Which wine to start a wine cellar with

Starting a wine cellar can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. A wine cellar not only allows you to store and age your favorite bottles of wine but also provides an opportunity to explore different varietals, regions, and vintages. However, when embarking on this journey, it is important to carefully consider the wines you choose to begin your cellar with. Let’s delve into this topic and explore some excellent options for starting your wine collection.

When it comes to selecting the wines for your cellar, a good rule of thumb is to choose bottles that have the potential to age well. Typically, red wines have a better aging ability than whites due to their higher tannin and acid content. However, this is not to say that white wines cannot age gracefully. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc can all develop complex flavors and aromas over time.

One popular choice for starting a wine cellar is Cabernet Sauvignon. Known as one of the world’s finest red wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon typically requires several years of aging to reveal its full potential. Look for bottles from renowned regions such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, or the Coonawarra region in Australia. These wines often exhibit bold flavors of black currant, cedar, and chocolate, and possess great cellaring potential.

Another red wine that is often recommended for cellaring is Pinot Noir. This delicate grape can produce elegant and nuanced wines that evolve beautifully with age. Look for Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, or California’s Sonoma Coast. These wines can develop complex aromas of red berries, mushrooms, and earthy notes, making them a pleasure to sip and savor.

For white wine enthusiasts, a great option to start a cellar would be Chardonnay. Chardonnay has the ability to age and transform remarkably over time. Seek out bottles from Burgundy, specifically from the villages of Puligny-Montrachet or Meursault, for exceptional aging potential. These wines can develop rich flavors of butter, vanilla, and ripe fruits, making them a wonderful addition to any cellar.

Apart from these traditional choices, it can be exciting to explore lesser-known varieties that also have excellent aging potential. Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain, is a red grape that ages beautifully, producing wines with layers of flavors like blackberry, leather, and cedar. Nebbiolo, from Piedmont in Italy, is another fantastic option. Wines made from this grape, such as Barolo or Barbaresco, can develop tremendous complexity and elegant aromas of roses, tar, and red fruits.

Lastly, don’t forget to include some sparkling wine in your cellar. Champagne and other sparkling wines made in the traditional method can age gracefully, gaining depth and complexity with time. Choose well-regarded producers and vintage bottlings for the best results.

Starting a wine cellar is an investment in both time and money. Carefully selecting wines that have the potential to age well will ensure that your collection evolves into a treasure trove of beautifully matured bottles. Whether you prefer reds, whites, or sparkling wines, there is a vast array of options to choose from. So, go ahead and start your cellar with some of these suggestions and embark on a delightful journey into the world of wine aging and exploration. Cheers!