Wine vs Fine Wine: What Really Sets Them Apart?
Written by - Cult Wines Team
Understanding the distinction between everyday wine and fine wine is essential for enthusiasts and collectors alike. While most wines are crafted for immediate enjoyment, fine wines are produced with a focus on longevity, complexity, and the ability to evolve. These exceptional wines originate from meticulously chosen vineyards, often in renowned regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy, where unique terroirs impart distinctive characteristics. The production of fine wine involves artisanal techniques, emphasising quality over quantity, and results in a product that not only delights the palate but also holds the potential for appreciation in value.
In contrast, mass-market wines prioritise consistency and accessibility, often blending grapes from various locations to achieve a uniform flavour profile. While these wines serve a valuable purpose in everyday consumption, they lack the depth and individuality that fine wines offer. Recognising these differences is crucial for those interested in collecting or investing, as fine wines provide sensory pleasure and the possibility of financial return. Exploring the world of fine wine opens up a journey through history, culture, and geography, offering a richer appreciation of this timeless beverage.
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News in brief
Vatican City Tops Global Wine Imports Per Capita
Vatican City has once again claimed the title of the world’s leading wine importer per capita, according to new data from the American Association of Wine Economists. The microstate imported nearly 7.5 litres of wine per person in 2022, far surpassing other countries. Experts attribute the figure to the Catholic Church’s sacramental wine use, a high percentage of wine-consuming residents, and communal dining traditions. Despite its tiny population of under 800, Vatican City’s unique social and religious context continues to drive its disproportionate wine import levels.
Millennials Still Key to Wine Trade, Despite Changing Habits
Millennials remain a key demographic for the wine industry, experts revealed at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2025. Though their preferences lean towards lower alcohol, sustainability, and authenticity, they continue to shape market trends. The trade is urged to adapt messaging around transparency and social impact. Despite economic pressures and growing competition, engaging millennials is seen as essential to the future of the global wine market.
Ronaldo Stunned as Teammate Opens £8K Bottle of Pétrus
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário was left stunned after former team-mate Vampeta unknowingly opened and drank his prized £8,000 bottle of Château Pétrus. The incident, which dates back to their time at Inter Milan, resurfaced in a recent interview where Vampeta revealed he had poured the rare Bordeaux into plastic cups and even added ice, thinking it was just a regular bottle. The story has since gone viral and sparked a mix of amusement and disbelief across social media.
What we’re drinking
Boekenhoutskloof "The Chocolate Block" 2017
Josh Lecompte, Fine Wine Sales - Cult Wines
For me, The Chocolate Block is more than just a wine; it’s a memory in a glass. In 2022, I spent a year living and working in rural Zambia, where good wine was a rare luxury. But fate intervened, and we were gifted a case from 2017, The Chocolate Block. Now, every sip takes me back to blood-red African sunsets, sizzling braais laden with meat, laughter shared with lifelong friends, and, of course, a glass (or two) of my favourite wine.
Crafted under the guidance of acclaimed winemaker Marc Kent, The Chocolate Block is sourced primarily from Swartland, South Africa. The region’s granite and schist soils enhance the wine’s depth, concentration, and complexity. These well-draining soils, combined with Swartland’s warm, dry climate, allow optimal ripening and rich flavour development. The blend undergoes 16 months of ageing in French oak barrels to further refine its structure, adding layers of spice, elegance, and silky tannins. This careful ageing process ensures a balanced, expressive, and age-worthy wine.
While the blend varies slightly each year to reflect the best vintage expression, the 2017 comprises 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Viognier. This rich and expressive South African red captivates with dark berry aromas, warm spice, and hints of cocoa, leading to a bold yet smooth palate of black plums, pepper, and earthy notes. Silky tannins and well-balanced acidity create a long, refined finish, making it robust and approachable. It is also excellent for pairing with grilled meats or aged cheeses.
Nestled in the farthest reaches of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1776, has built a reputation for crafting exceptional Rhône-style and Syrah-driven wines that sell out with each vintage. Among its esteemed portfolio, The Chocolate Block reigns as the undisputed highlight.
Our fine wine feature
The Firebrand of Montalcino: Gianfranco Soldera’s Enduring Influence
Written by - Joe Alim, Managing Director, Asia - Cult Wines
Few figures in Italian wine have stirred as much admiration and controversy as Gianfranco Soldera. The former Milanese insurance broker turned Montalcino maverick devoted his life to creating wines of uncompromising purity at Case Basse. This meticulously restored estate redefined what Brunello di Montalcino could be. His obsessive focus on terroir, natural fermentation and ageing, and unwavering use of 100% Sangiovese made him both a pioneer and a provocateur.
From challenging the region's rules to surviving one of the most shocking acts of sabotage in fine wine history, Soldera’s story is as bold as the wines he crafted. But beyond the drama lies a more profound legacy that continues to shape Brunello’s identity and elevate the global conversation around authenticity and craftsmanship in wine. Discover the man behind the myth and why his influence still echoes through the hills of Tuscany.
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Photo Credit: Soldera Website
Explore & travel
A Champagne Legacy: An Interview with Charles Philipponnat
Interview by - Hermione Egerton-Smith, Senior Fine Wine Buyer - Cult Wines
Champagne Philipponnat’s Chef d’entreprise, Charles Philipponnat, reflects on five centuries of family heritage and the philosophy behind the house’s distinctive style. In conversation with Cult Wines’ Senior Fine Wine Buyer, Hermione Egerton-Smith, he shares how age-old techniques, vineyard precision, and the challenge of crafting a consistent NV cuvée all stem from a deep respect for tradition and terroir.
He also offers insights into the importance of Clos des Goisses, the role of sustainability, and what continues to set Philipponnat apart in Champagne today. From thoughtful innovation in the vineyard to a deep-rooted commitment to expressive, terroir-led winemaking, this is a conversation that reveals the care and conviction behind every bottle.
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