Wine on Hand: How to Build a Versatile Case of Wine to Save and Savor

Rosie in Food & Drink Sep 05 • 18 min read

Building the perfect case of wine is an ideal way to save money and ensure you always have the right wine on hand for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or celebrating a special event, having a well-stocked selection of wines allows you to feel confident and prepared.

In this guide, we'll explore how to curate a balanced case of wine that includes a variety of bottles to suit different moods and occasions. We'll also provide tips on selecting wines that offer both quality and value. Let’s dive into the perfect combination of 12 bottles, covering everyday reds and whites, sparkling wines, rosé, dessert wine, and special occasion bottles.

Why Build a Case of Wine?

Building a case of wine has several advantages:

Bulk Discounts: Many wine retailers offer discounts when you buy a full case (12 bottles), often around 10-15% off. By buying in bulk, you save money over time.
Convenience: With a case on hand, you’ll always have the right wine ready for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a spontaneous celebration.
Variety: A well-planned case gives you a mix of wines to suit different meals and tastes, from easygoing weeknight bottles to sophisticated choices for special occasions.
Aging and Storage: Certain wines can age beautifully when stored properly. A carefully curated selection allows you to enjoy both fresh, vibrant wines and those that benefit from some time in the cellar.

Tips for Building Your Case

Before we dive into specific wine recommendations, here are a few general tips for building a well-rounded case:

Start with Everyday Wines: About half of your case should consist of wines you can enjoy on any given night—something versatile and budget-friendly.
Add Specialty Wines: You’ll want to include a few special bottles for entertaining guests or marking a celebratory occasion.
Mix It Up: Variety is key. Include reds, whites, sparkling wines, a rosé, and a dessert wine to ensure you're prepared for different tastes and meal pairings.
Keep Rotation in Mind: As you use your wines, rotate your stock and restock regularly. This ensures you always have fresh bottles on hand without running to the store at the last minute.

Now, let’s break down the ideal mix for your case of 12 bottles.

Everyday Reds (3 Bottles)

1. Marietta Old Vine Red

Price: $17
Features: This robust blend from California is perfect for everyday drinking. Made from a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Carignan, it offers ripe fruit flavors with a touch of spice and earthiness. The old vine grapes lend depth and complexity while maintaining affordability.
Why We Love It: It’s bold enough to pair with a variety of hearty meals, but approachable enough to enjoy on its own. The price makes it a fantastic value for a casual yet satisfying read.
Occasions: Weeknight dinners, pizza nights, backyard barbecues.

2. Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc

Price: $18
Features: A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from California’s Sonoma County, this wine bursts with citrus and tropical fruit flavors, balanced by bright acidity. It’s a quintessential white for everyday drinking.
Why We Love It: It’s an excellent value for a Sauvignon Blanc, offering clean flavors and a bright finish that pairs well with a range of dishes. This wine is also perfect for warm weather.
Occasions: Casual dinners, salads, seafood, and light pasta dishes.

3. Naveran Cava Brut

Price: $20
Features: This Spanish Cava offers an affordable alternative to Champagne without sacrificing quality. Made using traditional methods, it delivers fine bubbles with notes of apple, pear, and a hint of toastiness.
Why We Love It: Naveran Cava is a go-to sparkling wine for everyday celebrations. Whether you're toasting the end of the week or pairing it with brunch, this Cava offers great value and versatility.
Occasions: Casual gatherings, brunch, impromptu celebrations.

Everyday Whites (3 Bottles)

1. Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc

Price: $18
Features: We already covered this Sauvignon Blanc in the everyday reds section, but it's worth reiterating its versatility. This wine shines with its fresh, zesty profile, making it a staple in your case of whites.
Why We Love It: It pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, including salads, chicken dishes, and shellfish. Plus, it offers fantastic value for the price.
Occasions: Light dinners, casual lunches, outdoor gatherings.

2. La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

Price: $20
Features: This is an easygoing, balanced Chardonnay from California’s Monterey region, featuring notes of ripe apple, pear, and a touch of oak. It’s smooth with a slightly creamy texture, making it versatile for a range of occasions.
Why We Love It: Its creamy texture and subtle oakiness make it a great match for poultry, seafood, and richer dishes like creamy pastas. At $20, it’s an everyday Chardonnay that drinks like a more expensive bottle.
Occasions: Weeknight dinners, roasted chicken, creamy pasta.

Special Occasion White (1 Bottle)

1. Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc

Price: $60
Features: This white Burgundy from France is a refined choice for special occasions. It’s made from Chardonnay grapes and offers layers of complexity, with flavors of ripe citrus, green apple, and hints of minerality.
Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a white wine with the elegance and depth to impress your guests, this is the bottle to have on hand. It’s also a wine that ages well, so you can keep it in your cellar for several years if needed.
Occasions: Holiday dinners, formal gatherings, special celebrations.

Sparkling Wines (2 Bottles)

1. Naveran Cava Brut

Price: $20
Features: As mentioned earlier, Naveran Cava is an excellent everyday sparkling wine. Its crisp bubbles and bright acidity make it a great all-purpose sparkling to have on hand.
Why We Love It: A perfect bottle for casual gatherings, and at $20, you can afford to pop it open without waiting for a special occasion.
Occasions: Everyday celebrations, casual toasts, weekend brunches.

2. Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut

Price: $79
Features: Bollinger’s Special Cuvée is a prestigious Champagne known for its rich, full-bodied profile. It offers a fine mousse of bubbles and complex flavors of baked apple, brioche, and honey.
Why We Love It: This Champagne is a showstopper for special events. It has a luxurious mouthfeel and long finish, making it ideal for when you want to impress guests or mark an important milestone.
Occasions: New Year’s Eve, weddings, milestone birthdays.

Rosé (1 Bottle)

1. Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé

Price: $23
Features: This Provençal rosé is a refreshing wine that offers delicate aromas of red berries and citrus, with a crisp and clean finish. It’s a quintessential rosé from the south of France.
Why We Love It: A rosé that can be enjoyed year-round, not just in the summer. It pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, from light salads to grilled seafood.
Occasions: Picnics, al fresco dining, beach days.

Dessert Wine (1 Bottle)

1. Castello di Monsanto La Chimera

Price: $50
Features: This Italian dessert wine, made in a vin santo style, offers sweet notes of dried fruit, honey, and caramel. It has a rich and velvety texture that makes it the perfect way to end a meal.
Why We Love It: La Chimera is the ideal dessert wine to have on hand when you want to elevate your dinner party. It’s delicious paired with a cheese board or dessert.
Occasions: After-dinner drinks, holiday dinners, special occasions.

Special Occasion Red (1 Bottle)

1. Château Bourgneuf

Price: $65
Features: This red Bordeaux from the Pomerol region is a luxurious wine with notes of dark berries, tobacco, and leather. It’s full-bodied and smooth, with a long, lingering finish.
Why We Love It: This is the wine you reach for when you want to impress. It’s sophisticated and elegant, making it perfect for special dinners or when you have important guests.
Occasions: Dinner parties, holiday meals, intimate celebrations.

Storing Your Wine Properly

Once you’ve built your case of wine, proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your bottles. Here are a few tips to keep your wine in top condition:

Temperature: Store your wine in a cool, dark place. Ideally, wine should be stored at around 55°F (13°C). If possible, invest in a wine fridge to keep your bottles at the perfect temperature.
Humidity: Wine should be stored in a slightly humid environment to prevent corks from drying out. Aim for a humidity level of around 60-70%.
Position: Store your bottles horizontally to keep the corks moist, which prevents oxidation.
Avoid Light and Vibration: Keep your wine away from direct sunlight and areas with frequent vibration, such as near appliances.

Final Thoughts

Building the perfect case of wine is a great way to save money and always have the right bottle on hand. By selecting a mix of everyday reds and whites, along with a few special occasion bottles, you’ll be prepared for any event, whether it’s a quiet night at home or a lively gathering with friends. With the right storage techniques, your wine will stay fresh and ready to enjoy. So, start building your case today and toast to being prepared for any occasion!