Guide to Starting Your Wine Cellar: Best Choices for Long-Term Cellaring
Welcome to my guide on selecting the best wines to start your personal wine cellar. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this article will provide you with valuable insights into building a cellar filled with age-worthy bottles.
Choosing the Right Wine for Your Cellar
I started my cellar about 10 years ago, focusing mainly on ageable Italian reds such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, Super Tuscans, and Amarone. These wines, known for their complex flavors and ability to age gracefully, are excellent choices for long-term cellaring. If you're looking to start your own cellar, consider these varieties. However, remember that wine laws and availability can vary depending on your location. In my experience, Germany, for instance, has an extensive selection of wines available on eBay. If you're considering purchasing wines from eBay, make sure to check the shipping laws in your region first.
Strategic Purchasing on eBay
The trick to successful cellaring on eBay is buying in bulk. Opt for quantities of 6 bottles or more from trustworthy and reputable producers. It's essential to verify the vintage and the ageability of the wines before purchasing. Often, sellers may not be knowledgeable about the wines they are offering, and you may find bargains that are better than advertised. When an order arrives, open one bottle to gauge its quality and potential for ageing. If the wine isn't up to your standards, you can still learn from the experience and move on to other options.
Exploring Global Wines for Your Cellar
While Italian reds are a great choice, you shouldn't limit yourself to a single region. Spain, for example, offers a variety of interesting wines, albeit some of them are less well-known. Delve into Protected Geographical Status (PGS) areas like Toro and Extremadura. These regions produce robust reds that can age remarkably well. If you prefer the Rioja, there are other equally impressive wines in the Ribera del Duero region.
Crossing over to the white wine category, consider wines from Catalonia's Penedés and Sant Sadurnà d'Anoia. These areas are known for producing high-quality Cavas and other whites that can be cellared for several years. Notable producers like Gramona have evolved varietals like Xarello and Viura that age quite well.
Personal Preferences in Wine Cellaring
Ultimately, the best wines to start your cellar are those that appeal to your personal taste.
As you begin to fill your cellar, set a budget and ensure you're buying wines at a price per bottle that suits your financial goals. Buoyed by the success of buying in bulk, you'll soon be filling your cellar with amazing wines at fantastic prices. My favorite method for discovering wines I truly enjoy is through wine tastings. This hands-on approach allows you to explore a wide range of wines and find those that resonate with your palate.
If you prefer a more curated approach, there are consultants who can help you stock your wine cellar and make it look like you've been collecting for years. However, this may not be feasible if you're prioritizing short-term results. The discipline required to separate cellared wines into different sections (like three bottles for immediate enjoyment and the rest for long-term cellaring) can be challenging, but it's a great way to ensure you still get to appreciate some of the wines you've aged.
Conclusion
Building a wine cellar is a journey that involves both patience and a passion for fine wines. By starting with the right choices and strategically purchasing the best wines from reputable sources, you can lay the foundation for a cellar that will bring years of enjoyment. Whether you prefer Italian reds, Spanish selections, or other global varieties, your personal taste will guide your choices.