CELLAR UP

WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

As the New Year approaches, Greg, Michael and many of the Team at Opimian are taking stock of their cellars, and some even reorganizing them. The benefit is that one can determine what regions and styles are under-represented and plan their orders for the coming Cellar offerings.

Here in C301, you have the opportunity to stock up on some very special wines and spirits. We've pointed out a few specific ones here that represent their style perfectly. It bears repeating that having a wide selection to choose from goes a long way in making every drinking occasion notable.

Whether you store you wines by country, by vintage, by colour, or even by style, organization is key. You'll have the advantage of finding the right bottle at the right time as well as knowing what to order as the Cellar opens.

...AND FOR YOUR BAR

OLD TOM GIN, LOT 3901, P52 ARISTEA METHODE CAP CLASSIQUE ROSÉ, STELLENBOSCH, 2018, LOT 3866, P16

Talk about punching above its weight! This sparkler is a fabulous value. Its creamy texture and great depth make this an easy decision. Plum, cherry, strawberry, rhubarb and baked bread on the palate.

LIGHT WHITE

White/light fish, sipping on its own

VIOGNIER SCANTIANUM, IGT TOSCANA, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2021, LOT 3918, P47

Here is a great reason to join the new White Wine Select subscription. Light, crisp, and easy drinking. No oak. So refreshing and flavourful. A winner!

ORANGE

Versatile, pairs with a wide variety of meats, from beef to fish

FIDES GRENACHE BLANC, W.O. WELLINGTON, 2019, LOT 3857, P12

The recent trend in orange wines is no accident. The added colour, flavour and texture from extended contact with the skins make orange wines a unique taste sensation that you need to experience to appreciate. Your friends will thank you and you'll be thanking yourself.

FULL-BODIED RED

Heavy stews, many game meats, lamb, strong cheeses, even dessert

SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT BY VILAFONTÉ, W.O. WESTERN CAPE, 2021, LOT 3879, P23

Every cellar needs this wine! Its the baby brother of a wine voted best red wine in the world — and the family resemblance is obvious. The nuances in this wine go on and on — and the finish is nothing less than spectacular.

SWEET

Dessert, rich foods like foie gras

VIN SANTO DI SORBAIANO, MONTESCUDAIO, DOC, 2013, LOT 3916, P45

Ice wine is made from frozen grapes so that the water is easily extracted and thus a more concentrated wine results. Vin Santo is similar but the effect is achieved by air-drying the grapes for four of five months. The intense flavours of nuts, apricots and caramel are drinkable now but this one can cellar for 20 years or more.