Written on 04/10/2021
The essentials for building a good cellar
It's no secret that more and more French people want to have a wine cellar at home. But before taking the plunge, it's important to have all the keys in hand so as not to make a mistake.
To achieve this, there are three key factors to consider: temperature, insulation and light.
The temperature must be stable, between 10 and 14 degrees. The elements that make up wine are highly sensitive to temperature. Excessive oscillations could alter the aging process.
Insulation is very important, as the place in which you store your wine must have a humidity level of between 70 and 75% to prevent the corks from drying out.
The light shouldn't be too bright. Wine is a living liquid, and strong light could alter the chemical and biological processes that enable wine to age. This could ultimately alter the taste of the wine, making it undrinkable.
But these are not the only factors to be taken into account for optimal wine preservation. Bottles should also be stored lying down, as contact with the cork allows the wine to breathe and age properly. Wine should be stored in a quiet place, with as little noise and vibration as possible. Your cellar should be located in an odor-free area, as the wine"breathes" through the cork and absorbs surrounding odors, which can alter the wine's taste.
When it comes to choosing a cellar, you can opt for an electric wine cellar or simple racks.
There are two choices for electric wine cellars:
- the serving wine cellar , which allows you to choose the right "serving temperature" for your wine. The latter is perfect for consuming wines at a moment's notice, and for good reason: it's not designed for aging for more than 5 years, as most of the time, the glass is transparent and lets light through. Prices vary widely, generally ranging from 100 to 400 euros.
- The ageing wine cellar is perfect for storing bottles for up to 10 years, depending on the opacity of the glass. The latter will be a little more expensive, with prices ranging from 300 to 1000 euros.
If you're a beginner, you can use a simple wooden crate, while taking care to comply with the various conditions listed above.
