The perfect wines to start your cellar

The world of wine is eclectic and diverse, and that’s the beauty of it! But such a vast choice can also be intimidating for anyone wishing to try new things or start their own collection. Well, that’s what we’re here for! We’ve put together a selection of wines that make for good cellar starters, ranging from big names to understated gems, and from long-keeping wines to bottles that are ready to uncork!

Must-Haves

Perhaps you’ve not come across it yet, but at iDealwine we have a whole selection dedicated to must-have bottles. These are great quality wines from every region of France and beyond, the ones that have won us over time and time again.

We could start with Bordeaux, for example. Château Poujeaux is a Moulis-en-Médoc cuvée that’s full of finesse, and its tannic underscore gives it great potential for cellaring. Château Le Puy’s historic Emilien cuvée is already delicious in its younger years, and will have much to reveal after a few years of ageing. Maison Blanche’s natural cuvée is a well-made Bordeaux that typifies how new viticultural movements entwine with classic production. Something from a little further afield is Almaviva, a Chilean wine that we love, and one that came from a fusion of talent between French Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Chilean Vina Concha y Toro.

Pleasing prices

Your cellar needs to include wines of a whole range of prices, so that you’re ready to serve something up at any occasion. All under €30, these tasty bottles are perfect to enjoy with simple dishes for a mid-week moment to savour.

There are some delicious Burgundy wines at more affordable prices, such as those from Domaine des Rois Mages, Colinot in the Irancy appellation, and the Mâcon wines from Domaine des Vignes du Maynes. From the Jura, a region bursting with up-and-coming names, we recommend wines from Berthet-Bondet and Domaine de la Pinte. The Rhône, another classic wine-growing spot, has some surprises in store when it comes to pleasing prices, with Domaine Ogier’s Le Temps est Venu cuvée, as well as Clusel Roch’s Saint-Joseph. We can’t mention them all here, but there are plenty for you to browse.

Sharing wines

These wines are easy-drinking ones that you’ll love to share. Fresh and fruity, they’re perfect for an aperitif or a convivial meal. The Beaujolais region is known for its production of lighter reds, usually made from the Gamay grape, and we love Domaine de Fa’s En Besset cuvée, and the Maurice cuvée from Marc Delienne. Head to sunny Provence with a Côtes-de-Provence Rouge from Léoube or to the Roussillon with a Côtes-Catalanes Modeste from Clos des Fées.

Long-keeping wine

Your cellar should have some wines for long keeping, too. These are the big ones to leave there and forget about for at least a few years while they evolve into something truly beautiful. Bordeaux is a go-to region for this kind of wine, with Châteaux Haut-Bailly, Pavie-Macquin, and Le Puy just a few examples to get you started. Sauternes wines are white dessert cuvées, some of which have immense ageing potential; those from Château de Fargues and Rieussec can be kept in the cellar for over 20 years. From Burgundy, you might want to keep a Latricières-Chambertin from Maison Bichot, a Corton grand cru Clos du Roi from Domaine de Montille, or perhaps a Meursault 1er cru Santenots from Domaine Marquis d’Angerville. In the Rhône, there’s no doubt that Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines age marvellously, with those from Clos des Papes and Château de Beaucastel coming to mind.