How to Stock your Wine Cellar
Time Out's resident wine guru Chris Morrison gives us the good oil on stocking your cellar
I love wine at my fingertips, stuff I bought yesterday or years ago that reminds me of good times, good food and great company. Starting a wine collection can be easy and affordable. Do your research, stick to your guns and your budget. Most importantly, recruit the local wine guy (aka independent retailer) and brief him on your tastes and cash flow, then buy in multiples and spread your selection to keep the cellar interesting.
What to buy
Quaffers ($10-$15) Quaffers (aka house wines) are soft and fruity and can be consumed young and with regularity. Don't fret about variety or region - if it tastes good and is affordable, then make sure you have plenty of it.
Classics ($15-$30) Classic Aussie grape varieties and regions are a must in any cellar. Barossa Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernet and Eden Valley Riesling are good anchors for your collection. Margaret River Chardonnay, Yarra Valley Pinot and Hunter Valley Semillon should also be included in the mix.
Quirkies ($20-$30) Quirky wines are great to show off. Heathcote Shiraz, Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay, Tasmanian Pinot Noir and Barossa Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre all scream trendsetter. Alternative varieties Sangiovese and Tempranillo, especially from King Valley and Mclaren Vale, are also hot.
Imports ($30-$50) Don't let language barriers dissuade you from including imported wines. Open your eyes and your mouth to the vinous world. Australia produces less than three per cent of the world's wine, so invest in great regional styles such as France's Cote du Rhone and Riesling from Alsace, Spain's Tempranillo and emerging white star Albarino from Rias Biaxas. Italian stallions like Chianti Classico and the fast improving whites of Soave will round out the global mix nicely. When to drink is the big question - don't sit back and look at your wine like a collector, glorifying it with restraint. Drink!
Where to buy
Until you have the money and facilities to nurture wines to full maturity, it's wise to get in fresh stock every year or so. Consult your retailer about the expected maturity of the wine and write a date on the back label (or attach a white sticker) indicating when you should drink it.
Also, always take into account your eating habits and what style of food you like to cook. Where do you go to BYO? All this should influence your choice of wines for your cellar.
Wine Guys
Todd Slater Five Ways Cellars Paddington
Jason Hoy Ultimo Wine Cellar Ultimo
Research
Wineweek Podcasts up-to-date info
The Wine Front Reviews, education, excellent commentary
Cellar
Transtherm Humidity-controlled cellars for all budgets (1800 666 778).
Auction Sites
Langtons
Grays On-Line
