Wines & Spirits
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made of fermented fruit juice, typically grapes. Wines made from other fruits, such as apples and berries, are normally named after the fruit from which they are produced. Others, such as barley wine and rice wine, are made from starch-based materials and resemble beer and spirit more than wine. In these cases, the term "wine" refers to the higher alcohol content rather than production process.
Wine has a rich history dating back to around 8000 BC and is thought to have originated in areas now within the borders of Armenia, Georgia and Iran. It first appeared in Europe at about 4500 BC in the Balkans, and was very common in ancient Greece, Thrace and Rome.
Unlike wine, spirits are drinkable liquids containing ethanol that is produced by distilling the alcohol and other compounds produced by fermented grain, fruit, or vegetables. True spirits contain no added sugar and have at least 20% ABV. Popular spirits include brandy, schnapps, gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey.
The first clear evidence of distillation comes from Greek alchemists working in Alexandria in the first century AD. However it was not until the 12th century that we find evidence of the distillation of alcohol.
Once the province of Western collectors, the market for fine wines and spirits has experienced an extraordinary boom thanks to an influx of Asian collectors. In 2008, more wine auctions were held in Hong Kong within one year than all previous years combined.
Auctions can be a great way to both research and collect fine wines and spirits. Our Collector's Guide is designed to help you research fine wine and spirit values and bid on fine wines and spirits in live auctions. Each collection includes images, upcoming lots and price results for lots previously sold at auction. Navigate among the collections below featuring some of the world's finest wines and spirits.
- Armagnac
- Château Carbonnieux
- Château Ausone
- Chàteau Cheval Blanc
- Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey
- Château Cos d'Estournel
- Château d'Yquem
- Château Durfort-Vivens
- Château Gruaud-Larose
- Château Guiraud
- Château Haut-Bailly
- Château Haut-Brion
- Château La Tour Blanche
- Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
- Château Lafite Rothschild
- Château Latour
- Château Margaux
- Château Montrose
- Château Petrus
- Château Pichon Longueville Baron
- Château Rieussec
- Courvoisier
- Hennessy
- Martell
- Remy Martin
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