How To Stock A Wine Cellar

The Best Wines for a New Wine Cellar 

Many people dream of having a perfectly stocked wine cellar but have no idea where to begin. Haskell’s is here to help! Stocking a wine cellar doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Although there are millions of wine labels out there to stock, let us simplify the process and look to certain styles of wine. To begin, here are three of the best wines for a new cellar: Easy Whites, Light-Medium Reds and Bold Heavy Reds. We have provided what we believe are interesting wine regions to help with the decision process. Who cares what other people think, stock your wine cellar with what you enjoy to drink.

Easy Whites

White wines are good to have on hand and are best enjoyed young. I always recommend only buying whites in bulk if you really enjoy them. The wines should be very drinkable, uncomplicated and pleasant. The whites should work well as an aperitif or a nice glass to enjoy as you prepare a meal. We recommend these white wine regions to look to when building a wine cellar:

• White Bordeaux
• White Burgundy
• Riesling from Germany or Washington
• Sauvignon Blanc from California or New Zealand
• Pinot Grigio from Italy
• Vouvray from the Loire Valley
• Vinho Verde from Portugal
• Chardonnay from California, Italy or Australia

Light - Medium Reds

These light to medium reds will be your everyday red wines. They should be versatile, easy to drink and have the ability to be paired with everything from grilled veggies to pizza & hamburgers, to a nice rib-eye steak:

• Beaujolais
• Pinot Noir from Sonoma
• Italian lighter wines such as, Montepulciano de Abruzzo, Barbera, Chianti or Dolcetto d’Alba
• Cotes du Rhone from Rhone Valley, France
• French wines from the Languedoc
• Inexpensive Red Bordeaux
• Inexpensive Red Burgundy
• Central Coast in California
• Crianza wines from Rioja, Spain

Bold Heavy Reds

Bold Heavy Reds are a little more complex and structured. They also tend to be a bit more expensive. If you’re going to get serious about it, you’ll have some wines that will need to age. Most wine is meant to be consumed within a couple years of the vintage date. These wines here are the exception. These are wines that will need a few years to a few decades to evolve and mature. The following red wine regions will be ideal for the Bold Heavy Reds for your cellar:

• Burgundy
• Bordeaux (Any of the crus)
• Napa Valley, California (Cabernet Sauvignon & Zinfandel)
• Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France
• Washington Merlot and Blends
• Shiraz from Australia
• Italian heavy wines: Niebiolo, Barolo, Super Tuscans
• Port wine from Portugal
• Reserva & Gran Reserva from Rioja

Regardless of the wines you choose, planning and enjoying a fully stocked wine cellar is always a delightful experience. Remember, your cellar does not have to be anything grand. It can be very simple if you choose. What is important is that your cellar is full of wine that you enjoy, not what some score says or what your boss thinks is good. If you’re still not sure how to stock a wine cellar, stop into a Haskell’s Minnesota wine stores to explore your options and ask questions. We are always glad to lend a helping hand.

Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. With 13 wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant.  Haskell’s ships throughout the U.S. and delivers locally. As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world.