Build a Wine Cellar
Today's connoisseurs collect bottles of wines for both personal satisfaction, and as investments. Serious wine collectors know the importance of creating a proper wine cellar.
Some wines are meant to be opened and enjoyed immediately. Others should be carefully stored and allowed to flourish over time. These wines will take months, or even years, to reach maturity. To collect and preserve these fine wines, you need to create the perfect environment and climate in a wine cellar.
All types of wine, both white and red, must be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or sunshine will have an adverse effect on the aging process.
A wine cellar will provide the cool, dark environment that your wines need to develop or retain their best body and flavor. With careful storage, you can look forward to a wonderful experience when you finally pop the cork on your coveted bottle of wine.
Temperature is the most important aspect of your wine cellar, so you need to equip the area with a good climate maintenance system. Ideally, the storage temperature will be between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Seasonal fluctuations with slow increases or decreases of 10 degrees, such as from summer to winter, should not cause an adverse affect on your wines. However a rapid rise or drop in temperature, or frequent temperature fluctuations will cause your wine to age prematurely.
There are a few options available to wine collectors wishing to install a wine cellar. It is possible to purchase a ready-made cellar, but this is a very expensive proposition. For most of us, building a wine cellar is a more realistic option. The project does not involve a great deal of equipment, money or even space. An existing cold cellar, storage area or even an unused closet will do just fine.
If you're serious about collecting wines but simply don't have the space or resources available to commit to a proper wine cellar, talk to a local wine merchant. There are retailers and individuals with wine storage facilities that can offer space to you for a rental fee.
It's interesting, fun and even profitable to collect wines. If you take good care of your collection, you'll truly enjoy the results of your efforts. Author: :: Hits: 4 :: Added: Tue Oct 09 2007 ::
