4 Wines You Should Always Keep in the Cellar

If you have a wine cellar at home or are considering adding one to your house, you know that finding the rights wines to fill it can be overwhelming. Which ones will last longer? Which wines should you just drink right away? Wine storage can be tricky at times—the key is to have a balanced selection of wines that will suit every occasion and you and your guests’ personal tastes.

When it comes to filling your cellar, there are generally two factors to consider—lifestyle and cost. Typically, these factors go hand in hand with purchasing wine. Take a moment to really consider how you best enjoy your wines. If you don’t have many opportunities to serve bottles costing upwards of $100, then it might be wise to skip that selection and settle on a lower price range. You don’t want to wind up saving an expensive bottle for exactly the right occasion, only to find that you never open it up!

Understanding your wine consumption habits will save you money and time in the long run. This will help you further determine the price range you’d like to stay within. If you want a variety of wine qualities to begin with, consider acquiring cases in various price ranges. Once you’ve determined what you want your price range to be, you can get creative and let your personal passion shine.

Popular Types of Wine to Keep in Your Cellar

When it comes to determining the type of wine you want to have in your cellar, you should be aware which wines are worth cellaring and which aren’t. It takes some time and research to determine which ones will do the best in your cellar, but that knowledge will be worth it in the long run.

When looking at wines you want to age, make sure that there is a balance between the tannins, acidity, and sugar—all natural preservatives. A wine out of balance won’t stand a chance in the cellar for very long. Also, keep in mind that you should stock a variety in regards to the length of time they should age. Make sure that you aren’t filling your cellar only with wines that will be best after a decade, but include several bottles that will be good now, as well as those that may only take three to five years.

There are several different types of wine out there, and determining what would be best for your personal preferences, as well as having a selection for guests, can be difficult. Take a look at some of these popular wines that will be great to have on hand for various occasions.

Riesling

Riesling is a great option to keep available in your cellar. It holds up well with age and can be found either with a sweet or dry taste, making it one of the most versatile white wines. It also has a naturally high acidity level. When it comes to wine pairings, this wine will go well with fresh white fish and citrus flavors.

Chardonnay

One of the most popular wines in the world, Chardonnay is an essential addition to your wine collection. This wine can either be aged or consumed immediately, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Its versatility comes from varied aging methods—the wine can be aged in oak barrels or in stainless steel before it’s bottled, with each method creating a completely different taste. With oak-aged wine, you’ll find a more buttery, oaky taste, whereas a Chardonnay aged in stainless steel will have a crisp, clean taste.  

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, also known as red Burgundy, is a wine that was born in the Burgundy region of France. Red Burgundy is one of the pricier wines you can buy, making it a good option to invest in if you’re looking forward to a special occasion a few years down the road. But don’t worry too much about price, as it has become a popular style of wine over the years and can now be found at more affordable price points from regions like California, Oregon, and Australia. This wine has a bold, rich flavor, often accompanied by notes of strawberry and cherry.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The most popular red wine on the market is no doubt Cabernet Sauvignon. With flavors such as black currant, anise, and black pepper, this dry, bold wine, will provide a daring complement to an elaborate dinner. While it’s produced mostly in Napa and Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon can be found all over the world. This type of wine is great with red meats and heavier dishes.

Build Your Wine Cellar with Harkraft

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just like to enjoy the occasional glass with dinner, a wine cellar can help preserve your favorite bottles. Harkraft can help you build the cellar of your dreams! You might be looking to store 20 bottles of wine or 5,000—either way, we have the experience to create a quality wine cellar that will meet your needs. Contact us today for a design consultation!