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Collecting Q&A: Are Signed Wines Worth More?
Q: I have visited many of the wineries in and around Italy and have been able to collect nearly 50 signed bottles from various winemakers such as those at Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, Marchesi di Barolo and many others. How does this affect the collectibility and value of the wines?—Mike Russo, Naples, Italy
A: My initial reaction was "not much." But I checked with Jamie Ritchie, Sotheby's North American wine director, for a second opinion. He said that whereas a celebrity's signature, such as a 1975 Château Mouton-Rothschild signed by artist Andy Warhol (who designed the label), would enhance the value of the wine, he didn't think a range of signed Italian wines would add any significant incremental value. On the other hand, it certainly would not harm the value.
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