Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is as famous for his hairdryer treatment as a glass of claret – and his passion could net him a tidy sum of almost three million pounds
The Scotsman is set to auction off his collection, including vintages from 1986 when Sir Alex took over the Old Trafford club until his retirement in 2011.
The wines will be sold by auctioneers Christie’s in Hong Kong, London and online in May and June.
The collection consists of around 5,000 bottles, two-thirds of which are Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, a popular French Burgundy, along with memorabilia.
Sir Alex admitted he collected the wine as a ‘distraction’ which gave him balance in his life.
“My interest in wine began during a scouting trip in France and, over time, my enjoyment of discovery and collecting grew,” Sir Alex told the BBC.
He also believed it helped him deal with the ‘intensity and demands’ required of him as the manager of Manchester United.
The collection features ‘a roll-call of impressive wines’ including Burgundies and first growth Bordeaux, according to Christie’s.
David Elswood, head of Christie’s wine told the BBC: “It is remarkable to see that Sir Alex’s talent of picking quality players for the pitch also extends to picking wines for the cellar.”
Despite his vast collection, Ferguson admitted he wouldn’t call himself an expert in his autobiography, entitled Alex Ferguson – My Autobiography.
“I could never call myself an expert but I’m not bad. I know the good years and the good wines. I can taste a wine and recognise some of its properties,” he wrote.
Just like his wine, the Scot has been famed for recognising and signing United legends that include Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – who he once compared to a 1961 bottle of Petrus.
The Bordeaux vineyard is one Ferguson’s favourites and the comparison is unsurprising given Ronaldo’s contribution to the club during his six-year spell.
Image courtesy of beanyman via Youtube, with thanks
