Tips for building your wine collection
Once
a preserve of deep pockets and deeper cellars, wine collecting has
caught up with a younger generation.
Once a preserve of deep pockets and deeper cellars, wine collecting has caught up with a younger generation. But before you cough-up an exorbitant amount of money on a rare varietal, you must remember that wine collecting is not just about finding a spot for a prized bottle and the vanity that comes with it. Hence homework is very important. For now, here's a list of five must-have varietals for any good collection:
Must-Have Wine Varietals
Sangiovese: It's the king of grapes in Tuscany and is the base for all Supertuscan wines. It is elegant, natural, has good acidity and will yield smooth tannins when aged for at least three years. Region Chianti, Italy, Best vintages1997, 1999, 2006, 2009, 2010.
Sauvignon Blanc: A very attractive and fruity, floral wine, much appreciated by ladies. It is impressive on the nose but 'watery'. Depending on the region, you can find a typical Sauvignon nose but with a firm, mineral structure making this one outstanding. Region Bordeaux, France. Best vintages 2005, 2008, 2009.
Cabernet Sauvignon: It is fantastic for its complex aromas and flavours. This is a perfect wine for aging in a carefully controlled environment. Regions Bordeaux, France; Napa Valley, US; Bolgheri, Italy. Best vintages 2007, 2009, 2010
Pinot Noir: This varietal is known for its floral notes, elegance and finesse. It distinguishes itself for its light colour and a great aging potential making this wine silky and smooth after three to four years. Pinot Noir can be drunk young, but its famed complexity only comes with age. Region Burgundy, France. Best Vintages 1991, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009
Chardonnay: The king of white grapes, is another must for your collection because of its fruity aromas and flavours. Region Burgundy, France, Chianti, Italy. Best Vintages 1999, 2006, 2008, 2009
How To Store Your Wines
Always store a red wine such Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese or Pinot Noir in a dry area, between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. White wines such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are best stored between 12 and 14 degrees. Sparkling wines such as Champagne should be kept between six and eight degrees. Whatever the varietal, ensure it is stored away from light and heat.
With Alessio Secci, Co-Promoter and Director, Fratelli Wines
Must-Have Wine Varietals
Sangiovese: It's the king of grapes in Tuscany and is the base for all Supertuscan wines. It is elegant, natural, has good acidity and will yield smooth tannins when aged for at least three years. Region Chianti, Italy, Best vintages1997, 1999, 2006, 2009, 2010.
Alessio Secci
Cabernet Sauvignon: It is fantastic for its complex aromas and flavours. This is a perfect wine for aging in a carefully controlled environment. Regions Bordeaux, France; Napa Valley, US; Bolgheri, Italy. Best vintages 2007, 2009, 2010
Pinot Noir: This varietal is known for its floral notes, elegance and finesse. It distinguishes itself for its light colour and a great aging potential making this wine silky and smooth after three to four years. Pinot Noir can be drunk young, but its famed complexity only comes with age. Region Burgundy, France. Best Vintages 1991, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009
Chardonnay: The king of white grapes, is another must for your collection because of its fruity aromas and flavours. Region Burgundy, France, Chianti, Italy. Best Vintages 1999, 2006, 2008, 2009
How To Store Your Wines
Always store a red wine such Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese or Pinot Noir in a dry area, between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. White wines such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are best stored between 12 and 14 degrees. Sparkling wines such as Champagne should be kept between six and eight degrees. Whatever the varietal, ensure it is stored away from light and heat.
With Alessio Secci, Co-Promoter and Director, Fratelli Wines
