed for its lush landscapes and charming villages, including Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Ay, and Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon.
Producers like Billecart-Salmon, Bollinger, and Philipponnat showcase the Vallée de la Marne’s ability to produce expressive and fruit-forward Champagnes.
Côte des Blancs:
South of Épernay, the Côte des Blancs is celebrated for its Chardonnay vineyards, which flourish on the region’s chalky slopes.
This area is renowned for producing some of Champagne’s most elegant and refined Blanc de Blancs Champagnes, prized for their purity and finesse.
Villages like Avize, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger are esteemed for their Grand Cru vineyards, producing wines of exceptional quality and minerality.
Producers such as Salon, Krug, and Pierre Peters are revered for their mastery of Chardonnay and their ability to craft exquisite Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
Côte des Bar:
Located in the southernmost part of Champagne, the Côte des Bar is known for its warmer climate and clay-limestone soils, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
This area has experienced a surge in quality and recognition in recent years, with a growing number of producers crafting high-quality, terroir-driven Champagnes.
Villages like Les Riceys, Bar-sur-Seine, and Essoyes are emerging as new frontiers for Champagne production, offering wines with distinct character and personality.
Producers such as Drappier, Vouette et Sorbée, and Chartogne-Taillet are leading the charge in the Côte des Bar, producing wines that showcase the region’s potential for excellence.
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Wine Basics
Wine Investing
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WineFi Q2 2025 Quarterly Report
In Q2 2025, we have seen a stabilisation in wine market prices. In this quarterly report we dive into this finding to understand how list prices compare to trade prices, along with macro-analysis and regional comparisons.
In this edition, we explore:
🏦 Macroeconomic Analysis and the Effect on Wine Markets
📈 How Wine Compares to Other Assets
⚖️ Wine Market Stabilisation?
🔀 List Prices vs Trade Prices
🌍 Regional Performance Breakdown
Wine Basics
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WineFi Q1 2025 Quarterly Report
We’re pleased to share our Q1 2025 Quarterly Report, offering a concise, data-driven overview of fine wine’s performance in the first quarter of the year. As macroeconomic pressures persist and traditional markets continue to fluctuate, fine wine’s role as an alternative asset class remains in sharp focus.
In this edition, we explore:
🏦 Macroeconomic Analysis and the Effect on Wine Markets
📈 How Wine Compares to Other Assets
⚖️ Wine Market Stabilisation?
🌍 Regional Performance Breakdown
Wine Investing
Apr 6, 2025
Navigating New Tariffs: Fine Wine’s Resilience Amid Trade Tensions
On Thursday, the Trump administration announced a fresh wave of long-anticipated protectionist trade policies. Drawing inspiration from President William McKinley’s era, the administration has introduced a baseline 10% duty, alongside additional bilateral tariffs, pushing the overall U.S. tariff rate to levels not seen since the “Gilded Age” (1870–1913).
Financial markets reacted sharply. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones all posted their worst single-day performances since the COVID-induced selloff of 2020.
Under the new framework, European goods—including wine—will face a 20% import tax. Naturally, this raises the question: what impact will these tariffs have on the fine wine market?
This is not the first time the Trump administration has targeted European wines. In October 2019, a 25% tariff was imposed on wines from the EU and UK (excluding Italy), following a WTO ruling in favour of the U.S. in its long-standing dispute over Airbus subsidies.
As shown in the highlighted section of the WineFi 10-Year Index, the implementation of the 2019 tariffs had a muted impact on the index’s value. This was followed by a noticeable uplift, driven by dovish monetary policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What We Expect Going Forward
One of fine wine’s defining attributes is its longevity. Many wines only reach their optimal drinking window 5+ years after bottling. This allows U.S. buyers to sidestep immediate tariff exposure by purchasing wines in Europe, storing them in bond (free of duty and VAT), and taking delivery once tariffs are reduced or lifted. This flexibility should mitigate downward price pressure in the near term.
Fine wine also benefits from supply inelasticity and geographic uniqueness. Iconic wines from regions like Champagne and Burgundy cannot be replicated domestically. While tariffs are typically aimed at boosting local demand, inelastic supply and limited substitutes mean demand for European fine wine is unlikely to collapse. For example, Napa Chardonnay remains distinct in profile from White Burgundy, limiting true substitution.
Some consumers may shift from grand crus to premier crus or opt for second wines over first growths. However, the impact of this down-tiering can be softened through a diversified portfolio approach.
Finally, during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty, fine wine offers meaningful diversification benefits due to its low correlation with traditional asset classes. As volatility returns to equity and bond markets, we expect growing investor interest in uncorrelated alternatives. Fine wine’s unique market dynamics make it a valuable addition to a well-diversified portfolio.
President Trump has since stated he remains open to negotiations following the negative market response. WineFi will continue to monitor and report on the evolving impact of U.S. tariffs on the fine wine sector.
