Wine Cellar, how to choose: Tips and Opinions

Usefulness

It may seem like a trivial question but it is not. The possible alternatives are two: serving the wine at a suitable temperature or to store it. In the first case, the wine cellar is used exclusively to keep the wine in conditions suitable for short-term tasting. In the second case, the wine is stored for many years. If we want to buy a wine cellar just for tasting, we should prefer tempered models. On the other hand, if we want to store wine for a long time, we should opt for air-conditioned models.

A sommelier / wine connoisseur / enologist knows perfectly well the delicacy of each bottle, and that certain aromas are only maintained or enhanced if the wine is stored at the correct temperature.While some sparkling wines are preferred fresh, other wines are enjoyed at room temperature, stored in cool, dry places away from humidity and mould. The cellar is the ideal place to store all types of wine in a natural way. Very often, however, it is difficult to set one up in your own home, especially if you live in a flat or studio. /p>

Functioning

Wine cellars replace the traditional wine cellar, ensuring that each bottle is stored properly and at a constant temperature. Since it is a domestic appliance, you can use it in your own home, enjoying all its many potentialities and functions, and it can easily be combined with your interior design.

Since a wine cellar is nothing more than a refrigerator-cellar made specifically for wine storage, there are numerous models on the market that differ according to the functions and needs of those who want to create a small but elegant wine cellar right in their home or public place. When buying a wine cellar, it is necessary to consider some very important factors in order to preserve the properties of this intoxicating beverage, also known globally as the “nectar of the gods”.

Correct Temperature

Temperature is probably the most important factor of all, as it allows this quality drink to retain its characteristics, flavors and aromas. It is therefore necessary to consider the right temperature at which a wine must be stored. If we are talking about red wine, for example, the temperature ideal should not be higher than 20°, for white wines, on the other hand, the temperature should be around 13°, while sparkling wines should be stored at a temperature no higher than 8°.These well-calibrated temperatures prevent the wine’s polyphenols, the natural substances that determine its color,from expanding or contracting: excessive heat would reduce the lifespan of a wine as it would accelerate the sensory evolution. On the other hand, temperatures that are too low would prevent proper polyphenolic maturation. Perhaps opt for a wine cellar with several refrigeration zones, which will allow you to manage the temperature of each individual bottle of wine in the best possible way.

Appropriate humidity

We know that wine needs a good level of humiditywhich is why an underground cellar with thick walls is the ideal place to store it. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to have a wine cellar in their home, so in such cases a wine fridge would be a good idea. The ideal humidity level is around 80%. This level of humidity prevents the corks from drying out, which could compromise the correct closure of the bottles and consequently alter the taste of the wine. So choose a wine cellar that can manage the humidity inside in a stable and reliable manner. This will help to preserve the organoleptic properties of the wine, which does not like temperature changes.

Protection from sunlight

In contact with wine, sunlight causes negative changes in the drink itself. In particular, ultraviolet rays favour the development of free radicals that drastically accelerate the oxidation process of the wine. As a result, it loses freshness and acquires unpleasant odours. The wine cellars, also thanks to the insulating materials they are made of, protect the wine bottles from sunlight and keep its natural maturation processes unaltered.