What is fine wine?

At Berry Bros. & Rudd, we have been in the business of fine wine and spirits for centuries. We are known and appreciated worldwide for it, but what exactly is ‘fine wine’? 

What is fine wine?

There is no set or legal definition of fine wine. ‘Fine’ is clearly a term of endearment, for a start. Fine wines are high-quality wines, made from great vineyards by people who know what they are doing. They are often made in relatively small quantities, rather than being mass produced. Usually, they have a following. They are celebrated by critics and coveted by collectors. As a result, they tend to command relatively high prices. Often there is also a secondary market for these wines.

The British writer Hugh Johnson offers a simple definition: wine that is “worth talking about.” However you define it, fine wine offers you reliability and enjoyment. Find and follow your taste preferences and you can trust that a fine wine will not disappoint. 

Aging like fine wine

You have probably heard the expression ‘aging like fine wine’. Indeed, most fine wines get better with age. This sets them apart from the majority of wine out there, which is supposed to be enjoyed immediately. While you can drink some fine wines when young, most are better with time in the cellar. Most fine wines are complex rather than simple, offering layers of flavor and aroma. Many of them only show their full potential after this period of maturation.  

Some people like to buy wine on release and age it themselves. You can build your fine wine collection this way if you like, but you do not have to. At Berry Bros. & Rudd, we have stocks of mature fine wine that is ready to uncork and enjoy now. 

Where does fine wine come from?

It is possible to make fine wine in many different parts of the world. There are, however, some top-quality wine regions you can rely on. Here in the US, California leads the way. The Napa Valley remains the epicenter of American fine wine. It is particularly renowned for its top-tier Cabernet Sauvignon. There is a lot to like elsewhere in California, notably in Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and beyond. And we must not forget Oregon and Washington State.   

Further afield, France is a great place to start. Bordeaux is known for its complex, cellar-worthy red wines, usually blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Burgundy offers elegant red wines from Pinot Noir and rich, complex whites from Chardonnay. Champagne may need little introduction, home as it is to the world’s greatest sparkling wines. But don’t overlook the top wines of the Loire and Rhône Valleys, either. 

Elsewhere in Europe, Italy has world-class red wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino and the Super Tuscans. Spain has highlights including Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Suffice to say there is outstanding wine to be found everywhere, from Argentina to New Zealand and beyond.