How to Start a Wine Collection on a Budget

Wine is significant both socially and culturally. In many European countries it is an essential complement to dining and is used to accompany, as well as enhance the flavor of food. It has also been used as an integral part of religious rites and ceremonies for centuries. In recent years, the use of wine has been studied for its health effects and researchers have noted the correlation between red wine and various health benefits. Starting a wine collection on a budget can be challenging, but the key is to be organized, stick to your budget and identify the wines that you like, that are essential to your collection. Read on for tips on how to start a wine collection on a budget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Identify how much money you'd like to spend. Ideally if you have a budget of approximately $1500, you will be able to put together a pretty versatile wine cellar with some staples that will build a solid collection.

2. The first and one of the most versatile categories of wine that you can add to your collection is champagne. Champagne can be served with anything and although usually served in celebrations, it can also be served chilled with breakfast or any other meal. You can purchase six bottles of Nicolas Feuilatte Brut for about $150.

3. 

   Everyday wines are a must for your collection. You'll want to get a case of white and a case of red. White wines are more crisp and are typically consumed with lighter meals such as an appetizer or lunch. They are known for their refreshing taste and are most appropriate for spring or summer occasions. Among the whites, one must have is a sauvignon blanc. You can get a 2004 Clos Roche Blanche for $13 a bottle or a Patianna 2003 for $17. A dry chardonnay should also be added to the white collection. A 2004 Jean Rijckaert goes for $13. Experiment with different types of white wine fro different region to find your perfect mix. Gruner Veltliner offers a light and peppery refreshing flavor and Hirsch No. 1 are only about $10 a piece.

4. 

   Red wines will be the next category for your collection. They come in different varieties and are most often classified as light-bodied, medium-bodied or full-bodied. For everyday consumption, a juicy Cotes du Rhone, like a 2004 St. Cosme is a good choice and will run you about $13. You can also add a 2001 Rioja crianza, which is an excellent value at $11 a bottle. A 2003 Barbera d'Alba is also good for tomato sauce and pizza for only $15 a bottle.

5. You'll also want to add a couple cases of more fancy bottles of wine for special occasions. You'll need a Bordeaux, which would run about $34 a piece for six bottles of Pontet-Canet 2001. You'll also want to add a Burgundy, which is a little more expensive, but you can procure a Louis Jadot like a 2002 Nuit St.-Georges Aux Boudots at $50 each for six bottles. You can also get six bottles each of a really nice chardonnay like 2002 Mount Eden at $35 a bottle and a dry 2002 German riesling Gaisbohl Ruppertsberg--one of the world's finest at $52 a bottle. This should round out your collection of fancy bottles of wine.

6. With the $200 left over, why not splurge on a couple bottles of the world's great wine? You can get two bottles of Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco's Santo Stefano at $90 a pop.

7. Check out local and online merchants in making all of your selections. Keep in mind that many wine retailers offer wine clubs that offer purchasing advantages and discounts. Your local retailer may also be able to provide valuable advice in selecting wines for your collection.