CAMERON DOUGLAS

Many variables from style to bottle size go into deciding someone’s favourite wine.

I am often asked what my favourite wine is: I always answer many, many wines are my favourite. It’s a bit like asking someone what their favourite movie is – it depends on the genre, company and occasion. I have several favourite styles of chardonnay and pinot noir; I will always say yes to a glass of riesling, bottle-fermented sparkling wine, syrah or red blend. Another interesting question is does bottle size matter for cellaring? Absolutely, yes it does. Wine is subject to the ageing effects of oxidation and other changes regardless of closure. There is a sweet spot though, a window in time when all the elements are in perfect harmony. Closure can matter: there is no less or more oxygen that gets into a wine whether it’s through a cork or screwcap, but even this is meant to be minimal, so the seal has to be good. If the closure is damaged or weak, then the wine can oxidise rapidly and spoil. Cellar temperature is important: a warm cellar and wine are not good partners, so keep yours around 12-14°C. Half-bottles or 375ml are not that great for cellaring beyond a few years – they tend to take on the effects of ageing faster – but they can be a good indication of what a wine can eventually taste like if larger bottles of the same are also in your cellar.