Seven Essential Wines - What to Always Have on Hand


by Michael Zanatta - Date: 2007-02-02 - Word Count: 379 Share This!

Think "little black dress that is always in style." It's the same for wine - there are certain essential wines to always have available that will undoubtedly please any discerning palate and never go out of style. Unless you're willing to stock an entire cellar, consider purchasing a carefully selected group of wines to bridge the varietal spectrum - from full-bodied, robust red wines to fruity and light white wines, and considering the winery name, to ensure it's something that your guests will recognize and trust.

So what are the essentials to have on-hand? Don't worry that you need to be or act like a wine connoisseur to fill your mini-cellar. Here's my short list of seven basics that will keep you in shape and your guests impressed:

- Cabernet Sauvignon

- Merlot

- Pinot Noir

- Sauvignon Blanc

- Chardonnay (both U.S. and French)

- Riesling

- Champagne (or Sparkling Wine)

For each of these "varietal essentials", there is a wide selection of vineyards and price ranges from which to make your purchase. Spoiled by the simplicity of online ordering, I have been successful filling my cellar at great online wine retailers. It's worth your time to check out these sites on the Web.

Just as important as your choices, make sure you have enough of each selection to cover that last minute get together or late night surprise visit. I always try to have at least two bottles of every one of my favorites available, not counting any already opened and currently being enjoyed.

After your essential wines are delivered to your door, don't overlook the importance of properly storing and caring for them to maintain their balance and character. A simple, small wine rack that keeps your treasures horizontal, avoids vibration, and in a location that maintains a reasonably consistent temperature between 55°F and 65°F is all you need. The biggest culprit is high temperature - it will cause your wine to age much more rapidly. Don't fuss over a fancy wine cellar to manage a couple cases of wine, but do pay enough attention to their care to ensure drinkability when they are served.

Until you find your favorite labels that form the foundation of your collection, finding the 'right' wines is the pleasant result of tasting and experimenting. Let's not forget how wonderful and fulfilling the journey can be!


Related Tags: essential wines, varietal, online wine retailers, wine cellar

Michael Zanatta is a freelance writer and wine connoisseur whose family vineyards are in the Veneto region of Italy.

http://www.100BestWines.com provides an online resource to help learn about and shop for the best in wine, wine accessories and gifts. With the stated goal of making everyone's wine buying simple, 100BestWines maintains a list of 100 recommended wine selections that are kept current based on availability, as well as informative articles to help with the selection of wine glasses, wine coolers, wine clubs and wine gifts.

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