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There is nothing as luxurious as a bottle of wine that you know has that certain je ne sais quoi. The satisfying feeling you get when you pour a glass of that special wine, knowing that it is from an exclusive winery, an excellent vintage, or is simply rare and hard to come by. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to be on the receiving end, and other times we are tasked with the job of buying them as gifts or for entertaining guests.
So where do we go to find these bottles, and how do we know that they have the little special something that makes them age worthy wines to gift or collect.
Most wines that we see on supermarket shelves are the current release and will be 2022 or 2021 vintage, or if they were made in the Southern Hemisphere, they could even be as new as 2023. That is perfect for fresh crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, which are made to be drunk young, but for reds, and some whites, having a few extra years of age, makes them exponentially better in terms of complexity, flavour and ability to pair well with food. Not to mention knowing that these wines have been given the patience they deserve to age in the bottle.
The best place to store wines for few years, is lying sideways as this will keep the cork moist and prevent any air getting into the bottle. Make sure to also store them in a dark place with a stable temperature. Under the stairs or in the garage are the most common places, as well as a wine racks and specialised fridges. The only downside to the leaving them in the wine rack is temptation!
Choosing the perfect wine is the first port of call. Asking an expert is always a great place to start, but there are other fantastic reference points to guide you, such as ratings and awards, or even selecting wines that are available in Michelin Star restaurants. Sommeliers in these restaurants are highly accomplished with a great understanding of choosing rare and premium wines.
Top choice: Domaine Joblot Givry Premier Cru AC L’Empriente, €57.00
A serious wine for a serious wine lover, Joblot is considered one of Burgundy’s leading winemakers, highlighting terroir-driven Pinot Noir that are world class. So much so out of the seventeen 2** and 3*** Michelin restaurants, Domaine Joblot is available in eleven of them. This wine is produced in limited allocation and can be enjoyed now, but would definitely need decanting, or can cellar for 20 years.
If you want something extra special, you could try this box featuring wines found in 2 star Michelin restaurants in Ireland €158.50 for a box of 6:
Extra special: Michelin 2 Star Wine Box
One of a kind: Roisin Curley Gift Set (start at €215)
Roisin Curley is Ireland’s top female winemaker, she runs a family pharmacist business in Mayo, and in her spare time makes divine wine in Burgundy. These wines really cult status nearly immediately and older releases are like hens teeth. These wines are produced in miniscule quantities, with an average of 1,250 bottles per wine per year. Compare that to the 300 million bottles of Champagne produced annually, you really know that you have something special. Her wines are built to age and are best cellared for a minimum of 5-8 years before opening. Roisin Curley Wines are sold as Collector Gift Sets are available on a first come, first serve basis.
The main thing to remember when gifting wine is that people drink with their eyes. Names like Chablis and Sancerre for whites, or Chateauneuf du Pape and Barolo for reds are premium wines that only ever come at a premium price.
If you would like to gift a wow factor wine, an easy place to start are those renowned wines with famous names. Rioja Gran Reservas are a super place to start, offering a mature wine in a premium category. Gran Reserva refers to how the wine is made; these wines must have a minimum of 2 years in ageing in oak and 3 years in the bottle before they are released. Although Gran Reserva only guarantees how the wine is made, it implies that the wine has something extra special having gone through the additional expensive techniques.
Wow Factor: Coto de Imaz, Rioja Gran Reserva, €34
Feature image by Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash