There comes a time in life when yet another bottle of wine that’s too bland, too young, and too predictable just won’t cut it anymore. Maybe you’ve recently been seduced by aged, premium bottles, or maybe you can no longer stomach another sip of supermarket swill. Whatever the reason, the moment has arrived to embrace something truly elegant. And what could be more sophisticated, more impressive – or enviable – than starting your very own wine collection?
But let’s strip away the glamour for a moment. Starting a wine collection isn’t just about grabbing a few bottles from your favorite convenience store and stashing them in the pantry. A real collection requires patience, knowledge, and, above all, restraint. That said, you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to get started. Unlike collecting cars or watches, you can build a brilliant collection sensibly. So, if you’re serious (or even semi-serious), pour yourself something better than bargain bin Primitivo, and let’s talk essentials.
Before you start snapping up bottles, ask yourself a few questions:
This collection should reflect your tastes. If you love a bold Bordeaux or crisp Champagne, make sure those guide your first purchases. If you’re still figuring out your taste, start by exploring a few classic styles: age-worthy reds like Bordeaux, Barolo, or a white like Riesling or Champagne. A trusted wine shop can guide you, suggesting wines based on producers, vintages, and regions.
Think of your collection as a layered portfolio: mix drink-now bottles with age-worthy wines. You want a cellar that has something to enjoy soon, as well as bottles worth waiting for. It’s not just about having wine, it’s about having the right wine for the right occasion.
Drink now vs. drink later: While some wines simply need years, others, like a Premier Cru Chablis, are perfectly drinkable when young, but can certainly age too, giving you more flexibility.
Diversity: Diversify your collection. Reds from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and New World regions like Napa or New Zealand. Mix fuller-bodied whites with fresh Chablis or aromatic whites from Alsace -if you’ve never tried aged Riesling, you’re in for a treat – trust me on this.
If you’re thinking about investment, classic regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Tuscany are often safe bets, but don’t overlook rising stars like Spain’s Ribera del Duero.
Wine evolves over time, but it can spoil if not stored properly. If you’re serious about collecting, storage is crucial.
Temperature: Keep wines cool. Between 13°C & 17°C is perfect. Fluctuations are a big risk to longevity.
Humidity: Aim for about 70%. Too dry, corks shrink. Too humid, labels mold. In Malta, the mold is usually more of an issue.
Light and Vibration: Keep wines out of direct light and away from excessive movement.
If you’re investing, consider professional wine storage services where conditions are perfect, and your collection is insured.
Before diving headfirst into buying, invest in your wine knowledge. Attend tastings, subscribe to wine publications, and follow critics you trust. Knowledge is crucial when navigating a market that can be full of trends and hype. Vivino is a great app to keep track of wines you’ve tasted, but much in the same way as Tripadvisor, take the ratings with a pinch of salt.
As your collection grows, it’s easy to lose track of what you own, what’s ready to drink, and what still needs time. Consider using apps like CellarTracker to keep an eye on your inventory, noting key details like vintage, drinking window, and purchase date. That way, you won’t accidentally open a prized bottle too soon (or too late).
Wine collecting is for those that are in for long game. Sure, there’s joy in opening a perfectly aged bottle, but part of the satisfaction is in waiting — knowing you have something special resting in your cellar, evolving into something extraordinary. Wine, like a good investment, benefits from time and care.
Whether you’re collecting for the sheer pleasure of sipping something extraordinary or eyeing the investment potential of that 2022 Bordeaux, there’s no time like the present to start building your very own wine cellar. With the right approach, you might find yourself enjoying more than just a glass of wine—you’ll be enjoying the whole journey.
As for the actual wines you should start with, there are loads to choose from. A have selected a few standout suggestions (I’ve recommended an ‘affordable brand’ and a ‘luxury brands’ from each region ):
France
Italy
Spain
United States
Australia
Argentina
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