Because they are practical, because they offer an eye-catching design or simply because we need somewhere to store our wine bottles, any reason is a good reason to purchase a wine cellar! But how to pick the right one?
There are many things to consider when buying a wine cellar. Firstly, is it really a cellar that you need? Some people would probably be better off getting a wine cooler that only keeps bottles at the optimal temperature for drinking. A cooler is less expensive and is the more appropriate option for the consumer who does not need a place to store the wine as it will be drunk rapidly. A cellar is designed for those who want to perfectly age their wine and will not, therefore, be drinking it for some months (or years).
Price: No Need to Get Carried Away
The price range for cellars is quite wide. Cost may be influenced by the quality of the materials, its storage capacity, its appearance and the technology used. You don’t have a high-end budget? A more affordable cellar can do the job just as well if it corresponds to your needs. The person who purchases a cellar costing several thousands of dollars is usually a fine connoisseur owning many bottles (most of which are expensive).
Size: Bigger Is Better!
According to the experts, customers often experience buyers regret when it comes to the size of their cellar. Consequently, they usually come back after a few months to get a larger one since they need more storage space. A rather expensive miscalculation! It is always best to choose a bigger cellar than you think you need so you don’t run out of room.
Esthetics: Are They That Important?
There are different styles of cellars: some are made of wood, others are made of stainless steel, and some have a glass finish. They come in classical styles or more modern ones. Some can be recessed into a wall for a more streamlined look. There is so much to choose from and it is easy to go for something flashy. This is not, however, always necessary. The cellar’s location is a good indicator of how much it is worth investing in its appearance. If it takes pride of place in a contemporary kitchen, then you won’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. But if it’s going in the basement store room, why spend all that money? In any case, a second-hand cellar might be worth considering.
Can It Absorb Vibrations?
A cellar must possess certain characteristics to be effective, such as how well it can dampen vibrations. Indeed, a bottle that is regularly “shaken” over the years will not age as well as one that has been kept stable. Ask the vendor about the quality of the anti-vibration system.
Does It Have a Quality Thermostat?
To bring the best out of wine when aging it, temperature control is important: 14 degrees Celsius. What is even more essential is that the temperature be stable over time to avoid causing the cork to swell and shrink. A low-end thermostat that will let the temperature in the cellar fluctuate – even just a little – will impact the flavour of the wine, and possibly lead to leaking.
Humidity Levels: Choose an Efficient System
Dry air is a formidable foe for wine. The recommended humidity level is between 60% and 80% to maintain the product’s quality. This range will protect the cork if the levels are too low or prevent the appearance of spots on the bottle if levels are too high. This is why you must ensure that the cellar includes a high quality system before walking over to the checkout counter.
Does It Offer Light Protection?
Wine is not a big fan of light. Long periods of exposure to strong light levels will alter the flavour (giving it a disagreeable taste!). A cellar’s glass doors have been engineered to filter light by controlling the number of rays that the bottles will come into contact with. They are not, however, foolproof. This is why it is recommended that the cellar be located far from windows.
Enjoy your shopping … and, most importantly, the tasting!