Insider Guide.(wine collection)

Insider's Guide Entertaining

How to Start a Wine Collection

By Kevin Zraly Zraly wrote Windows on the World Complete Wine Course (Sterling). If you dash to the liquor store for a few bottles of wine before every dinner party, it may be time to begin your own collection. You don't need a huge cellar -- just a love of wine and a willingness to spend money to get quality. * Find the right source. Call your favorite restaurants and ask the sommelier where he purchases wines. Or ask friends for recommendations. * Become a regular. Once you find a quality shop, introduce yourself to the wine expert and let him know how much you want to spend. Some retailers give discounts or will put together a mixed case of their favorites (within a price range); when you report back on what you liked, the seller will be able to customize future selections. * Pick some sure things. To get your collection started, look for the vintage years of 1995, 1996, 2000, and 2003 in Bordeaux; 1999 and 2001 in Piedmont and Tuscany; and 2001 and 2002 in Germany. And you can't go wrong with 1999 and 2002 Burgundy reds. California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from 2001, 2002, and 2003 are also excellent choices. * Do your research. Buying a basic wine book is a great way to learn how to decipher labels, and wine magazines give timely recommendations from experts. But the only way to really discover what you like is to take the cork out -- go to as many tastings as you can, and consider taking wine courses to push past the basic "red with beef and white with fish" rules. * Follow the markets. Foreign exchange rates affect wine prices. The American dollar is strong against the Australian now, so stock up on quality Australian wines, such as those from Penfolds or Rosemount. * Keep it cool. Nine-ty percent of wines should be consumed within one ...