Many of us have spent the last few days with family and friends – gathered around a table, sharing a good meal, and likely, a fine bottle or two. It’s in these simple, meaningful moments that the deeper values of wine come to life: heritage, transmission, and the joy of sharing.
Roots
Fine wine is inseparable from heritage. Great domaines are invariably rooted in centuries of history, where passion for the land, terroir, and technique is passed down through generations. When evaluating what makes a wine truly special, a major factor is often the person, or people, behind the label. Beyond this, the track record of an estate, and its intentions carried from past to future distinguish good drinking wines from the icons that will stand the test of time. A wine’s identity is not defined solely by its terroir or label, but by the legacy it carries.
History vs. Tradition
A recent visit to Laurent Ponsot in Burgundy reminded us that legacy walks a delicate line between tradition and innovation. Indeed, preserving history doesn’t mean being stuck in the past. Caring for the heritage of a family estate requires progress – its success relies on keeping the original spirit alive, while rethinking how wines are crafted for and experienced by the consumers of today (and tomorrow).
Sharing
A collector’s connection to heritage in the wine space can be just as strong. Uncorking a bottle with meaningful ownership history creates a moment rich in emotion. Just as we pass down stories, traditions, places and memories, we can also pass down the most remarkable wines to the next generation – so that they, too, can experience some of the best wines ever produced.