Frequently Asked Question-Cellaring Wine

What does 'cellaring' wines actually mean?
Cellaring wine involves storing young wines until they are at a point where the optimum drinking pleasure can be achieved.

Why does one need to cellar wine?
Some wines not only become more interesting with age but can actually require ageing to make them a pleasant drinking experience! The other reason to store young wines yourself for drinking at a later date, is the scarcity of mature wines to be had at a price you'd want to pay. Buy them when they are young at a cheaper price and you just have to wait for the wines to mature.

What sort of wines should I choose to cellar?
Medium to high quality wines can benefit from ageing but cheap wines will simply deteriorate. The choice of wine therefore is vital. Also pick wine styles you like! No good having mature wine you don't want to drink. The grape varieties that can age best are (reds) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (and a blend of these two), Pinot Noir, Syrah and (whites) Chardonnay, Riesling and Sémillon.

For regions, it is safest to stick to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Chablis, Sauternes and the top Italian, German, Californian and Australian wines.

How do I buy wine to cellar?
Our Tailor Made Cellar Plan is an ideal place to start but you can also try buying wines at auction, from the producer or a merchant. Buying wines 'En Primeur' enables you to secure wines at a reduced price prior to bottling.

Where and how should I store my wine?
Really there are only two places to store your wine; either in a wine warehouse (either with the merchant from whom you bought it or another warehouse) or at home. Wherever the wine is stored, it should be:

• On its side, lying down
• At a steady temperature between 8 - 13° Centigrade
• In the dark
• Away from vibrations

How do I know when the wine will be ready to drink?
Rather unhelpfully, the only real way to tell is by trial and error because different people like wine at different stages of maturity. If you want some guidance though, our Fine Wine Department will be happy to assist you.

How do I sell my wine?
If you have bought your wine from us, our Fine Wine Department will be happy to make you an offer. They will also consider wine bought from other sources.