February 23, 2024
Wine Collecting Guide: How to start a wine collection
Building a wine cellar is almost like a rite of passage for wine lovers. Exploring the vast and intricate world of wine may feel like opening a Pandora's box— the more you learn, the more you realize there is to know. Initiating a wine collection can be daunting. Questions like which wines to buy, how many, and how long to keep them are typical.
Owning a wine cellar is often considered a mindset, and people have various reasons for starting one. Forward-thinking individuals understand that high-quality wines become more complex as they age, making them a worthwhile investment for future enjoyment.
The process is straightforward, all you need to do is start with a small selection of wines that will improve with age. It doesn't have to be expensive Bordeaux first growths; it just needs to be something you like, that will age well, and that you enjoy sipping.
To begin, identify your preferences. Take the time to explore different wine types and develop an understanding of your personal taste. Visit local wine shops, go on vineyard tours, or seek advice from your favorite restaurant's sommelier. Experiment with different varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir to discover your favorites. Whether you prefer sleek and sexy pinot noirs or the earthy and robust versions, you won't know until you try them both.
If you're unsure, stick with classic grape types like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sanviogese.
Start by acquiring a few bottles of classic varietals that have a good aging potential— check the recommended drinking windows on the bottles. Depending on your budget, we've provided some recommendations below to help you get started. You can even split a 6x75cl case with a friend to get better value for your money.
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the aging potential of your wines. Invest in a wine fridge or consider using a professional storage facility. Store your wine in a cool, dark, and humid environment to maintain its quality over time. Avoid exposing the bottles to direct sunlight or temperature fluctuations that can negatively impact the aging process.
Start by opening and enjoying one bottle, then save another for a year and taste it again. Continue tasting every 1-3 year intervals, depending on the recommended aging time.
Building a wine collection is a journey that requires patience and exploration. It's not about amassing numerous bottles but rather curating a selection that brings you pleasure and tells a unique story. Remember, wine collecting is about enjoying the process, discovering new flavors, and creating treasured memories with loved ones and friends.
Value
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2016
All wine collections in our opinion need to have some of the 'classics' in them and it does not get more classic than Brunello produced by Il Poggione. They produce a traditional styled version of one of the cult Italian grapes, Sangiovese. Across the board, Brunello is known to produce pure terroir expressive wines which could arguably be what Vosne-Romanee is to Burgundy. The wines possess a perfect balance between power, elegance, fruit-forwardness, and complexities. The wines can age for decades so we recommend 12 bottles for the cellar as you'll be tempted to keep opening them once you've tried a bottle. Il Poggione is the best value in the region and each vintage scores highly. A staple in our own personal cellars.
Dominio del Aguila Picaro Vinas Viejas 2019
Jorge Monzon Pascual, the man behind Dominio del Aguila has an impressive CV having worked at the holy grail of wineries, Domaine de la Romanee Conti as well as arguably Spain's most influential winery, Vega Sicilia. After setting up his own winery in his home village of La Aguilera, his wines have grown to fame as being some of Spain's best. One of the keys to his success is his cellar which is deeper than usual and thus cooler than other cellars in the region. This makes fermentation incredibly long and slow resulting in more complexities developing. The Picaro is his entry level red but it is entry only my name. Predominantly tempranillo with a splash of about 5% local varieties that we can't pronounce, it's a wine we consistently keep going back to.
Glaetzer Anaperenna 2021
Nicknamed the Baron of Barossa for his notable impact on the region, Ben Glaetzer crafts classically styled Australian wines characterized by restraint. His Anaperenna, a quintessential Barossa blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, masterfully balances richness with finesse, embodying the best attributes of both varietals. It serves as a great wine to start exploring the classics of the Australian wine scene. The wine offers a fantastic price-to-quality ratio too.