Australia’s fine wine authority Langtons has unveiled its inaugural Classification of International Wine, which equips fine wine enthusiasts with a data-driven guide for investment, collection and enjoyment.

Langtons Head of Auction Michael Anderson said: “The inaugural Langtons Classification of International Wine indicates a strong and competitive secondary market, with investors shifting their focus on fine wine as not just passion-led play, but as a strategic asset.

“French wines dominate the Classification of International Wine offering stability and value, but it’s Italy, in particular Piedmont and Tuscany, that’s emerged as a market arbitrage opportunity for forward-thinking investors who are looking to diversify outside of France.”

By expanding its Classification globally, Langtons’ objective is to create a defi nitive guide of the world’s finest wines where local Australian producers take their rightful place alongside the very best.

“The wines and producers that make up the Langtons Classification of Australian Wine are of absolute elite status here locally, but it needs to be known more that they sit easily alongside the greats of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Tuscany.

Our inaugural Classification of International Wine serves as a powerful benchmarking tool and we encourage our customers to undertake the comparison themselves to experience the calibre of wine Australian producers are crafting.”

The list features a total of 122 French wines, with Italy holding the second largest share with 17 wines followed by New Zealand with nine. In terms of varieties, Chardonnay came out on top, a surprising first place over Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon, but a result aligning with the wider shift towards cool-climate, lighter style wines as defined in the Classifi cation of Australian Wine.

A total of 19 regions feature in the list spanning across France, Italy, New Zealand, the US, Germany, Spain and Portugal. Notable wines include Leroy Musigny, Rayas, Bell Hill Pinot and Chateau D’yquem.

According to the LANGTONS Classification of International Wine, there’s a clear movement within investors to see fi ne wine as not just a lifestyle investment, but as tangible capital.

“Currently, we’re seeing fierce competitiveness as multiple bidders vie for the same wines, which drives up prices and encourages more collectors to participate,” Anderson said.

“We utilise a single-vendor strategy for international wine collections to shine a spotlight on well-curated cellars. This approach is resulting in immense bidding interest and clearance rates exceeding 80%, ultimately leading to higher market prices.

“Wine is now a serious alternative asset class, much like watches and art. Values have surged 10 to 20 times in just the past ten years. Take Domaine de la Romanee Conti Marey Monge, Romanee-St-Vivant which has routinely sold for around $600 20 years ago and is now fetching $5000. It’s hard to imagine that momentum stopping.”

But while the shift is evident, the storytelling and passion behind fine collection is definitely not lost according to Anderson.

“Australian wine collectors look to international wines to travel the world through their cellars, with every bottle a time capsule offering a direct, sensory connection to a producer, time and place,” he said.

“A purchase of a fine international wine is securing a unique and rare piece of cultural capital. There is a profound connection forged when we share rare bottles. By placing a hard-to-find icon before fellow connoisseurs, we signal a shared appreciation for the history behind the label and create truly memorable experiences.”

Later in the year, Langtons will host a series of dedicated Classification of International Wine events including a live auction, nation-wide masterclasses and dinners.

The full Langtons Classification of International Wine can be viewed here.