“Perhaps Libération Tardive should be preaching to us rather than the trade, encouraging us to keep corks in bottlenecks for a decent interval. Curb your enthusiasm, folks!”
Jancis Robinson MW OBE
Source: Château Grillet – the Artémis effect | Jancis Robinson
The challenge: premature wine releases and the opportunity cost of immediacy
In today’s fast-paced wine market, financial pressures often push producers to release wines prematurely, sacrificing the full potential of aged wines in favour of cash flow imperatives. While market demands for novelty and quick returns can be compelling, this approach risks undermining the long-term quality perception of the wines. The foundation is committed to promoting patience from a commercial perspective, ensuring wines are given the time they require to reach their full potential, unlocking depth, complexity and nuance.
Founding inspiration and passion
The concept of the Libération Tardive Foundation was conceived by David Pinchard and Dr Enno Lippold of Mosel, both of whom share a deep-rooted passion for fine wine and its meticulous maturation. Their advocacy for slow ageing is grounded in decades of experience, including their time at the historic wine house Dienhard, based on the understanding that time is the essential element in unlocking the full expression of great wines.
“This transformative process remains hidden if the wines are rushed to market before they’ve had a chance to evolve. It’s only with patience and time that these wines can fully realise their potential, becoming the true masterpieces they were always intended to be. In today’s fast-paced, commerce-driven culture, the allure of instant gratification often overshadows the timeless rewards of patience. Yet, the wine industry stands to gain much by valuing the slow, meticulous process of maturation, ensuring that all fine wines reach their full expression before reaching the consumer.”
David Pinchard
Navigating commercial pressures
The commercial realities of modern winemaking can make it challenging for producers as cellar space is needed for new vintages and financial pressures necessitate turnaround sales. Yet, this approach compromises the depth and complexity of the wine. The Libération Tardive Foundation advocates for allowing wines the time they deserve, enhancing their character and ensuring greater consumer loyalty and critical acclaim over the longer term.
Opportunities for merchants: leading the aged wine movement
Wine merchants play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between producers and consumers and the rising demand for aged wines presents an opportunity to really stand out in an already highly competitive market. While new releases still dominate, the 10+ movement allows merchants to take the lead in showcasing the unparalleled value of mature wines. With the backing of Libération Tardive, merchants are able to curate collections that highlight the distinct complexity and character of well-matured bottles. This will not only elevate the consumer experience but also position the merchants as trusted authorities on wines of aged distinction, enhancing reputation and fostering long-term loyalty.
What could this mean?
Empowering consumers: a voyage of discovery
For many consumers, the excitement of new releases can sometimes eclipse the rich rewards of enjoying wines that have matured to perfection. Libération Tardive Foundation is dedicated to guiding consumers on a transformative journey into the world of aged wines, unlocking a deeper appreciation for their complexity and nuance. These wines, steeped in history, offer harmonious tasting experiences that more accurately reflect the winemaker’s true intentions, revealing layers of depth that only time can impart. By encouraging exploration of this (sometimes) overlooked aspect.
Supporting the trade: overcoming barriers to fine wine ageing
The Libération Tardive Foundation is committed to supporting producers, merchants and the broader wine trade in navigating the obstacles to fine wine ageing. While new vintages attract immediate attention, we back producers and merchants in showcasing the true value of mature wines. By educating consumers and promoting the unique appeal of wines aged 10+ years, we help businesses strike a balance between new and aged offerings. Adequate ageing requires ideal conditions, which can present logistical hurdles. The foundation also connects industry players with specialist storage solutions and best practices to ensure wines develop as intended without compromising quality.
“We are all familiar with “Good to drink now but will improve,” “Drink or lay down,” and “windows” starting today and stretching decades ahead. It is easy to understand that a trader holding stock is not averse to getting it off his hands and moving on. Few producers want, or can afford, to be their own bankers by cellaring many vintages.”
Hugh Johnson OBE
Source: When is the right time to drink a vintage?