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.
L-R: Wine pros Kyle Oosterberg, Barbara Drew MW and Ken Man share a variety of wines for the moments in which we commonly ask, ‘What’s a good wine to get?’
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. Its 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 isnt 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).
