Fine Wine FAQs

What does En Primeur mean?

En Primeur is buying wine as a future. The main regions that sell their wines in this fashion are Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône, although many other regions and countries are following suit. The wine is not yet a finished product when you purchase it, which means it is usually the best price you will find it at. En Primeur wines are shipped one to two years after the vintage.

What does In Bond Mean?

When prices are quoted “In Bond”, it means that UK duty and VAT have not been applied. Duty and VAT becomes payable at the time of delivery.

What are the drinking dates?

Giving the drinking window of a wine is not an exact science. However, we taste every single wine we sell and expert consultants have years of experience at estimating how long a wine needs to be matured and how long it will keep in the cellar.

Where should fine wine be stored?

There are ideal conditions under which wines should be stored so that they age in a consistent manner. The wines should be kept in a relatively humid environment, free from disturbance, heat and light. This is most easily supplied by an underground cellar, in which the temperature remains almost constant. An alternative is a specialist bonded warehouse, such as Vinothèque.