What’s a high-net-worth individual to do with the global economy on a roller-coaster ride? Turn to drink? Well, yes. Since the 1950s, a case of the finest first growth wine has had a steady 8-9 per cent annually. The case price of the exceptional 1990 Chateau Cheval Blanc, for instance, was £400. Today it changes hands for £14,000. But as climate change produces wild temperature fluctuations, destroying fragile grapes like pinot noir and pinot gris, proving the provenance of a valuable first growth wine is suddenly big business. Enter Denis Houles, founder of traceable fine wine firm 1275 Collections. Houles buys from the chateau and offers an app for clients to follow individual bottles. “With climate change threatening production, we’re ensuring these great wines can survive,” he explains. “It’s a private equity level investment.”
Photograph J. Quinton/WireImage
