Building a wine collection is an exciting journey for any wine enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, having a well-rounded selection of wines ensures you’re ready for any occasion. From versatile everyday wines to rare bottles for special celebrations, the right mix adds variety and depth to your collection.
Seven Cellars showcases an extensive list of the essential wines you should consider, tailored to a range of tastes, occasions, and budgets.
Why Build a Wine Collection?
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s worth understanding why building a wine collection matters. A carefully curated selection offers several benefits:
- Convenience: With a stocked collection, you’ll always have the perfect bottle ready to pair with a meal or gift to a friend.
- Investment: Certain wines, particularly age-worthy varieties, can increase in value over time.
- Exploration: A diverse collection allows you to explore different styles, regions, and producers, broadening your wine knowledge and palate.
Now, let’s explore the wines every collection should include.
1. Everyday Drinking Wines
Not every bottle in your collection needs to be expensive or saved for a special occasion. Having a range of everyday wines ensures you’re always ready for a casual dinner or a spontaneous glass after work.
Red: Merlot
Merlot is a soft, approachable red wine with flavours of plum and blackberry. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken to pasta.
White: Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for weekday meals. Its citrus and herbaceous notes complement salads, seafood, and light vegetarian dishes.
Rosé: Provence Rosé
A dry Provence Rosé is a great all-rounder. Its delicate fruit flavours make it versatile enough for year-round enjoyment.
2. Wines for Special Occasions
For celebrations or memorable moments, it’s important to have a few standout bottles in your collection. These wines bring a sense of occasion to any gathering.
Sparkling: Champagne
No celebration is complete without Champagne. Look for non-vintage options from respected producers, or consider vintage Champagne for truly special events.
Red: Bordeaux
A fine Bordeaux is an excellent choice for anniversaries or milestone dinners. With its bold flavours and aging potential, it’s a wine that’s worth savouring.
Dessert Wine: Sauternes
A rich, sweet Sauternes pairs beautifully with desserts like fruit tarts or blue cheese, making it a lovely way to end a meal.
3. Age-Worthy Wines
Some wines improve with age, developing complex flavours that can’t be replicated in younger bottles. Adding age-worthy wines to your collection offers the chance to enjoy something truly special in the future.
Red: Barolo
Known as the “king of wines,” Barolo from Italy’s Piedmont region is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Its firm tannins and high acidity make it ideal for long-term ageing.
White: Riesling
High-quality Rieslings, particularly from Germany, can age for decades. Over time, they develop honeyed, petrol-like aromas and a rich, layered palate.
Fortified: Vintage Port
Port is one of the longest-lasting wines, with some bottles remaining drinkable for 50 years or more. Vintage Port is perfect for marking significant life events.
4. Food-Friendly Wines
Certain wines are highly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Keeping food-friendly wines in your collection ensures you’re prepared for dinner parties or impromptu meals.
Red: Pinot Noir
With its medium body and silky texture, Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with poultry, pork, and even salmon. It’s a go-to red for many occasions.
White: Chardonnay
A well-balanced Chardonnay, whether oaked or unoaked, works with everything from creamy pasta dishes to roasted vegetables.
Sparkling: Prosecco
Prosecco is a budget-friendly sparkling wine that pairs well with appetisers, light desserts, or simply as an aperitif.
5. Wines from Iconic Regions
A diverse collection should feature wines from some of the world’s most renowned wine regions. These wines represent the pinnacle of winemaking and are a joy to explore.
Burgundy (France)
Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy offers wines with elegance and complexity.
Napa Valley (USA)
Famous for its bold Cabernet Sauvignons, Napa Valley is a must-have for lovers of rich, full-bodied reds.
Marlborough (New Zealand)
Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its zesty flavours and vibrant aromas, making it a staple in any collection.
6. Wines to Impress Guests
Whether hosting a dinner party or entertaining friends, having a few impressive wines on hand can elevate the occasion.
Red: Syrah/Shiraz
A Syrah from the Rhône Valley or a Shiraz from Australia offers bold, spicy flavours that are sure to make an impression.
White: Albariño
This Spanish white wine, with its crisp acidity and citrusy notes, pairs wonderfully with seafood and is often a conversation starter.
Sparkling: English Sparkling Wine
Produced in the chalky soils of southern England, English sparkling wine rivals Champagne in quality and is an excellent way to support local producers.
7. Lesser-Known Gems
Finally, don’t be afraid to include some lesser-known wines in your collection. These hidden gems often offer excellent value and unique flavours.
Red: Carmenère
Originally from Bordeaux but now thriving in Chile, Carmenère is a smooth, medium-bodied red with notes of blackberry and spice.
White: Grüner Veltliner
This Austrian white wine is crisp, peppery, and a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.
Sparkling: Franciacorta
An Italian sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne, Franciacorta is a fantastic choice for those looking to try something new.
Storing Your Wine Collection
Once you’ve started building your collection, proper storage is key to preserving the quality of your wines. Follow these tips:
- Temperature: Store wine at a consistent temperature of around 12°C. Avoid fluctuations, as they can spoil the wine.
- Humidity: Aim for a humidity level of 50-70% to prevent corks from drying out.
- Light: Keep your collection in a dark place, as UV light can degrade wine over time.
- Position: Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist, ensuring a tight seal.
If you’re serious about collecting, investing in a wine fridge or dedicated cellar is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Building a wine collection is as much about personal taste as it is about variety. By including everyday drinking wines, age-worthy bottles, and options for special occasions, you’ll have a collection that’s both practical and exciting. Don’t forget to explore wines from iconic regions and experiment with lesser-known varieties to keep your selection diverse.