Setting Up A Wine Cellar – What You Need To Know
Putting in a personal wine cellar can help keep your prized collection of wine protected. For wine to age properly and to mature the intricate layers of taste intended, wine needs to be kept in a cellar away from the low humidity, temperature variations and imperfect storage the bulk of the average home experiences.
Small-scale or on a big scale, a wine cellar should incorporate the following elements:
• proper insulation
• racks to protect and display the bottles
• good temperature controls
• proper lighting levels
Your wine cellar can be an expression of your taste – perhaps you have a preference for practicality, and as much storage in a small space as possible. Alternately, you may want a show piece where you can entertain friends and sample wines in luxurious comfort. Have your needs in mind when you design your cellar.
Also be aware that a wine cellar doesn’t have to be reserved for a country estate, as people from all walks of life who enjoy a fine bottle of wine build
Click here to continue readingHow To Store Wine
Storing wine is the focus of this part of our wine 101 guide…
A simple method of wine storage is to keep your bottles sideways in a dark place away from heat or light. If you do this, youll be able to keep your wine for longer because the flavors won’t be damaged. Still, learning a bit more about wine storage can help you maximize your wines quality.
When it comes to preserving wine, temperature is the thing that makes the most difference. Keeping your wines between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal; though a range of 45 to 65 degrees is considered acceptable. If your temperature is too low, your wine will not age properly. Whereas, warmer temperatures can cause wine to age prematurely (not in a good way).
Fluctuating temperatures hurt wines the most. It’s much better to keep your wine at a constant temperature, even if it is too high
Click here to continue readingThree Tips For Pairing Food And Wine
There are two primary ways of pairing food and wine. First, it can be done by choosing a wine to accompany the food we eat. And, second, wine can become a major component in the preparation of a meal. Of course, the second operation should always be followed by the first for maximum enjoyment. And, of course, one can always participate in both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of food and wine.
Enjoying Wine With Dinner
Good wine will improve digestion, contribute to the flavor of the food and, in the case of red wine, assist in good health. There are several schools of thought as to which wines to combine with particular foods. However, I’d like to suggest that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in pairing food and wine in this manner.
Cooking With
Click here to continue reading