Wine Sediments

Recently I’ve become a wine collector. The only reason I have become a wine collector is because I’m not drinking the stuff faster than I’m buying it. Unfortunately, with our recent 100 temperatures, I’m more apt to reach for a Frozen Lemonade Cocktail, which has become our House Summer Drink of 2006, instead of a glass of wine. But for you REAL wine collectors out there, Imbibe Magazine has their Top 10 Tips for Budding Wine Collectors in their July/August issue.

1. Decide on a budget. They suggest that $1,000 is a good place to start your collection.

2. Buy what you like. Your collection should be varied, but should be attuned to your own taste buds. If you’re not enjoying your collection, what’s the point of it?

3. Professional refrigeration isn’t for everyone. If you’re just planning on using your collection for entertaining and enjoying with friends, then don’t drop excessive amounts of money on heavy-duty refrigeration units.

4. Storage, storage, storage. Whether it be a fancy schmancy wine rack, or a shelf in your basement, decide ahead of time where you’re going to house your collection.

5. Ready, set, taste. Discover what you like and don’t like. Visit wineries and tasting rooms to get a feel for what sets your tastebuds ablaze.

6. Triple up on favorites. If the price is attractive enough, consider buying cases of your favorites, as opposed to just a bottle. While driving the price down a bit, this will also give you the opportunity to taste the wine over the span of its life.

7. Find the deals. Get on winery club mailing lists and you might be afforded the opportunity to buy futures at 10-20% below the final bottle cost. Local wine auctions and the internet are also a great source for bargains, but do your research first.

8. Go deep. When you find a wine you enjoy, try it from several different vintages and see how it’s developed over the course of time.

9. Think twice about trophies. Don’t just buy them because they’re considered trophies; buy them because you like them too.

10. Keep learning. Put time and effort into creating your collection through research. Talk to sommeliers. Visit wineries and wine shops. When you do the research, pouring that glass will be that much sweeter.