How to Build a Wine Cellar Around Chapel Down's Super Premium Sparkling Wines

Quick Answer

To build a wine cellar around Chapel Down's super premium sparkling wines, focus on acquiring aged vintages like the Grand Reserve 2017 and limited-production Kit's Coty wines. Prioritize proper storage conditions—cool, dark, and humid—to allow these wines to develop complexity. Start with a mix of ready-to-drink and age-worthy bottles, and consider investing in a dedicated wine fridge or cellar.

Building a wine cellar is a rewarding journey, especially when centered on the excellence of English sparkling wine. Chapel Down, an award-winning producer from Kent, offers a range of super premium sparkling wines that are perfect for cellaring. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, understanding how to select, store, and enjoy these wines will elevate your collection.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of creating a cellar around Chapel Down's finest offerings, from the flagship Grand Reserve to the exclusive Kit's Coty range. We'll cover storage best practices, investment potential, and practical decision rules to help you make the most of your collection.

Why Chapel Down Super Premium Wines Are Ideal for Cellaring

Chapel Down's super premium sparkling wines are crafted using traditional methods, with extended lees aging that imparts complexity and structure. The Grand Reserve 2017, for instance, is aged for up to five years in bottle before release, making it a prime candidate for further cellaring. Such wines develop tertiary aromas of nuts, brioche, and honey over time, rewarding patient collectors.

The Kit's Coty range, though primarily still wines, also offers exceptional aging potential. Single varietal and limited production, these wines are crafted from the best parcels in the North Downs of Kent, and their structure and acidity allow them to evolve gracefully in the cellar. Including both sparkling and still wines from Chapel Down creates a diverse and exciting collection.

• Look for vintage-dated wines like the Grand Reserve for long-term aging.
• Consider the Kit's Coty range for limited, collectible additions.

Key Considerations for Storing English Sparkling Wine

Proper storage is crucial for any wine collection, but especially for sparkling wines that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and light. The ideal conditions are a consistent temperature around 10-15°C (50-59°F), high humidity (60-80%) to keep corks moist, and minimal vibration. A dedicated wine fridge or cellar is the best investment to protect your Chapel Down treasures.

When storing sparkling wines, keep bottles lying on their sides to ensure the cork remains in contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out. Avoid storing near heat sources or in areas with strong light, as UV rays can degrade the wine prematurely. If you plan to age wines for more than a few years, a climate-controlled environment is non-negotiable.

• Maintain a steady 10-15°C temperature to slow aging and preserve freshness.
• Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist and prevent oxidation.

How to Choose Which Chapel Down Wines to Cellar

Not all wines are meant for long aging. For your cellar, focus on wines with high acidity, good structure, and concentration. The Grand Reserve 2017 is an excellent choice, as its blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, along with extended lees aging, gives it the backbone to develop over a decade or more.

The Kit's Coty Chardonnay 2023 is another superb candidate. Its handpicked, whole-bunch pressed grapes and French oak aging produce a delicate yet complex wine that can benefit from 5-10 years of cellaring. For a mixed approach, consider the Kit's Coty Tasting Trio to explore different expressions and decide which styles you prefer to collect.

• Prioritize vintage wines with proven aging potential.
• Sample a range via mixed cases to refine your taste preferences.

Investment Potential of English Sparkling Wine

English sparkling wine has gained international recognition, and limited releases from top producers like Chapel Down can appreciate in value. The Kit's Coty range, with its awards and limited production, is particularly sought after by collectors. While wine investment carries risks, acquiring rare vintages and holding them in optimal conditions can yield returns for patient investors.

However, it's essential to approach wine investment with caution. Only buy wines you would enjoy drinking, as the market can be unpredictable. Focus on building a collection you love, and any financial gains will be a bonus. Chapel Down's super premium wines, with their quality and reputation, offer a solid foundation for both enjoyment and potential appreciation.

• Research market trends and seek expert advice before investing.
• Diversify your cellar with both sparkling and still wines from Chapel Down.

Decision Rules for Cellaring Chapel Down Super Premium Wines

• Rule 1: Age-Worthiness: Choose wines with high acidity, balance, and concentration. Vintage sparkling wines like the Grand Reserve 2017 are ideal, as are single-varietal still wines from the Kit's Coty range. Opt for wines that have already shown aging potential, such as those with extended lees aging.
• Rule 2: Storage Conditions: Invest in a wine fridge or cellar that maintains 10-15°C and 60-80% humidity. Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist and protect from light and vibration. Proper storage is non-negotiable for long-term aging.
• Rule 3: Diversify Your Collection: Include both sparkling and still wines from Chapel Down to enjoy a range of styles and aging curves. Mix in some ready-to-drink bottles for immediate pleasure. A balanced cellar offers flexibility for any occasion.
• Rule 4: Investment with Caution: While limited releases like Kit's Coty may appreciate, only invest in wines you love. Research and seek expert advice before making significant purchases. Enjoy your collection first; financial returns are a bonus.

Key Products for Your Chapel Down Cellar

• Grand Reserve 2017: An exceptional vintage sparkling wine, Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2017 is a blend of the three great sparkling wine grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The wine is made from the best fraction of juice and is aged for up to five years in bottle before release. This extended aging means the wine is already complex, and further cellaring can develop even more tertiary notes, making it a cornerstone for any collector.
• Kit's Coty Chardonnay 2023: Kit’s Coty Chardonnay is recognised as one of England’s finest still wines. Crafted from the best Chardonnay parcels within our 100-acre vineyard on the North Downs of Kent, this multi award-winning wine reflects the very best of English winemaking. Handpicked and whole-bunch pressed, the Chardonnay is aged in French oak barrels to create a delicate yet complex style. Its structure and oak influence give it excellent aging potential, offering a still wine alternative in your cellar that can evolve beautifully over time.

Is This Cellar Approach Right for You?

Best for

• Enthusiasts who appreciate aged sparkling wines and want to explore English wine's potential.
• Collectors seeking limited-production, award-winning wines with investment potential.

Not for

• Those who prefer drinking wines young and fresh, without the patience for aging.
• Individuals without proper storage facilities, as improper conditions can ruin wine.

Building a wine cellar around Chapel Down's super premium sparkling wines is a rewarding endeavor that combines enjoyment with potential investment. By selecting age-worthy bottles like the Grand Reserve 2017 and Kit's Coty Chardonnay, and adhering to proper storage practices, you can create a collection that brings joy for years to come. Start your journey today by exploring Chapel Down's offerings and begin your cellar with confidence.