Wines to start your cellar

Wines to Start Your Cellar: Our Must-Have Selection

Building a wine cellar is an exciting journey through the terroirs and iconic grape varieties of France. To get off to a great start, it’s essential to choose balanced wines that can evolve over time while still being enjoyable today. Here is our selection of must-have wines, categorized by region, to begin your collection with exceptional bottles.

Burgundy: Finesse and Elegance

Burgundy wines are renowned for their complexity and aging potential.

• Red: Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, Volnay – made from Pinot Noir, these wines develop aromas of red fruits, underbrush, and spices with age.
• White: Chablis Premier Cru, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet – pure Chardonnay wines, combining minerality and aromatic richness.

Bordeaux: Power and Structure

Bordeaux wines are ideal for a cellar, thanks to their aging potential and tannic structure.

• Red: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Pauillac, Pessac-Léognan – blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, offering notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and leather as they age.
• White: Graves, Pessac-Léognan white – refined Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, perfect for evolving into aromas of dried fruits and honey.

Rhône Valley: Generosity and Intensity

Wines from the Rhône Valley, whether from the North or South, are great classics for a varied cellar.

• Red: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie – powerful wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, developing notes of violet, black olive, and spices over time.
• White: Condrieu, Saint-Joseph white – expressive Viognier and Marsanne, perfect for floral and fruity aromas that evolve into honeyed notes.

Beaujolais: Fruity and Finesse

Beaujolais offers supple and accessible wines that age with elegance.

• Red: Morgon, Fleurie, Juliénas – Gamay wines with aromas of red fruits, gaining depth after a few years in the cellar.

Loire: Freshness and Diversity

Loire wines are appreciated for their freshness and aromatic complexity.

• Red: Chinon, Saumur-Champigny – fresh Cabernet Franc, perfect for evolving into notes of ripe pepper and underbrush.
• White: Sancerre, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fumé – mineral and taut Sauvignon Blanc, or long-aging Chenin Blanc with aromas of quince and honey.

Languedoc & Roussillon: Authenticity and Sunshine

Languedoc-Roussillon wines are gaining prestige and offer excellent value for money for a cellar.

• Red: Faugères, Minervois la Livinière, Terrasses du Larzac – wines made from Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, powerful and expressive.
• White: Limoux, Picpoul de Pinet – fresh and aromatic wines, perfect for a balanced cellar.

Southwest: Power and Originality

This region is full of gems perfect for creating a diverse cellar.

• Red: Madiran, Cahors, Fronton – character-driven Malbec and Tannat, which evolve into leather and spice notes over time.
• White: Jurançon dry and sweet – Petit Manseng, perfect for aging, evolving into exotic and honeyed aromas.

Alsace & Jura: Finesse and Minerality

Original wines that will bring diversity and surprises to your cellar.

• White: Riesling Grand Cru, Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives – Alsace whites with floral and spicy aromas, offering great longevity.
• Red: Pinot Noir from Alsace, Trousseau from Jura – delicate wines that improve with age.

Champagne: The Essential Sparkle

No cellar is complete without a few bottles of Champagne!

• Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Millésimé – sparkling wines made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, perfect for special occasions and aging beautifully in the cellar.

Discover our selection of wines to start your cellar and build a balanced collection, combining immediate pleasure and aging potential!