Building a Wine Collection from Scratch

Everyone knows you have to be a millionaire to have a wine collection, right? Of course not. We all have to start somewhere. You want to have some respectable bottles on hand for when friends drop by or when you just want something to sip with dinner. So, without breaking the bank, what wines are necessary to have on hand?

Let’s start with bubbles. Drinking bubbles often signifies a celebration. Owning a good bottle of champagne or prosecco is more of an attitude statement. The optimist in me believes you should always have a bottle of bubbles on hand because there is something to celebrate happening in your near future. It doesn’t have to be life changing; sometimes you just need to celebrate getting through the week. But let’s hope it’s something fabulous!

On to whites. If you have guests, nothing divides white drinkers like the chardonnay vs. non-chardonnay debate. Like politics, the undecided are few and far between. So as a host, you need to represent both camps.

Even for a chard drinker, you don’t have to offer a tooth-picky oak bomb to make everyone happy. Maybe find something judiciously oaked or done in steel. French Burgundy is a good bet, as is an Italian chardonnay like tommaresca. Try to avoid names like Toasted Head unless you know your guests are die-hard butter fans.

The second white should be a little easier since its qualifications are: not chardonnay. What would you drink before dinner, or with light appetizers, or on the deck? Not chardonnay does not mean simple; a good white should always have some body and nuance. Particular favorites this week include a fruity grape called Xarel Lo from Spain and a luscious pinot grigio from J. Hoffstatter.

What reds must you have available at a moment’s notice? Less important than the actual grapes are the roles these bottles need to fill in your cellar and in your drinking preferences.

First: The Inspiration
By definition, this wine is out of your comfort zone. You probably spent more than you wanted to. It sits in your collection and begs to be drank, but definitely demands some occasion. A powerful California cabernet or a Bordeaux screams to be the centerpiece for a delicious dinner. Every time you see it, this wine begs you to have friends over and make lamb. Do it. But be sure to buy another bottle that makes you live a little more vibrantly.

Flip Side: The Comfort Wine
You have responsibilities, and you work hard. You need a wine that says, “Come. Relax. Put you feet up.” This red should be rich and tasty and come with no guilt at all. It works with whatever you find in the fridge tonight. I usually prefer something without too much structure or tannins, but with great fruit, especially if I’m enjoying it without food. A few favorites are a nice Syrah, or a blend such as Open Range. For value, I often head to Spanish grapes like the tempranillo in La Montessa Rioja.

Wine with a Story
You must find a wine that you are passionate about. Did you serve it at your wedding? Did you buy it straight from the vineyard on a wine tour? Preferably this wine is not available in every store in Jackson. Your guests should wonder what it is, because they’ve never heard of it. Certain bottles can carry the conversation, mixing emotion and flavors and history.

The Third Bottle
Sometimes you want just a little bit more. The conversation is too engaging, the movie is too riveting, or dang it, you just want another glass. Time to outsmart yourself. If you don’t have a third bottle on hand, that inspiration bottle becomes too tempting.  You don’t want that to be your only choice. This red should be quaffable (dinner is long since over) and affordable (only guilt is the headache in the morning). Keep a few of these on hand, because those multiple bottle nights always seem to sneak up on you. Beware: There is a wine out there called The Third Bottle. I find this to be misnamed, but if you’re looking for a fifth bottle, maybe it’s for you.

Remember, collecting wine doesn’t have to be super expensive or intimidating. In fact, just having something like the third bottle in your collection can even save you money. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Local wine store employees have tons of knowledge they want to share. Just ask us!

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Rona Ferguson

Rona Ferguson escaped to Jackson from Southern California in 1994. She has served in some of the Valley’s best restaurants including the OYG, Osteria, Sidewinders, and now Bin22. Downtime includes her four legged children, gourmet meals prepared by her chef/baker/nursing student husband, and delicious wines from traveling to west coast wine countries. Add a river and mountain bike, and she has found a recipe for the perfect meritage.

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