The world's rarest wines are usually produced in extremely limited quantities, making the available bottles highly coveted. At The World of Wine, we take great care in allocating these rare gems to ensure fairness and transparency.
Our guiding principle is to be as fair as possible in our allocations. When availability is very limited, we consider several factors. Firstly, we look at the customer's previous purchases with the specific producer we are allocating, aiming to support those who have been loyal to the producer across various vintages and the region of the wine (i.e. Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, etc). Additionally, we consider the customer's level of engagement with us, such as participating in our offers, attending tasting, selling your wines with us, and allowing us to source your favourite wines.
Our goal is to distribute high-demand wines as widely as possible, while also encouraging customers to explore a diverse range of wines, not just the big names. Supporting a variety of growers across the region is crucial. It's challenging for us to accommodate customers who seek only a single, in-demand wine without broader support.
Interestingly, more producers are expressing a desire for their wines to be enjoyed by those who intend to drink and appreciate them, rather than by collectors focused on resale. This sentiment resonates deeply with our philosophyâsharing these extraordinary wines with true enthusiasts who will savour and value the experience they offer.
What is an Allocation?
An allocation refers to the specific quantity of wine offered to you. As merchants, we receive allocations from producers, which we then pass on to our customers. The most coveted and highly sought-after wines are typically available only through allocation, as demand often exceeds supply.
Why Are Allocations Important in Regions Like Burgundy?
It all comes down to scarcity. Burgundy is renowned for its small production levels, with many vineyards divided among numerous growers. Some producers may own only a row or two of vines, resulting in extremely limited quantitiesâsometimes just a few barrels of wine. This rarity makes allocations essential for accessing these exceptional wines.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Securing a Rare, Allocated Wine?
Firstly, communicate clearly with your Personal Wine Broker about your desired purchases. Establishing your interests helps us tailor our recommendations and notifications to your preferences. Secondly, we appreciate and reward buying loyalty. For instance, if you're seeking a rare wine like Petrus, consider supporting our Bordeaux offers consistently. It's also beneficial to back wineries during the "lesser years" as well as the exceptional vintages. This continuous support is crucial since producers need to sell their wines every year, not just during the standout vintages. It's worth noting that top-tier wineries seldom produce poor wines, regardless of vintage conditions.
Consider directing your wine purchases to The World of Wine, we offer a wide range of exceptional wines at competitive pricing and will reward our customers with rare allocations.
Finding the "Next Best Thing" in Wine
At The World of Wine, our expert Personal Wine Brokers are dedicated to understanding your needs, budget, and taste. We strive to provide bespoke offers that will suit your preferences perfectly. Our releases often include the best up-and-coming stars in the wine world. We believe in the importance of maintaining a diverse cellar and exploring a wide range of producers and regions. Some producers offer incredible value now but may become highly allocated in the future. We've seen this with names like Pierre-Yves-Colin-Morey, Francois Raveneau, Guffens-Heynen, Sami Odi, Tessier, and others. In Burgundy, for example, there are fantastic wines being made in lesser-known villages like Saint Aubin, Macon, and Mercurey. These areas are crafting brilliant wines that are yet to be discovered by the masses. Similarly, in Champagne, small grower-producers provide affordable and accessible wines that bring immense joy. We've witnessed this with producers such as Egly-Ouriet, Agrapart, and Larmandier-Bernier. We encourage you to trust us with your wine journey. Our commitment to service and excellence ensures that we can guide you to the next best thing in the wine world.
How does The World of Wine secure the best wines?
Our success lies in cultivating close, long-term relationships with the producers and suppliers. This goes beyond regular tasting visits; we actively support them in the marketplace and by purchasing across their entire range. By nurturing these partnerships, we ensure consistent allocations, even in challenging, low-production years. Additionally, we strive to identify emerging talent early. By championing producers before they gain widespread recognition, we build loyalty and establish the foundation for strong allocations as they become hard to secure.