| A
wine cellar is like an ecosystem, constantly in flux. Like the wine
that it stores, it is susceptible to the effects of the environment.
During summer months, heat can flow into a regular cellar through
the ceiling, adjacent basement rooms, and the soil. A cellar's climate
can be altered by even an hour's worth of breath, a door left ajar
or a light left turned on. The most important factor in cellaring
wine is keeping a constant temperature within your storage area.
The most damaging element in wine storage is temperature fluctuation.
One of the many important considerations of cellaring wine is the
relative humidity level of the storage area. Wine, like many other
food and drink, is tainted or altered by light, which can impair
its taste and smell. Finally, the wood your cellar is constructed
of is important, Redwood being the most desired, for it's durability
and non-aromatic properties. (For more information on wine cellars,
see our Wine Cellar Education information below.
|
|
|
| Wine Cellar
Education
A
wine cellar is like an ecosystem, constantly in flux. Like the wine
that it stores, it is susceptible to the effects of the environment.
During summer months, heat can flow into a cellar through the ceiling,
adjacent basement rooms, and the soil. A cellar's climate can be
altered by even an hour's worth of breath, a door left ajar or a
light left turned on. Read below for educational facts on the natural
elements that can affect your cellar's overall performance and functionality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wine Cellar Temperature
The
most important factor in cellaring wine is keeping a constant temperature
level within your storage area. The most damaging element in wine
storage is temperature fluctuation. Environmental changes in temperature
and humidity can accelerate the wine's aging process. Proper climate
control measures are imperative to the success of any wine cellar,
as the climate represents the most important component in wine cellar
construction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wine Cellar Humidity
The
aging of fine wine is an intricate process, requiring the harmonious
balance of numerous interrelated factors. If this balance is neglected,
an unfavorable combination of the components can adversely affect
the quality of vintage wines. One of the many concerns when cellaring
wine is the relative humidity level of the storage area. Optimal
humidity conditions for a cellar are between 50-75%. Humidity levels
that are too high can result in the growth of mold; which may ruin
the cellar's wood and labels. On the other hand, if the humidity
is too low, oxygen rich air may seep into the bottles, resulting
in a spoiled vintage collection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light
Wine,
like many other food or drink, is tainted and/or altered by light.
After a few weeks of being stored in a brightly lit room its color,
taste and smell may be impaired, principally by ultraviolet light
rays. Today most wines are sold in colored bottles, this will only
filter out some of the light and UV rays because even the darkest
bottles will attract and absorb a certain amount of light, which
ultimately encourages oxygen absorption into your wine. Consequently,
storage areas shouldn't have any kind of opening that will allow
for a constant stream of daylight to enter. Artificial light should
only be used when necessary.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wine Cellar Wood
After
climate control, the most important component in wine cellar construction
is the racking system. Wood, more specifically, Redwood, has long
been a favored material used by racking manufacturers and cellar
engineers. Its beauty, availability, versatility and durability
make Redwood the optimal building material for use on any racking
system. In addition to Redwood, we also offer the following premium,
non-aromatic wood selections which include Mahogany, Oak, Cherry,
Jarrah, Walnut, Maple and Pine.
|
|
|