UNDERSTANDING WINE
CARE
In order to fully understand the importance of cellaring
wine, one must start with the natural environment associated with wine vaults at vineyards
around the world. the ambiance of a wine vault is naturally created 25 feet
underground where most vineyard cellars are built. Pedologist's have found that the
atmospheric conditions in these vaults are almost identical around the world, varying only
slightly, depending on their geographic location. the ground and atmosphere within
these vaults are ideal for cellaring wines because the soil, deep within the
earth, maintains unfaltering temperatures and retains water, creating the necessary
moisture (humidity) level. Additionally, these vaults do not experience extreme
temperatures or ultra-violet light (radiation), thereby maintaining a stable and
relatively cool environment.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
The most crucial step in the care of wines begins with
long-term storage. All wine should be stored until it is consumed, even if
a wine will be enjoyed within a very short period of time. All wines require
a slow and controlled aging process (maturation) and should be stored and handled as
follows:
- A constant temperature of 55° F
- Minimal vibration
- Constant humidity of approx. 70%
- Free of unwanted aromas
- Minor temperature fluctuation
- Protection from ultraviolet light
All of these conditions concurrently duplicate
underground cellar climates at prominent vineyards throughout the world. If any one
condition is not present, then a wine is suspect to risk of degradation.
TEMPERATURE
To mature any wine properly, it is necessary to slow and
control the aging process. The recommended 55°F storage temperature is ideal to
slow the deterioration (aging) process of wine. Over many years, ingredients within a
wine will ripen before it turns to vinegar (deterioration). In order to prevent this
inevitable consequence, the aging process must be slowed down. Properly cellared
wines ripen slowly over time, developing distinct characteristics that enhance
their final bouquet and taste. Temperatures below 52°F or above 58°F can lead to
accelerated aging, causing wine to rapidly deteriorate. Any wine, inclusive of
champagne, that is placed in an ice bucket will deteriorate. The bouquet will be
affected due to the freezing temperature (32° F or below).
HUMIDITY
The cork sealing a bottle is the last line of defense to
any wine. Therefore, the cork must be suitably moist to allow air to breathe inside
the bottle. If there is too much humidity, then the cork will be too moist. A damp
environment causes wine labels to peel and mildew, producing mold that will contaminate
the shelving of the cellar, the wine bottles, and the cellar unit. A wine's bouquet
will be affected by the resulting unwanted odors within the surrounding air, which
in turn will affect the taste of a wine. Refrigerators do not have the proper
humidity to age wines. Such domestic efforts will rapidly degrade a wine's bouquet.
Conversely, if the humidity is too low then the climate is
too dry. The cork will dry out, shrink, and flake into the wine compromising the seal
of the bottle. This condition, known as 'cork', allows air and unwanted aromas to enter
the bottle causing the wine to age rapidly, thereby degrading to the bouquet.
By strictly enforcing all of the necessary "Storage
Conditions," wine is able to ripen slowly with each passing month and develop
distinct characteristics that will decidedly affect the final bouquet and taste.
Maintaining a constant relative humidity between 70-75% is
tolerant to the cellaring of wines; however, CHAMBRAIR Wine Care Systems duplicate the
ideal humidity conditions. Recreating these very specific natural conditions above
ground is complicate CHAMBRAIR's modular units recycle extracted water vapor back
into its cleanable storage environment. This process maintains a constant and
appropriate level of moisture in the unit. Our charcoal filtration system also
eliminates unwanted aromas from entering the storage environment. It is CHAMBRAIR's
superior technology that has repeatedly set the industry standard.
All CHAMBRAIR wine cabinets are vibration-free, critical to
the stable aging of wines. Space-age insulation is used to protect against extreme
temperatures in the external environment. All modular units feature bronze tinted,
double-glazed, helium sealed glass that provides 100% protection from all damaging UV
rays. State-of-the-art microprocessors constantly monitor and adjust temperature and
humidity levels, thereby maintaining a continuous ideal climate. All units are
virtually silent and provide energy efficient, maintenance free operation. CHAMBRAIR's
Wine Care Systems are engineered in the German tradition: Reliable products that are built
to last.
8604 Turtle Creek Boulevard • P. O.
Box 12371 • Dallas, Texas 75225 • Local 214.520.0323 • Toll Free 1.877.
CHAMBRAIR (242.6272) |
