Investing in wine is something of a mystery for some, but for wine enthusiasts who enjoy the taste of older wine, it can take patience to wait for a bottle to finally come of age. It has been said that a wine that tastes great now, will likely taste better in a few years – so go ahead and splurge! Be sure to grab a bottle for now, a bottle for later and a bottle for the future. You won’t be disappointed when you’re sipping on aged wine.
When it comes to re-stocking your wine cellar, choosing the right bottles can be a bit of a challenging task. But, don’t fret, here are a few bottles that won’t cost you a fortune and that will impress, enlighten and entertain.
Here are six wines to add to your wine cellar:
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is the superstar white grape of South Africa. Originally a french grape, from the Loire Valley, it has become popular in South Africa. Known for its versatility, age-ability and approachable aroma and taste, Chenin Blanc is a grape, like Chardonnay, that can age very well. Old vine Chenin – the highlight and most loved version of the grape, tends to grow on bush vines and is hand-picked. The final wine is packed with flavour and texture and is fabulous on its own and with food pairings. Old vine Chenin Blanc is a true gem in the world of wine and can age very gracefully. Ken Forrester is the founding father of South African Chenin Blanc, so if there is one wine from South Africa that you need to keep in your cellar it’s Ken Forrester’s Old Vines Chenin Blanc.
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J. Lebegue Graves Blanc
This white Bordeaux blend from the region of Graves is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon and is a stunning wine for the price. This wine is made by Elodie Bonnot and is Sustainable, HVE3-certified and organic. Jules Lebègue, a leading Bordeaux wine merchant since 1828, makes its wines from vines planted on the best soils along the left and right banks of the Gironde. The region of Graves in Bordeaux is characterized by the gravel stones and pebbles which are made entirely of the old riverbed of the Garonne river. This wine is made with vines that are 20+ years old. This is a wine that is impressive to showcase to European wine lovers showcasing aromas of white flowers, citrus and beeswax. This truly lovely wine is ideal to serve with steamed mussels, shellfish and even cheese and as a perfect aperitif.
Cavaliere D’Oro Gabbiano Chianti Classico DOCG
Creating a Chianti Classico collection is one of the most important and exciting parts of your cellar. The age-ability of the Sangiovese grape in a bottle of Chianti Classico is the epitome of finesse. Abundant in aromas and flavours, like red and black cherry, dried savoury herbs, and even leather or iron, Chianti Classico red wines are built for lovers of full-bodied wines with an elegant and rustic profile. Gabbiano is one of my go-to producers from the region. Chianti Classico labelled wines must have a minimum barrel age of 12 months, Chianti Classico Reserva wines must be aged for a minimum of 24 months and Gran Reserva wines have to be aged for 30 months. Start or elevate your collection with Cavaliere D’Oro Gabbiano, one of the most established, iconic and historic producers in Chianti, Tuscany.
Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva
With more than 160 years of history, Marqués de Riscal constantly produces wines that exceed expectations from enthusiasts, sommeliers and critics alike. The Rioja Reserva currently on shelves is the ideal bottle to add to any collection. You can drink it now and you can also leave it to age. Rioja is known as one of the most prestigious regions in the world for red wines. With an obsession with excellence in making world-class wines, Rioja is one of the top regions in the world when it comes to traceability, quality and transparency. Rioja is made from a blend of grape varieties, with the native grape Tempranillo being the dominant varietal in the blend. Hailed as the 2nd best winery and vineyard in the world in 2022 by the World’s Best Vineyards, Marqués de Riscal is a name you certainly must know. Marqués de Riscal has a ‘city of wine’ located directly on the winery designed by Canadian Architect Frank Ghery.
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir 2019
Belle Glos creates award-winning Pinot Noirs from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions, produced by fifth-generation winemaker Joseph Wagner (who also crafts creative content for IG and TikTok). Joe Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honour his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Clark & Telephone Vineyard, located near the corner of Clark Avenue and Telephone Road in the Santa Maria Valley, is cooled by wind and fog that snakes in from the Pacific Ocean along a channel of the Santa Maria River. The 2019 Clark and Telephone Pinot Noir is a robust, lavish and expressive example of a new world Pinot Noir that tastes great now, and will taste exceptional after a few years in a cellar as well.
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San Pedro 1865 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This incredibly gorgeous tasting wine from San Pedro in Chile is made from a selection of San Pedro’s oldest vineyards. San Pedro is a leader in sustainable viticulture and craft wines that are impressive, downright delicious and can also benefit from age. This wine is aged for 18 months in used barrels and 3,000- to 5,000-liter and is a brilliant example of Cabernet Sauvignon that will make any wine lover fall in love with Chilean red wine!
