Upon deciding to get in on the action of wine cellaring, it is paramount that you research the different types of wines that are suitable for storage. Motivation to store wine varies from one wine collector to the next. Some people will store bottles to age them for later consumption or to sell at a higher value while others will store wine for regular use in the home. Collectors who fall in the latter category are not keen on buying bottles that take long to age, but rather wines with a shorter aging duration such as one or two years. There are four broad categories of wine; red, white, sparkling and dessert wines. Knowing the purpose of your wine will help you find suitable bottles that suit your purpose. For instance, you may want a bottle of wine to accompany family meals such as dinner or casual drinking as you catch up with the latest sports updates. If you entertain or host group meetings at home, have a couple of dessert wines in stock to accompany your spread of dessert. In this article, we look at examples of famous wines that you may consider storing.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is a light-bodied wine that tastes like delicate citrus and has a touch of white floral notes. This grape grows in Germany, Italy, and France. Pinot Gris is an easy drinking wine that pairs well with mild cheeses and salads. The alternative to this wine includes Muscadet and Soave.

Sauvignon Blanc

This type of wine is light-bodied to medium-bodied. Sauvignon Blanc has a bold citrus taste with a hint of herbs such as mint and pepper. This wine is a parent grape of the more famous Cabernet Sauvignon. Verdejo and Vermentino are some of the alternatives of this wine.

Riesling

Riesling has a citrus taste like lemon juice that gives it a high acidic content. At the same time, this wine boasts sweet herbal elements. This wine can either be sweet or sour, and it pairs well with white meats such as pork and chicken. Riesling Beerenauslese is an excellent choice for dessert wine. Chenin Blanc and Torrontes are some of the alternatives for this wine.

Chardonnay

Depending on where you come from, you may have heard of this type of wine quite a few times. Chardonnay gives the taste of tropical fruits such as banana infused with cinnamon and caramel notes. Chardonnay is the most popular grape in American vineyards found in the Napa Valley.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that boasts of plenty of dark fruit. It tastes like blackcurrant or Black cherry. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most common wine variety in the world, and you can trace its roots from the Bordeaux region of France. Occasionally, the Cabernet Sauvignon is combined with other grapes to produce a Bordeaux-blend of wine. Examples of the alternatives for this wine are Sangiovese and the Bordeaux Blend mentioned earlier.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that is known for its soft tannins and higher acid levels. Consume this wine with white meats such as pork and chicken.

Syrah

Syrah is a full-bodied red wine that includes plum, tobacco, and even black pepper flavors. This wine is produced in the Rhone Valley in France and Australia. Pair Syrah with lamb beef and hard cheeses. Some of the alternatives for this wine are Petit Sirah and Pinotage.

Conclusion

With all these considerations, knowing the best bottles to buy can be overwhelming. Avoid unnecessary spending on wine bottles that you know are unfamiliar. The above list of traditional wine varieties can guide you through the selection process. These types of wines are readily available in liquor stores, or you can order online and wait for your consignment to arrive in a couple of days. If you are just getting acquainted with different varieties of wine, consider signing up for a wine tour in your area. Ask questions about the types of wine, their origin and the components of each wine. If going on a wine tour is not a viable option for you, there are other ways of getting firsthand information and interacting with wine before settling on a purchase. Wine stores will often hold wine tasting sessions with current customers to get their feedback on some varieties of wine they wish to start selling. Be on the lookout for similar wine tasting sessions that include potential clients who are not necessarily regular consumers of wine.