A wine collection isn't just the ultimate grown-up status symbol, it's also a pretty decent - and potentially lucrative - way to invest your money (and one that's easier to get into than say, art, or priceless antiques...) Whether you're looking to develop your palate beyond Sauvignon Blanc, want to squirrel away a cache of fine wines that are only going to get finer (and more valuable) with age or just want to impress dinner party guests, here's your guide to getting started...
What research should I do beforehand?
First up, before you make your first purchases, you’ll need to ask yourself a few key questions. Maria Huete, Campo Viejo wine ambassador, recommends starting ‘by analyzing simple but important things like, how much space do I have? It is a good temperature and the right lighting conditions (dark spaces are always better)? Am I even ready to invest in a simple wine cave or fridge? And how much budget do I want to spend?’
Where should I begin?
When you’re starting off a collection, it’s all about making safe bets from classic wine regions – and being sure to keep an eye out for styles that will get even better with age. ‘I would start by investing in some sure bets, classic aging styles that I know will get even better (and more valuable) with time,’ Maria advises. ‘Go for classic premium regions where you can get an amazing quality wine for reasonable value. No wonder Rioja is one of the UK’s favourite wine regions: they produce incredible age-worthy red wines that are very elegant and suit almost every palate. It’s a statement in every wine collection.’
In terms of reds, Maria recommends starting with ‘some good Reserva [typically aged for three years] or even adventure to a structured Gran Reserva [aged for even longer]’; when it comes to white wine, ‘there are some incredible fresh white wine styles, from Marlborough in New Zealand or even Rioja, but if you want to keep your white wine ageing for some years, look at an oaked style white. Chardonnay or Viura is always a safe bet , but you will also be very surprised with some of the of Semillons from Hunter Valley in Australia.'
Should I think about value, or my own personal tastes?
It’s all about striking a balance. ‘I would personally invest in my favorite styles of wine and have a couple of adventurous choices to share with people that may have other preferences,’ says Maria. ‘In terms of value increases in wine, Gran Reservas from Rioja – like our Campo Viejo Gran Reserva - are always a great choice: it’s a wine that you will know will increase its price with age.’ When buying, you should be looking out for ‘good acidity, deep fruit flavours, and good, velvet tannins,’ she adds. ‘Usually, wines that have been aged in oak tend to be more suitable for ageing.’
What wines should any good collection have?
The simple answer is – a bit of everything, including reds, whites and some sparkling options. There are Maria’s must haves…
Grand Reserva and Reserva – Campo Viejo
Cava – Campo Viejo
Shiraz – Barossa
Cabernet Sauvignon – Coonawarra
Cabernet – Californian (Napa or Sonoma)
Malbec – Argentina (thanks to high altitude vineyards)
Classic red burgundy - Bordeaux
Sweet natural white wine - Bordeaux (Sauternes)
Riesling - Germany
How should wine be stored?
To store your collection correctly, you’ll need to find a space where you can regulate the temperature to between 19-24 degrees. Ideally, it’ll be dark, ‘away from temperature changes and direct sunlight,’ adds Maria. And if the bottle is corked, it should be kept lying on its side, ‘to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation.’
Which wines should be enjoyed now?
There are some wines which just don't get better with age, so there's precisely zero point hiding them away. 'Very few styles of white are well behaved with age,' explains Maria. 'Fresh and young styles, like many fruity and light red wines (such as Garnacha by Campo Viejo), or fresh white wines – like the much-loved Sauvignon Blanc,' should be drunk now, not kept for later. That's precisely the excuse we needed...
I'm on a tighter budget - where should I invest?
'I would definitely recommend starting with some Old World classics, maybe keeping France and Germany aside as the prices tend to be higher,' advises Maria. 'Spain is a very good choice for amazing value, in both red, age-worthy wines and fresh, fragrant white wines (Although we have some barrel fermented white wines that are excellent in Rioja). New World wine is also great if on a budget: look for classic Australian and New Zealand styles.'