An oenophile is a person who knows about wines. Even before popping the cork, they are the ones who know what foods will pair well with the beverage, the taste to expect, and differentiate between cheap and high-quality wines. They know everything, not just about a particular wine or brand but the entire industry.
However, the enthusiasm is not only limited to researching and learning about wines, it also extends to building a personal collection. One’s selection of wines can turn them into a collector from a novice, and it’s a journey that every oenophile embarks upon. Here are a few tips to help you curate an exquisite selection.
Decide Your Budget
Building a collection is a task of years. You have to gradually enhance your knowledge and develop taste as well with time so that you have an exquisite collection. The first step is to decide on the budget. You should start with adorable but good ones. You can make a habit of buying one bottle of good wine every month. This way, you will run out of savings to build a collection.
Know What You Like
Every wine connoisseur is different. No two people have the same palate, therefore, they cannot like the same kind of wine. There will be similarities and differences. Therefore, you should not build a collection on what other collectors have or like to have. Your selection of wine should speak about your taste. Hence, explore wines from various regions like India, Australia, France, Italy, and more. Get the hang of varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet, etc.
Also Read: 5 Tips To Taste Wine Like A Professional
Distinguish Everyday Bottles From Exclusives
Over time, you will understand that not every bottle of wine needs to be a part of the gathering you are hosting. Some are for the display, others are for your selection. You need to keep a good mix of whites, reds, sparking ones, and roses. A budget-friendly bottle can be opened for brunch but a high-value wine can be kept hidden for a special occasion.
Buy In Pairs
You can experiment at home by purchasing wines in pairs. For example, you like wine, and you buy two bottles of it. The first one can be consumed whenever you like, but the other one will stay on your shelf for years so that it ages and develops a distinct flavour. You will be surprised when you open the aged one after a couple of years.
Research About The Wine
When purchasing a wine bottle, always conduct thorough research. You should know which ones can be a part of your selection and stay on your shelf for years. If you get a burgundy or Bordeaux, they age with time and develop a complex but amazing taste. You can keep them on your shelf for more than five years.
Keep An Eye Out For Exclusives
Every year, several brands release limited editions or special editions around festivals or for entry into a competition. You should keep an eye out for those. While it seems that a limited or special edition wine must be costly, sometimes, they might be under your budget. You can purchase those for a special addition to your collection.
Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment
You can be a wine enthusiast only if you are ready to experiment. Unless you try out varieties, you will never be able to explore the world of wines in depth. There are times when you might come across a budget-friendly bottle that would surprise you with its taste because of the local ingredients used in the creation process. This will also help you add some least-heard-of or unconventional bottles to your collection.