What Are Unicorn Wines? The Magical, Rare Wines Of The World
Unicorns do exist: they're called unicorn wines! Unicorn wines are exceptionally rare and have a mythical status in the world of fine wine. Many wine experts and sommeliers are drawn to unicorn bottles because they are considered the holy grail of wine.
This blog post will discuss unicorn wines, how to find them, and why they are so special. We'll also provide tips on selecting the right bottle of unicorn wine for your next party or gathering!
What are Unicorn Wines?
A unicorn is a mythical creature typically characterized as a horse with a single horn projecting from its forehead. Unicorns are elusive animals believed to have healing powers and are often associated with purity and innocence.
Unicorn wines are simply rare and hard-to-find wines. These bottles may be limited edition or from a small production run, which makes them difficult to track down. In some cases, unicorn wines may be older vintages that are no longer in production.
What Makes Unicorn Wines So Special?
For starters, they usually come from very old vines that produce extremely low yields. This means the grapes are incredibly concentrated, leading to incredibly intense and complex wines.
Unicorn wines can also be made from a blend of different grape varietals, which gives them their unique flavor profile. They are typically fruity and sweet, with a touch of acidity. This makes them perfect for pairing with desserts or rich, savory dishes.
These expensive vintages are frequently made in small quantities on little plots, and when the supply decreases, the few bottles left are hidden away in wine cellars worldwide.
Top French Unicorn Wine Producers
For wine collectors and connoisseurs, finding bottles of such wines, discussing their history, and selling them is an immense privilege and pleasure. When a collector buys them at an auction and hosts a banquet in their honor, it's like watching a unicorn gallop!
Maison Pierre Overnoy
If you're a fan of natural wine, then you'll love Maison Pierre Overnoy. This producer is based in the Jura region of France and is known for its biodynamic and low-intervention wines. The wines are made from native grape varieties and are often aged in underground barrels.
Clos Rougeard
This producer is based in the Loire Valley and is known for its Cabernet Franc wines. The wines are made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes and are aged in barrels for 18 to 24 months. The winery has gone from being relatively unknown to American drinkers to being highly regarded and celebrated in the last few years.
Domaine Georges Roumier
When New York City sommeliers are asked to name their favorite red Burgundy producer, their answer is Domaine Georges Roumier. This producer is known for its Pinot Noir wines. The wines are made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes and are aged in barrels for up to 18 months.
Domaine Roulot
One of the world's most reputable white wine producers today is Roulot. They are known for their Chardonnay wines aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years. The wines are from grapes grown in Burgundy's Cote de Beaune region.
Domaine Coche-Dury
Another producer you'll want to check out if you're a fan of white Burgundy is Domaine Coche-Dury. This winery is based in the Meursault wine region of France. The wines are made from Chardonnay grapes and are known for their complexity and elegance.
Tips for Selecting a Unicorn Wine Bottle
In the most basic sense, a unicorn wine is a sought-after bottle. This could be due to several factors, from the wine's provenance to its scarcity. But whatever the reason, these bottles command high prices and are often difficult (if not impossible) to find.
Let's look at some of the standards developed by wine specialists to classify the best unicorn wines:
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Production Size
The wine must be produced in a small batch of about 200 cases or so. Only the best grapes are used and harvested at their peak ripeness.
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Grape Variety
The grape variety will determine how fruity or dry the unicorn wine tastes. For example, if you want something fruity and sweet, choose a white variety such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Choose Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon if you prefer a dryer wine with more structure and depth.
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Rarity
A unicorn wine is typically difficult to find, and you might only come across a bottle at a special occasion like an auction or a VIP wine tasting. Due to their rarity and value, most of these wines can sell for thousands of dollars and are considered investments.
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Price
The good thing about unicorn wines is that some of them are affordably priced and can be enjoyed by everyone. But if you have the money to spend, you can go for very expensive options.
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Winemaker
The more you know about the person behind the label, the better. Many factors go into making a good bottle of wine, from location and weather to varieties and aging techniques. Your favorite winemaker may have a unique approach that works for you.
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Age
Most wines are aged in oak barrels before being bottled, which helps develop flavor over time. If your favorite wine has been aged for more than 10 years, it could be considered a unicorn wine.
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Label
A good wine label will make the difference in getting you to pick up a bottle and check out what’s inside. Check for a clean design, professional printing, and an overall look that catches your eye.
How to Find Unicorn Wines
Ask your local wineshop
There are a few ways to go about finding these elusive wines. The best way is to ask your local wine shop owner or wine expert. They likely have come across a few in their day and can help point you in the right direction.
Search wine auction sites
Another method is to search online retailers or auction sites. This can be a bit more tricky, as you have to sift through many options and research the wine. But with a little patience, you can find that perfect bottle.
Direct purchase from wineries or through a broker
Investors can obtain a variety of wines at various price points through direct purchases from wineries across the world like Vinfolio or Acker Merrall & Condit (AMC), but this requires patience because it often takes years for a wine to become commercially available. The benefit of buying wine directly is that you can get it at a much lower price.
Try using Vinovest
Your love of expensive wine might become a lucrative hobby with the help of Vinovest! This AI-based wine investment platform offers support from purchasing, storing, and selling wine to connecting you with a wide network in the wine industry and providing you with chances for special events.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a wine that will make your guests feel special or one that is truly unique and rare, unicorn wines are a perfect choice. With their mystical allure and enchanting flavor, these wines are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
So what are you waiting for? Start searching for unicorn wines and find the perfect bottle to add extra magic to your next gathering.
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