Cellar Up!
Wines to shape your cellar
While many of us Opimian Members simply consume our wines as they arrive, we are getting an increasing number of questions around building a cellar. A “cellar” doesn’t necessarily mean an actual temperature-controlled space for wine, but a selection of wine to maintain and build as our fascination with it grows.
It is always a good idea to balance your cellar with several styles of wine. While you’ll obviously want more bottles of your favourite styles, there is often a need for something outside your own taste. Guests don’t always share your palate and will want something other than that full-bodied red that you always turn to. You might host or attend a dinner that would be better suited to something from the ‘other shelf’ of your chosen wine storage area.
To help you in your decision-making, here are examples of the different styles of wine and a choice or two from this Offering from each style.
Sparkling
Pairs with anything, celebrations, romance
Bec Hardy Wines Sparkling NV, Lot 2145
Light white
White/light fish, sipping on its own
Barren Jack Sauvignon Blanc, Edengate, South Eastern Australia, 2020, Lot 2170
Full body white
Poultry, mild cheeses, pork
Massey Dacta Chardonnay, Marlborough, 2020, Lot 2196
Aromatic or sweet white
Dessert, rich foods like foie gras
Briar Ridge Vineyard NV Liqueur Muscat, Hunter Valley, Lot 2193
Rosé
Most appetizers, sipping on its own, the back deck
Briar Ridge Rosé, Merlot, Orange, 2020, Lot 2189
Light red
Many pastas, pork, poultry, sipping on its own
Struckman Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2019, Lot 2202
Medium red
Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles
FAT’N SKINNY The Red Fury Tempranillo, Garnacha, McLaren Vale, 2018, lot 2183
Full body red
Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert