Of imbibers and investors
"There are novice and social drinkers who want to be a little familiar – so that when you get invited to drink with family or friends, you won’t be totally lost."
“And then there is the true wine lover – maybe those who spent their school days living in London, Australia or America. By growing up near wine, they develop a certain passion for wine. They are the ones who’ve been drinking and have amassed a large collection by the time they reach their fifties or sixties. They are super knowledgeable, and they would know exactly what they want to drink.”
Be thirsty for knowledge
“Those who are just starting will probably prefer something that is slightly sweeter or fruitier. There are some who like Champagne, because of the bubbles. These are flavours and textures that naturally appeal to the palate."
"Appreciating wine is like appreciating art or music. You might listen to music that is catchy or easy to listen to initially, and then progressively diversify to jazz, rock, classical or instrumental music. You will branch accordingly to what appeals to you; similarly with wine."
Keep track of bottles
"I’ve focused on Burgundy since 2004, at the very beginning of Iggy’s. That was our direction – we have never changed."
“I like Burgundy because it contrasted with Australian wines, which was what I started with. Aussie wines were just too rich and big in flavours – Burgundy is delicate, silky and extremely interesting; made by lots of different growers in the same region – and in the same village – but tasting totally different.”
Drink within your means…
"There are people willing to part with thousands of dollars a bottle, because they’ve said they’d bring a certain bottle to a gathering, and they will do their level best to find them. That doesn’t apply to everyone."
… and don’t chase investments (necessarily)
"Many of the wines I’ve kept as their production is so limited, it is mostly being drunk up rather than resold. During auctions, you don’t get cases, only bottles. And those that are available are fetching outrageous prices."
Vintages aren’t everything
"If you buy from good, serious producers, every year is a good year. Good producers are always selective and careful with the grapes they use. For them, it is the quantity that will be affected in a bad year, not the quality."
There is no shortcut (experiment!)
“This is a really odd question, because I would open it at home first, taste it, then decide what to do with it. Wine is a living thing. It is like a human being. You cannot prejudge."
"I can guide you to do something, but you must like the experience. There’s no quick way to learn classical music – there’s no shortcut to learning wine. Any musician can enjoy jazz music. But if you want to be a serious jazz musician, you must understand its composition, or arrangement – so too for wine."
