Collectible wines, more than 1.3 million for Pandolfini auction

There continues to be great satisfaction in the wine sector, as evidenced by the fine catalog devoted to Fine and Collectible Wines auctioned by Pandolfini in Florence on Nov. 9 and 10.

A national leader in the sector, the auction house grossed 1,300,575 euros c.i. with 92% of lots sold, exceeding minimum estimates by 169%. An outcome that confirms the great experience and professionalism that Pandolfini - the first auction house to open, in 1999, the department dedicated to the wine sector - and department head Francesco Tanzi reserve for the selection and evaluation of lots, capable of attracting the attention of both a national and international audience.

"The results of the last auction show us that the market has settled down, and that it is restarting after the halt due to the global economic and political situation, which was responsible for the slowdown in the prices of goods such as watches, distilled spirits and, indeed, wines"-said Francesco Tanzi. "The catalog presented a selection of lots, all from private collectors, that we were certain would stir up an international clientele, as we were able to see for ourselves at the tasting organized together with Montevertine, which was attended by enthusiasts from all over the world."

It was a selection of 31 lots of Montevertine wines that opened the auction on Thursday, November 9-after a tasting of some of the Tuscan wine producer's vintages and wines-which saw estimates increase by more than 290%.

Overall, the performance of Italian wines-especially from Tuscany-was excellent, with starting estimates for Giacomo Conterno's Barolo Monfortino increasing by nearly 170%, confirming Italy as one of the most popular and sought-after production nations. Also noteworthy was the adjudication, at 24,800 euros c.i., of a Double Magnum of Brunello di Montalcino Case Basse Riserva Gianfranco Soldera from 2004.

As for France - to which the day of November 10 was dedicated - the return of big names such as Armand Rousseau and Romanée Conti is notable, to whom the title of Top Lot of the auction belongs with a bottle of the wine of the same name dated 1999, which was adjudicated at 25,130 euros approx.

Also exceeding expectations were a bottle of Musigny Domaine G. Roumier from 2015-which fetched 19,220 euros c.i.-and a magnum of Pétrus Pomerol vintage 2015, which fetched 13,640 euros c.i.

"The market has not yet returned to the highs of 2020 and 2021, but the overall sales trend shows the achievement of a new balance, more sustainable for the market and collectors in general, which makes us very optimistic for 2024"-the department head concludes.