The essential grape varieties to have in your wine cellar
The essential varietals to have in your wine cellar
It's not always easy to put together a wine cellar, and you can quickly run out of ideas... We like to find reassuring classics, surprise with originality, and sometimes pull out an unexpected nugget. And yet, choosing the right varietals is the key to building a well-balanced wine cellar, capable of responding to every occasion: an aperitif with friends, an impromptu meal, or a more refined dinner.
Here are a few grape varieties that deserve their place in your cellar La Sommelière, to combine tradition, discovery and pleasure.
The traditional: the sure thing
A Burgundy Chardonnay
Whether you open it in its youth to enjoy its fruity, dynamic freshness, or let it evolve to reveal its buttery, pastry-like notes... Chardonnay de Bourgogne is a must-have. Always just right, never disappointing: a must-have if you never want to make a false move.
Syrah from the Northern Rhône Valley
With its peppery, black fruit notes, Syrah never fails to seduce. It's equally at home with aperitifs, spicy dishes and fine meats. It's the red that makes you happy when you're asked for "a good red".
A Pinot Noir from Burgundy
Light, fruity and elegant, Pinot Noir is a grape variety that brings finesse and freshness. It's the ideal companion for delicate dishes, roast poultry and mild cheeses. Its international reputation makes it a safe bet for any wine cellar.
The most original: off the beaten track
Albarinho
A Portuguese and Spanish grape variety also found in France, Albarinho has it all. Expressive and luminous, this zesty, energetic wine is perfect for any occasion. A white that exudes conviviality!
Primitivo
Head for Puglia, in the heel of Italy, to discover a red bursting with sunshine and candied fruit. Rounder, almost sweet, it's a refreshing change from the classic profiles and the perfect accompaniment to a simple, joyful meal with friends. Accessible, warm, but with personality.
Riesling d'Alsace
Dry, lively and often mineral, Alsace Riesling is a grape variety that surprises with its freshness and ageing potential. It goes beautifully with seafood and delicate fish, as well as lightly spiced Asian cuisine. A touch of refined originality to slip into your cellar.
The ones you don't think of: the nice surprises
A Chenin de Loire bubble
Opening bubbles should be a spontaneous gesture, without necessarily waiting for a special occasion. Effervescent Chenin de Loire brings a dazzling freshness, fine bubbles and delicate fruit. Perfect for a simple celebration with friends.
Grenache Blanc maceration
Vin orange, vin de macération... sometimes mysterious terms, but well worth getting to grips with. With Grenache Blanc, we obtain an accessible, structured version, ideal for accompanying exotic dishes or attempting daring pairings. A playful and surprising way to rediscover white wine from another angle.
A Malbec from Cahors
Fleshy, generous and sometimes overlooked, Malbec de Cahors deserves its place among the essential red wines. It seduces with its black fruit notes and depth. Open with grilled meat or a stewed dish, for a real moment of conviviality.
Building a balanced wine cellar
Finally, as you will have understood, there is no "miracle recipe" for building a balanced wine cellar. The most important thing is to have a few sure values on hand (Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir), to let yourself be seduced by more original grape varieties (Primitivo, Albarinho, Riesling), and not to neglect the nice surprises (Chenin in bubbles, Grenache Blanc in maceration, Malbec from Cahors).
It's also important to think about diversity: reds, whites and sparkling wines, so you always have the right bottle for the right occasion. And above all, enjoy experimenting, thinking outside the box, and listening to your wine merchant's sound advice.
And to store your bottles properly..
A well-chosen cellar is also a well-preserved cellar. Wines, whether young or destined to age, deserve stable, appropriate conditions. La Sommelière wine cellars are designed to preserve your bottles in an optimal environment, respecting temperature, hygrometry and absence of vibration.
In this way, your essential grape varieties will reveal their full potential and remain ready to be shared at the right moment.
Article by Léa Perret