Wine collection discovered in ham cellar

A treasure trove of wines has been discovered in a Parma ham cellar in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna.

The unusual discovery was made by Notting Hill based fine wine merchant Armit, with the ham cellar proving an ideal environment for the sleeping wine collection.

In order for the hams to mature at the correct rate, the temperature and humidity in the cellar was strictly controlled, which has proved beneficial for the wines.

With gems covering the length and breadth of Italy, the collection includes established names along with wines that are a little more under the radar.

With many of the boxes boasting personal notes from producers, among the wines unearthed were magnums of Gaja Barbaresco 1986 and bottles of Allegrini Amarone 1971, Antinori Guardo al Tasso 1997, Solaia 1997 and Sassicaia 1990.

In addition to some of Italy’s finest wines, bottles of Dom Pérignon 1982 and Cristal 1990 Champagne were also discovered in the secret cellar.

A tasting of a small number of wines was held on 3 September at 28-50 Maddox Street in London’s Mayfair, with the full offer being launched tomorrow.

“The wines were in stunning condition considering their age. You wouldn’t expect to find wines like that still giving so much pleasure, which shows what perfect storage conditions can achieve,” said one of the attendees at the tasting.