Over the years, wine has progressed from being a simple beverage, to big business. Wine drinkers have a world of options available to them, and connoisseurs amass stockpiles of wines like hobbyists collect stamps. If you are serious about collecting wines, you need to consider creating a proper wine cellar.
There are two types of wines: those that are opened and enjoyed as soon as they're purchased, and those that are stored to flourish with age. Many wines take months or even years to reach their full potentials. If you intend to collect and preserve fine wines, you will need a proper wine cellar to provide the required climate and environment.
Both red and white wines should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool place. Any amount of sunshine or excessive heat will upset the aging process and may even destroy the wine.
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.
The most important aspect of your wine cellar is the temperature control. Be sure to equip the cellar with a system that has the ability to maintain a constant temperature. Wine is best stored at a temperature of about 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.
If you're interested in creating a wine cellar, there are a few options available. It's possible to purchase a pre-fabricated wine cellar from a retailer, but this is a pricey option that's just not a reality for the average wine drinker. Those who don't have cash on hand to invest in a ready-made wine cellar can build their own. You don't need a large room, or a lot of fancy extras. In most cases, a simple cold cellar or even an unused closet can be converted into a reliable storage space for your wine collection.
Some people like to collect wines, but just don't have the available space or the interest in building a proper wine cellar on their properties. These people may call on trusted wine merchants for alternative storage options. Some retailers and individuals have the cellar space available, and will allow you to use it for a rental fee.
If you love to sample wines, try collecting them. It's fun, interesting and can even be profitable. The best part is, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor months, or even years from now.
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