I am pregnant due in February. What wine should I put away for my baby's twenty-first birthday?

Question

College Savings & Savings are all set thank you very much. I heard that you can also plant a new tree when a baby is born in your backyard. Now what kind of tree??

Answer 1

I'm guessing this is a family tradition or an ethnic tradition, so I'll try to provide a mostly serious answer actually related to your question - I don't know much about wines, but there are some resources out on the web, such as www.winespectator.com - You might also want to find out if there are any local wine tastings and ask people there for their opinion on a good wine that will be stable for 21 years. Wine is actually aged in the barrel, not the bottle. You have to store it correctly for it to be stable and good until their 21'st.

With the tree, I, personally, would plant a fruit tree that will survive in your area. That way you can enjoy it as they're growing up and it's not just "another" tree.

Answer 2

Look at the Wine Spectator and find a red wine that is rated 90 points or higher. They will tend to age very well for 15-20 yrs. Something like a Cabernet Sauvignon with a good balance of acid and alcohol. Cabs have a higher level of tannic acid than most other reds, so they will age very well. Zinfandel is another good red for aging. For whites, I have heard that a Sauterne has good aging characteristics. And of course, a top-rated Chardonnay will do well. Reserve wines tend to be the best that a winery produces - they find the best grapes from the best vineyards, produce the wine carefully. Typically, the reserves will age the longest. Unfortunately, the 2006 red wines won't be released until spring of 2008. And reserves are held off the market another 6 - 12 months. So you can buy a 2004 red, or an '02 or '03 reserve, but if you want a birthyear wine, wait a couple of years. Storage conditions are critical. Keep the cork moist - lay the bottle on edge, not standing vertical. And keep the bottle from experiencing large swings in temperature. A mid-60 F temperature year round is ideal. And keep the bottle out of sun or artificial light. Good luck.

Answer 3

Depends on what your taste in wine is (assuming you would want to share a glass with you child). I personally am partial to Cabernet Savignon and Port. My personal favorites include Silver Oak (Alexander Valley) Cab, Cane 5 Cab, Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port and by far my favorit wine of all time A. Rafanelli Cabernet or Zinfandel. Another consideration is storage reds typically store better than whites and will last you many years to come, storing wine for 21 years requires diligence and the right conditions or on your childs 21st birthday all you'll be drinking is a glass of vinegar. Also it might be wise to choose a vintage that reminds you a special occassion, first date with your husband, wedding anniversary, etc that will evoke a wonderful memory when your child is old enough share it with. Finally I would suggest you put away something that you like now, don't bank on liking it in 20 years. Cheers! Dave

Answer 4

Go to a local vineyard whose wines you and your husband enjoy, or choose a nice red wine you both like... of 2007 vintage, the year your baby is born. Get several bottles for his/her 21st birthday party. Don't get a white or champagne because white wines should be consumed within a year of their bottling.

Keep the wine bottle on its side in a dark, cool place with the cork a bit lower than the bottom and turn it occasionally.

What a great idea! Wish I'd thought of something so inexpensive, thoughtful and fun. Good baby gift idea.

Answer 5

I would put away a Blush like a Zinfandel or a White wine Like a Chardonnay. Something a Little light Red wine has a tendency to be a little strong with age. Don't get me wrong all wine improves with age but you don't want to damage their love for wine.

Answer 6

A good zinfandel or cabernet would age best... What a great idea! Perhaps a wine you and your husband like to drink? Sort of a legacy of preferences...
Maqybe consider too, a bottle of Glenlivet scotch??? Greaat now, even better in 20 years!!!

Answer 7

I dont' know the answer to that, but I'd be interested. I have never heard of putting away a certain wine, that's interesting :) I will be checking back to see what answers are posted.

Answer 8

Sounds like a good idea! Don't you hate it when stupid people give you dtupid answers and you just wana slap them through the damn computer!! Neways, I think that sounds like a good idea! I don't know of any wines, but I would suggest going to a Liquor store or a vinyard for suggestions!!!

Congrats and best of luck!

Answer 9

I don't know, but I do know that not all wine improves with age, you would want to look into that. Be sure you store it on it's side so the cork doesn't dry out too.

Answer 10

I think it would be more productive to start a college fund then to put wine away for your baby's 21st birthday.