We often associate wine cellars with stately countryside manors and opulent, palatial mansions. They carry undeniable connotations of luxury and grandeur, but that doesn’t mean a wine cellar is out of the realm of possibility for the average person.
Creating a well-stocked wine cellar is actually easier than you might think. However, before you go checking the price of a bottle of Haut Brion, it’s important that you understand what exactly a wine cellar is and the particular techniques and methods you should use to store wine correctly. Let’s find out more.
What is a Wine Cellar?
A wine cellar is pretty self-explanatory. They are underground spaces where bottles or barrels of wine are stored. The basements of residential homes can be easily converted into wine cellars, but it’s important you understand some of the different types of wine cellars beforehand.
Active wine cellars are spaces where temperature and humidity are strictly monitored and artificially controlled. These will usually be used by professional winemakers and suppliers to ensure their stock is kept in the best possible conditions at all times.
Passive cellars are more commonly found in residential homes. These are simply underground spaces like basements that have no artificial means for controlling temperature or humidity in place.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll be discussing how you can set up a passive cellar and start your very own wine collection. Read on to find out more.
Choose the Right Space
When it comes to creating a wine cellar, location is everything. While the basement is the most common choice, it’s not always practical. Many of us use our basements to store things, meaning there wouldn’t be any space for a wine cellar, while a lot of people don’t have a basement at all.
If you can’t use a basement for whatever reason, wine cellars can also be set up in cupboards, in spaces under the stairs, or in pantries.
However, while you won’t be looking to control the temperature and humidity of your space, it’s important to ensure they are within a suitable range. Your cellar’s temperature should be between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius, while the humidity should be between 60% and 86%.
Selecting and Aging Wines
Once you’ve got your wine cellar set up, now it’s time to start stocking it. The wine you choose is entirely up to you and will depend on your personal preference, but it’s always best to have a wide selection of reds, whites, and roses from various regions. This way, you’ll always have the perfect bottle at hand no matter the occasion.
It’s common knowledge that wines get better with age. However, this doesn’t apply to all wines. Many do not age well and are best drunk within a year or two of bottling.
If you want to age wine, it’s important to remember that high-quality wines are the best for ageing. Reds are usually the best, with wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Sangiovese often offering the best results.
Conclusion
Use the tips we’ve outlined in the guide to create your very own wine cellar and begin stocking and aging your favourite bottles.
