OREANDA-NEWS. Woolf Sung, a leading fine wine merchant for the new generation of investors, looks to large format bottles as the best investment in the fine wine market for the festive period.

Large format bottles, defined as those over the traditional 0.75 litres, with the most ubiquitous including a Magnum (1.5L), Jeroboam (3L) and a Methuselah (6L), not only provide great theatrics for wine lovers but also a worthy investment opportunity for investors, as well as arguably improved quality.

Whilst large format Champagnes are the most well-known from their presence in bars and nightclubs, high quality Bordeaux and Burgundy are also available in large format bottles. All of which have seen demand and price increase in recent years. Dom Perignon 2000 Double Magnum has increased from ?1,100 per bottle in 2012 to ?3,000 per bottle in 2014 whilst a Double Magnum of Domaine de la Romanee Conti La Tache 1983 has increased from ?3,600 in 2012 to ?6,600 in 2014. Woolf Sung believes these prices will continue to rise and predicts an 8% increase in the next 12 months.

Houses produce fewer large format bottles than traditional size bottles therefore as they are consumed even fewer will be available, this rarity inevitably increases their value. For the 1983 vintage of Domaine de la Romanee Conti La Tache approximately 6,600 bottles of the standard 0.75L bottles were produced, approximately 25-30 bottles are available from auction houses and merchants around the world today, and this figure is likely to be significantly lower for large format bottles.

At Woolf Sung, the Company has seen the popularity of large format bottles increase with sales of large format bottles now representing 30% of total sales, of which Champagne dominates with a 70% share. This increase in popularity can be seen across all sides of the business: on-trade, off-trade and private collectors.

Whilst their rarity attracts investors to buy large format fine wines and champagnes, drinkers are lured by their impressiveness on the table and their quality. Larger bottles tend to have similar neck and cork sizes to standard bottles, therefore there is proportionally less air inside compared to the volume of wine. The result is a slower ageing process which allows the wine to mature over a longer period of time. As a result of this gradual, prolonged maturation, the wine will often develop greater nuance and more complex flavours than wine aged in standard bottles.

Commenting on this trend, Sebastian Woolf, CEO of Woolf Sung said: "Not only do large format bottles provide a fantastic spectacle, particularly for the festive period, they also provide another route for investors to diversify their fine wine portfolio.

"Their ability to mature more slowly attracts drinkers whilst their rarity presents investors with a unique opportunity to hold something really special, in the comfort that bars and clubs provide a stable exit route for those looking to realise their investment. At Woolf Sung we have seen an increase in demand for magnums, jeroboams and methuselahs across all areas of the business; on-trade, off-trade and private clients and we believe we are likely to see this trend continue. We recommend Louis Roederer Cristal Rose Magnums 2002 and 2006, Petrus 1989, 1990, 2000, 2005 and 2009 Magnums and Double Magnums, DRC Romanee Conti 1990 Magnum, and Henri Jayer Cros Parantoux 1990 and 1993 Magnums as the hot tips to buy now both for great drinking and investment.

"But, for those looking to really push the boat out this Christmas buy the 2002 Cristal 'Flacon'. Each medallion bottle is hand-crafted which takes four days of work from two master goldsmiths, seven hundred metres of brass tape dipped in 24 carat gold with five and eight silver weld points. There are only four hundred 2002 Jeroboams in the world and only 20 have been released in the UK. Price On Application!"

Woolf Sung is a leading wine fine merchant for the new generation of investors. Woolf Sung is passionate about sourcing the most streetwise, exceptional and exclusive fine wines and Champagnes on the planet. A boutique business, the team delivers the highest level of service to clients who want to build a collection for investing, future drinking or both, as well as creating and supplying unique wine lists for restaurants, bars and clubs across London.

Established in 2012, Woolf Sung has created a truly unique take on buying and investing in wine. The team's expertise, beliefs and relationships allow Woolf Sung to deliver to clients the best wines at the best prices.