Why invest in a wine cabinet ?
There are many parents who, to celebrate a birth, decide to invest in bottles of the vintage of the year of birth of the newborn. Commendable decision!
But are all wines good for keeping for several decades? Obviously the answer is negative, but let’s try to understand the secret of wines for laying down.
For white wines, the two main characteristics that will make it a wine to lay down are acidity and the amount of sugar. These two factors have antioxidant properties that allow white wines to be preserved for many years. Of course, the vintage and the terroir are other parameters to take into account. Chablis, Sancerre, Muscadet, Sauternes (like this Imperial 1995 (6Liters bottle) Château Guiraud served with Wikeeps during Vinexpo 2015) and other sweet wines make excellent wines for laying down.
Red wines follow the same rule as white wines: acidity and sugar are essential to make them wines for laying down. However, tannins are also a major ingredient for the aging potential of red wines. Tannins are present in the skin, the stalk, the seeds of the grapes and the oak barrels, and are absorbed by the wine during its maceration.
Some grape varieties are more generous in tannins, such as Cabernets, Malbecs and tanning. Young red wines are heavily loaded with tannins, but these will “melt” over time. It should be noted that hot (and scorching) vintages evolve more quickly, because they are not very acidic and the tannins are generally less concentrated.
Which red wines are good for laying down? In the Bordeaux region, wines made from Cabernets are legion and offer good aging potential: between 8 and 15 years for a Cru Bourgeois, between 15 and 20 years for a Grand Cru Classé.
Loire wines also make excellent wines for laying down, like Chinons for example. Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape variety of Burgundy, often has a lower tannin content, but its acidity allows wines to be kept for 15 to 20 years after bottling.
What does a wine cabinet offer then ?
Also known as wine coolers or wine refrigerators, are specialized appliances designed for storing and preserving wine at optimal temperatures.
These cabinets provide a controlled environment to ensure that wines age properly and maintain their quality. Here are some key features and considerations for wine cabinets:
Wine cabinet Temperature Control:
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- Wine cabinets are equipped with adjustable temperature controls to maintain a consistent and ideal temperature for wine storage. The recommended temperature range for most wines is between 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C), depending on the type of wine.
Humidity Control:
- Proper humidity levels are crucial for wine storage to prevent corks from drying out and allow wines to age gracefully. Wine cabinets often have humidity controls to maintain an adequate level, typically around 50-70%.
Vibration Reduction:
- Excessive vibrations can negatively impact the aging process of wine. Quality wine cabinets are designed to minimize vibrations, ensuring that sediment in the bottle remains undisturbed, especially for long-term storage.
Light Protection:
- Exposure to light, especially UV rays, can be detrimental to wine quality. Wine cabinets usually have UV-resistant glass doors or solid doors to protect wines from light exposure.
Wine cabinet storage capacity:
- Wine cabinets come in various sizes and storage capacities, ranging from small countertop models to larger free-standing or built-in units. Choose a size that accommodates your wine collection and fits the available space.
Single Zone vs. Dual Zone wine cabinet ? :
- Single-zone wine cabinets have a uniform temperature throughout, suitable for those who primarily store one type of wine. Dual-zone cabinets have separate compartments with different temperature controls, ideal for storing both red and white wines simultaneously.
Shelving and Layout:
- The interior layout and shelving of wine cabinets can vary. Some cabinets have sliding racks, wooden shelves, or metal wire racks that can be pulled out for easier access to bottles. Choose a design that suits your storage preferences.
Ventilation:
- Proper ventilation is essential, especially for built-in wine cabinets. Ensure that there is sufficient space around the cabinet for proper air circulation.
Security Features:
- Some wine cabinets come with lockable doors, providing an extra layer of security for valuable wine collections.
- Wine cabinets are equipped with adjustable temperature controls to maintain a consistent and ideal temperature for wine storage. The recommended temperature range for most wines is between 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C), depending on the type of wine.
Wine Cabinets: Enhancing Your Collection
Investing in a wine cabinet does more than just provide a storage solution; it enhances your overall wine collection experience. For wine enthusiasts, the ability to age wines properly is essential for appreciating the full spectrum of flavors and aromas that develop over time. A wine cabinet ensures that each bottle, whether it’s a young, tannin-rich red or a delicate white, is stored under ideal conditions, allowing it to reach its peak potential. This careful preservation of wines means that when the time comes to open a cherished bottle, it delivers an exceptional tasting experience, just as the winemaker intended.
The Long-Term Benefits of Wine Cabinets
Additionally, wine cabinets offer significant long-term benefits that go beyond immediate convenience. By providing optimal storage conditions, they help protect your investment in fine wines, which can be substantial. Wines stored improperly can spoil or deteriorate, leading to a loss of both monetary and sentimental value. Wine cabinets also enable you to build a diverse and aged wine collection, allowing you to enjoy mature wines that have developed complex profiles over the years. For collectors, the ability to showcase a range of well-preserved wines can also be a point of pride and a central feature of social gatherings and celebrations.
Moreover, wine cabinets can be a critical component of home design for those who entertain frequently. A well-placed wine cabinet adds an element of sophistication to a dining room or kitchen, serving as a conversation piece and a functional part of your hospitality. Whether you choose a sleek, modern design or a more traditional, wooden finish, a wine cabinet can complement your décor while providing a practical solution for wine storage. For those serious about wine, a wine cabinet is not just an appliance but an essential tool for preserving and enhancing the enjoyment of their collection.
In conclusion, investing in a wine cabinet is about more than just keeping your wine at the right temperature. It’s about ensuring the longevity and quality of each bottle, maximizing the potential of your wine collection, and enjoying your wine at its best. With the added benefits of systems like Wikeeps, which extend the life of opened bottles through the use of argon gas, your investment in a wine cabinet becomes even more valuable. Enjoy your wines over several weeks, savoring each glass, and making the most of every precious bottle in your collection.
Wine cabinet – conclusion
Wikeeps wine cabinet and pouring systems allow you to enjoy your best wines for laying down several weeks after opening them thanks to the addition of argon gas (a neutral natural gas). It would be a shame to open such beautiful bottles without being able to enjoy them in the long run!