Tag Archives: wine cabinets

Worry-Free Wine Collecting with Blue Grouse Wine Cellars: Learn the Conditions Every Wine Collector Should Know When Storing Wine in Their Home.

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While most of the commodities are consumed within 24 hours from the time of purchase, wines are often saved by the purchaser for long-term storage and aged. Wine is one of the things that get better with time when stored and aged properly, but it can also spoil and deteriorate rapidly if kept in inappropriate conditions. Proper storage and aging will enhance wine’s flavor, color and quality in general.

As an expert in wine storage, Blue Grouse Wine Cellars always considers the following critical factors when designing and installing Vancouver wine cellars.

Proper Wine Storage – Factors to Consider

Light

wine storageWines, especially white wines should not be subjected to excessive amounts of light. They should not be stored under direct sunlight, and fluorescent lights with ultraviolet light in the wavelength of 325 to 450 nm.

Light may adversely react with the chemical compounds in wine and create potential wine faults or defects, which often leads to wine having a light-struck aroma (or gouts de lumiere – French for tastes of light).

Wine maintains its clarity and citrus aroma if stored in a dark room. This is why most wines are packed in colored glass and stored in wine cellars with a minimal amount of lighting.

Humidity

Humidity is another critical element of wine storage that must be considered, especially if wine cork closures are used. The efficacy of the wine cork depends upon the humidity level. While the optimal humidity range is not yet established and varies from one wine expert to the next, the often-cited ideal humidity level is between 60 and 70 percent.

The ideal humidity range will keep the cork expanded and in shape, providing a good seal to the wine bottle. When wine is stored lower than the ideal humidity level, cork will dry out, shrink or crack, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle and come in contact with the wine. Oxidation then occurs resulting in degradation of wine.

Additionally, when wine is subjected to a higher humidity level, mold may occur and while this will not affect the wine itself, the bottle and wine label will deteriorate.This provides yet another reason that storing your wines in a standard kitchen refrigerator is not advisable, since it is not designed to maintain the right humidity levels.

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Wine Flaws and Vancouver Wine Cellar Cooling Systems

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How do you make sure that the wines you have in your collection are of the best quality? Ensuring freshness and taste quality of wine is quiet a challenging task. But, with proper wine storage, your wine will surely satisfy your guests’ palate during a party in your Vancouver custom wine cellar.

Poor storage conditions often result in wine flaws. Wine flaws are minor attributes that cause wine to be less than enjoyable. By keeping wine in a wine cellar that can stabilize temperature and humidity, proper storage can be achieved and wine flaws can be prevented.

We have this notion that the longer the wine is stored, the better it tastes. Basically, we all have to remember that only a small percentage of fine wines on the market benefit from long term aging. Most wines are best enjoyed within a few years of release.

Common Causes of Wine Flaws and Tips for Proper Wine Storage

Too Much Heat

We have to take note that it is important to keep wine cool, but not too cool. Heat is the number one enemy of wine, but make sure not to keep it somewhere so cold that it could freeze. If the storage area is too hot, wine often become oxidized and get “cooked”, resulting in flat aromas and flavors. This is why wine racks must not be placed near sources of heat such as appliances.

Vibration

Vibration must also be avoided so as not to disturb wine’s sediments. Disturbed sediments can cause unpleasant flavour in wine. Wine must also be kept in a dark area because too much exposure to light can affect the quality your most precious wines. Keeping these wines without much further consideration may result in wine flaws.

Poor Wine Storage or Transportation

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Popular Wines Found in Canada Wine Cellars

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Canadians love wine. Wine growing and production in the country picked up, especially during the 60’s, when better technology allowed people to have cool-climate grapes. There is a fast-rising market of both wine drinkers and wine collectors in that part of the world, and their tastes tends towards the all-time favorites red such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which are richer and full-bodied and exciting bottles that originate from Canada itself.

Well-Known Wines Stored in Canada Wine Cellars

Pinot Noir

PINOT NOIR CANADA1Pinot Noir has steadily gained a loyal following, and people have started stocking their wine racks with this wine variety, especially after the movie Sideways came out, and Canadians are no exception.

This wine came from the Burgundy region of France and is a wine variety that goes through a challenging winemaking process making it slightly more pricy when compared to other red wines. But this hasn’t stopped it from being featured in wine cellars all throughout Canada. Pinot Noir is cherished for its delicious hints of cinnamon, and nuances of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry. This wine is best paired with dark meat dishes, as well as chocolate and cheese.

MERLOT CANADA

Merlot

Merlot, which is from the Bordeaux region of France, thrives in cool temperatures. Wine storage for this variety is not a problem in Canada where some regions enjoy cooler climates.

In fact, top wineries in Canada love this wine variety. The fruity flavors and dark blue hue has hints of blueberry, blackberry, and even touches of cocoa. For beginners, it is recommended that they start by storing Merlot in their Canada wine cellars because its subtleness is a great initiation into the world of wine. This red wine is best consumed with shellfish, prawns, and red meat dishes.

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Vancouver Wine Cellars – Enemies of Wine & How to Avoid Them

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Wine has certain needs and demands in order to have superb quality. We can say that a wine is of high quality if it tastes good and its flavor and aromas are pleasant to the nose and palate.

Wine needs to be protected against its worst enemies in order to achieve the quality that you are looking for. What are wine’s worst enemies? What can you do to prevent them from harming your precious collections?

 

Factors That Affect Wine Quality & Tips for Proper Wine Storage

Heat

Too much exposure to heat can damage wine, affecting its overall characteristics and ability to age gracefully as well as its physical and chemical stability. Heat damage is usually caused by improper and abusive shipping processes or improper wine storage at home or commercial wine stores. Signs that wine was damaged by heat are a brick red-brown color and sherry-like taste.

To avoid your wines getting “cooked”, they must be stored in a wine cellar or wine cabinet with the right wine cellar refrigeration system that has the ability to maintain temperature between 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose efficient and easy to install cooling units such as those offered by Blue Grouse Wine Cellars.

WINE BOTTLES TINTEDLight

UV rays can be detrimental to your wine because they cause wine degradation. Too much exposure to sunlight will cause the wine cork to dry out.

They will also accelerate the wine’s aging process, leading to premature aging and development. As you have noticed, most wine bottles are tinted. This can somewhat protect the wine against the sun’s exposure just like sunglasses do to our eyes.

If you love your wines, store them in a cool, dark place and away from direct sunlight. For your wine cellar lighting, opt for incandescent bulbs which emit minimal UV light.

Low Humidity Levels

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