Part and parcel of putting together a home is ensuring it houses everything you need. Of course, this includes a well-stocked ‘wine pantry’.
Or cellar, if you prefer.
Because wine essentials can be as numerable as a lifetime’s worth of festivities and celebrations, we’ve sought the advice of wine-industry authorities for the basics. Here, Ken Man, buyer and fine wine specialist at Ginsberg+Chan; Kyle Oosterberg, wine director at The Flying Winemaker; and Master of Wine Barbara Drew, education specialist at Berry Bros. & Rudd share their picks for some of the moments that are best enjoyed with wine.
Read on and click through the galleries below for their bottle recommendations of the red, white and bubbly you need to build an ever-ready wine pantry at home – particularly for the following occasions.
Wines For Having Friends Over For Dinner
Red Wines
Ken: Chateauneuf du Pape from the Rhone Valley.
Any specific bottle? The Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2015 (pictured) is a classic, elegant, Chateauneuf from one of the Rhone Valley’s most respected producers. This wine is fail-safe for any occasion – pair this with a nice juicy aged steak, or perhaps a meaty pizza!
Kyle: A juicy Malbec.
Any specific bottle? Trapiche Single Vineyard Malbec Orellana 2014.
Barbara: A lighter red, like a Beaujolais.
Any specific bottle? 2017 Fleurie, Domaine Julien Sunier.
White Wines
Ken: Meursault, Burgundy.
Any specific bottle? Pierre Boisson Meursault 2013. Citrus fruits, granny smith apples, lemon zest, with a dash of toasty butter makes this an incredibly refreshing wine to drink on its own, paired with cold cuts or even seafood dishes such as grilled fish.
Kyle: A well-integrated oaked Chardonnay.
Any specific bottle? Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2017 (pictured).
Sparkling & Other Wines
Ken: Champagne.
Any specific bottle? Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs 2006 (pictured). A 100% Chardonnay, this is a lighter, more mineral style coming from this house – a refreshing welcoming drink, easy to drink and very fruit-driven.
Kyle: A classic Nebbiolo.
Any specific bottle? G.D Vajra Barolo Albe 2014.
Barbara: Something bubbly from the New World – more fruit flavours than a Champagne, and a real crowd-pleaser.
Any specific bottle? Anthonij Rupert, L’Ormarins Brut Classique, Western Cape, South Africa.
Wines For A Dinner Date (With, Possibly, A Foodie)
Red Wines
Ken: Chambolle Musigny, Burgundy.
Any specific bottle? Henri Jouan Chambolle Musigny 2013 (pictured). A pretty and versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own, or with poultry or game dishes.
Kyle: California’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
Any specific bottle? Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014.
Barbara: A traditional red Rioja, with some age – this will give it spicy, savoury flavours and smooth out the tannins.
Any specific bottle? 2006 Vina Tondonia, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Spain.
White Wines
Ken: German Riesling Auslese.
Any specific bottle? Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese (Goldkapsel) 2015 – a 99-point medium-dry German Riesling from critically-acclaimed winemaker Markus Molitor. It's perfect for light desserts, cheese, or just someone with a sweet tooth!
Kyle: A zesty Japanese Koshu.
Any specific bottle? Grace Koshu Hishiyama Vineyard 2017 (pictured).
Barbara: A white wine from Burgundy from a lesser-known village, somewhere like St. Aubin.
Any specific bottle? 2016 St. Aubin, En Remilly, 1er Cru, Ch. De Puligny-Montrachet.
Sparkling & Other Wines
Ken: Champagne.
Any specific bottle? Bruno Paillard NPU 2002 – from winemaker Bruno Paillard, whose flagship wine NPU (meaning 'Nec Plus Ultra'; nothing further beyond) is aged for ten years on lees (yeast cells), giving it a complex bread-like aroma. What better way to impress the other half than with the very best?
Kyle: A seductive Northern Rhone Blend.
Any specific bottle? E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Chateau D’Ampius 2013 (pictured).
Wines For Dinners Out Where It’s Corkage-Free
Red Wines
Ken: Morey St Denis, Burgundy (Pinot Noir).
Any specific bottle? Mark Haisma Morey St Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots 2016. A nice smoky mineral finish provides the wine with a nice structured finish that pairs well with most cuisine.
Kyle: A classic Bordeaux Blend.
Any specific bottle? E. McDougall & Co. Cabernets 2017 (pictured).
Barbara: A soft, savoury New Zealand Pinot Noir – good acidity, a touch of smoke from the oak, and a crowd pleaser.
Any specific bottle? 2015 Isabel Estate Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand.
White Wines
Ken: Chablis Grand Cru.
Any specific bottle? Patrick Piuze Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru 2011. Chablis, known for its brilliant minerality, light oak, and distinct gunflint aromas, is always a safe wine to bring to any dinner. Pairs well with most seafood, but for a more classic match, go for oysters!
Kyle: The dark horse, Chenin Blanc.
Any specific bottle? Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017 (pictured).
Barbara: An Austrian Riesling – dry with fresh acidity, and flinty, mineral flavours, these wines go with almost every type of food.
Any specific bottle? 2017 Riesling, Kamptaler Terrassen, Willi Brundlmayer, Kamptal, Austria.
Sparkling & Other Wines
Ken: Champagne.
Any specific bottle? Champagne Chartogne Taillet Chemin de Reims Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2012. Chartogne Taillet is an organically farmed champagne – free of chemicals, herbicides, pesticides. This 100% Chardonnay has lots of power and makes for a great dinner conversation. Perfect with appetisers, seafood, or on its own.
Kyle: A versatile New World Viognier.
Any specific bottle? Milton Clos de Ste Anne Les Abres Viognier 2013 (pictured).
Wines For Last-Minute House Parties
Red Wines
Ken: Rioja Reserva Magnum (a 1.5L bottle).
Any specific bottle? Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Tinto Reserva 2004 Magnum. What better way to spice up a party than with a big bottle, especially when it comes from such a great winery? Pair this classic Rioja with most meat dishes and you will not be disappointed!
Kyle: An elegant Pinot Noir.
Any specific bottle? Gladstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2016 (pictured).
White Wines
Ken: Saint Aubin, Burgundy.
Any specific bottle? Hubert Lamy Saint Aubin Les Frionnes 1er Cru 2013 Magnum. Large formats are always fun at any party, and also make a great statement.
Kyle: A pretty and aromatic Gewürztraminer.
Any specific bottle? Leon Beyer Gewürztraminer 2015 (pictured).
Sparkling & Other Wines
Ken: Champagne.
Any specific bottle? De Venoge Louis XV Rose Extra Brut 2006 (pictured). Champagne is definitely the life of all parties, and when it comes in a funky bottle like this, you will definitely be the centre of attention. But this bottle isn't only pretty – it has also attracted high scores with critics who compliment it for its elegance and balance.
Kyle: The quintessential Chablis.
Any specific bottle? Louis Moreau Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2016.
Barbara: Champagne! Keep a couple of bottles in the fridge at all times for emergencies.
Any specific bottle? EG Billecart-Salmon, Brut Reserve.
Wines For Netflix & Chillin’
Red Wines
Ken: Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy.
Any specific bottle? Leroy (Maison) Bourgogne Rouge 2014 (pictured) – easy to drink, with soft tannins, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries...and great value!
Kyle: A naughty but nice Nero d’Avola.
Any specific bottle? Gulfi Nerobaronj Sicilia IGT Nero d’Avola 2011.
Barbara: A fruity, New World red wine – plenty of ripe, jammy fruit and very soft tannins.
Any specific bottle? Bedrock Wine Co., The Whole Shebang, Cuvée XI, California, USA.
White Wines
Ken: Dry German Riesling.
Any specific bottle? Tesch Karthauser Riesling 2016 (pictured) – a dry but powerful Riesling grown on iron-rich soils, which contributes to the intense mineral characters in the wine.
Kyle: Crisp, refreshing Pinot Grigio.
Any specific bottle? Eddie McDougall Pinot Grigio 2017.
Babara: A fruity and rich white wine, with plenty of flavour and body to stand up to the snacks.
Any specific bottle? 2017 DeSante, Old Vine Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California.
Sparkling & Other Wines
Kyle: A passionate and proud Pinotage.
Any specific bottle? Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2016 (pictured).
