Living in a small space should not stop you from collecting your favorite vintages. There are many wine storage solutions best suited for wine collectors who don’t have enough space for a Texas residential wine cellar.
Stackable Modular Wine Racks
One of the main advantages of using modular wine racks is flexibility. This type of wine racks can easily fit in small wine storage spaces, offering an option to add more bottles to your collection in the future without the need to change the whole wine rack. Stackable wine racks eliminate the use of more space when adding more wine bottles.
Space-Efficient Stackable Wine Racks
In addition to space efficiency, modular wine racks also allow ease of mix-and-match with other types of wine racks that you already have. This is why they are not only recommended for limited spaces and small collections, but also for full residential and commercial wine cellars.
Wall Wine Racks
For a small wine collection, it is recommended to store your bottles in wall wine racks instead of using a fridge. Since the fridge will occupy a floor or countertop space in your home, it is not a good option for limited spaces. Wall wine racks, on the other hand, will only take up space on the walls of your living room, kitchen, or dining room.
Wall-mounted wine racks made of wood create an earthy look while metal wine racks create a modern appeal to your wine storage space. Wrought iron wall wine racks are suitable for those who want to achieve a vintage look in their space.
Whatever material you want you wine racks to be made of, make sure that they are durable enough to hold your bottles. With wall wine racks, you will not only save space, but will also experience convenience in finding a bottle to serve to your guests.
Wine Racks Built into Other Furniture
If you have tables or counters that have space underneath them, why not make use of that space to store your few wine bottles? This option is suitable for those who always include wine in their casual dinner or those who love to cook with wine. Under the counter wine storage will not only keep wine at hand, but will also make your kitchen look more stylish.
Unlike the wine racks mentioned above, these allow you to install a wine refrigeration unit to ensure that your wines are preserved properly, making them ideal for long term aging.
If you have a mini library, you can incorporate some shelving space for your wine. Isn’t it more enjoyable to read a book with your favorite glass of wine?
Whatever storage option you choose, it is important to ensure that you store your wines in a place where they are away from too much heat, vibration, and strong odors.
Whether you need durable wine racks or stylish custom wine cellars, Wine Cellar Specialists will provide you the best wine storage solution suitable for your space, budget, and storage needs. Contact them now at 866-646-7089 or visit their website at https://www.winecellarspec.com. To view stylish and functional custom wine rooms they’ve completed, click here.
It would seem odd that wine is so popular in the Lone Star State (which is the nickname of Texas), but it’s true. Wine collecting as a hobby, or as a serious business, is steadily growing in popularity in Texas. As a testament to this popularity, some have gone beyond wine collecting to actually producing Texas-made wines.
But for those who are still in the initial stages of their love affair with wine, wine collecting is still the thing to do. There are two main reasons for the proliferation of Texas custom wine cellars. One is that people eventually want to make a profit when they sell their precious vintages, and the other is that people just want easy and ready access to a good bottle of wine.
Wine Cellars are in Demand in Texas
One of the sure signs that wine collecting in Texas is booming, is the increased interest in building a Texas wine cellar. In this state’s warm climate, wine bottles must be stored properly, in adherence to the ideal conditions. If not, the wine will spoil.
Texas wine cellars are some of the most tastefully-designed wine cellars around. This is because there are plenty of professional wine cellar companies who offer stellar services. There are also a range of beautiful wine storage racks to be found on the market, ranging from traditional wood to modern metals, that can fit just about any space or requirement you have.
Red Wine in an Instant
One of the reasons the need for custom wine rooms has experienced growth is that wine collectors want to have easy access to their wine, particularly the rich flavor of a good bottle of red. Imagine being able to procure a bottle of red wine just by going into your wine cellar.
There, you can browse from a variety of bottles you have been storing or aging and pick the best red wine to go with the steak dinner you are having. Imagine having your very own collection of Shiraz, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon just a few steps from your dining area. This beats running to the store or going to a restaurant just to enjoy a good meal.
Win-Win with Red Wine
Having red wine is not just a great way to enjoy a meal, the fantastic news is that it’s healthy too. Texas wine cellar owners will be pleased to know that red wine in moderation is good for the heart. It contains substances called antioxidants that help prevent heart disease by increasing good cholesterol. It also helps protect the lining of the blood vessels in your heart. Besides, red wine has resveratrol, which helps prevent damage to blood vessels and also helps prevent blood clots.
Custom wine rooms are built not only for proper wine storage but also for easy access to one’s favorite and healthy wines. There is no reason not to include a couple of red wines, which are known to have many health benefits.
I’d like to show you what can be done in a very small space. The homeowner had a very tiny closet; it was only slightly over six feet wide and not quite two and a half feet deep. He did the vapor barrier and insulation in the walls and the ceiling and we added VintageView metal wine racks.
Plan View – Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Project
VintageView Metal Wine Racks Plan View
What you are seeing here are the plan views of the various elevations. Wall A is the side wall as you walk in to your left, the cooling unit above. Here we were able to add one row of wine racks.
The back wall, we were able to add four rows actually and the short fifth wall under the wine cellar cooling unit. The right wall we had two rows floor to ceiling and the door wall has three rows floor to ceiling as well as space for three magnums above the door.
Antique Door for Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith Project
View of the Wine Cellars Dallas Texas
I want to show you some photographs of the completed wine cellars Dallas Texas. Here we are looking at the wine cellar door, and the homeowner used an antique freezer door which was reclaimed and it has very good insulation and seal.
As we open the wine cellar door and look into the cellar you can see that he painted the walls in deep red or burgundy color. The black VintageView metal wine racks looks beautiful on the wall; it really creates a nice look for his small cellar.
CellarPro Wine Cellar Cooling Unit on the Left Wall
You can see a little bit of the left wall here and part of the back wall as we move along this is the left wall and you can see the left wall wine racks and here is the cooling unit above is blowing down this is a CellarPro 1800 wine cellar cooling unit. We use this unit, it goes through the wall and has a rear duct kit attached which grows about another ten feet and vents into the hall way.
CellarPro 1800 Wine Cellar Cooling Unit
As we move along, you’ll see a close up picture of the CellarPro and you will notice that it is 61 degrees. That is because we have the door open in taking photographs so the temperature has risen a few degrees.
Back Wall of the Wine Cellar – VintageView Metal Wine Racks
This is the back wall of the wine cellar from at the top and this is the back wall looking toward the floor. This is the right wall looking back, you can see a little bit of the back wall, and the door wall as well as the right wall.
VintageView Metal Wine Racks – Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith
Right Wall – Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith Project
This is the close up of the right wall. Here are the vents in the hallway around the corner of the wine room where the wine cellar cooling unit is venting out.
Again we have the wine cellars Dallas Texas in a very small space that was created using the metal VintageView metal wine racks and the CellarPro wine cellar cooling unit.
There are many benefits to having a wine cellar in your home. They are great investments, raising the value of your property. They allow homeowners to buy and collect a lot of wine, storing it long term, a wonderful hobby these days. But perhaps one of the most fun advantages of having a wine cellar is when you have parties and entertain guests.
Enjoying Wine Storing and Entertaining in Your Home
Residential wine cellars in Dallas, Texas are a great addition to any home, and they can be a major selling point should the owners decide to put their house on the market.
Hosting Wine Parties in Residential Wine Cellars
Another advantage of having a private wine cellar is that it allows collectors to buy wines in bulk. Home wine cellars provide the right climate conditions for wines to age to their full potential. It also offers ease of access to a wide range of varietals at any given time.
But perhaps most important, wine cellars also serve as the perfect venue for entertaining friends and hosting wine tasting parties. In fact, wine rooms nowadays are designed not just for storage purposes, but also for entertainment. Modern wine cellars are a picture of elegance and cozy ambiance, which makes them a great place for holding a little soiree with friends and family.
A wine tasting party is an event where people who are passionate about wines come together to talk about their favorite varietals, as well as try out new and unusual tastes that will satisfy their curious palates. There’s more to tasting parties than just knocking back glass after glass of wine. It is a casual setting, preferably in a wine tasting room, where everyone can share their wine experiences and knowledge, and also create opportunities to nurture and cultivate friendships.
Hosting a wine tasting party comes in handy when one has access to a residential wine cellar. It can stave off the stress of searching for the best location to conduct the event. Having wine parties in-home wine cellars offers a sense of intimacy and quietude not afforded to a commercial space.
Pick a Party Theme
Wine Parties in Residential Wine Cellars – Choice of Wines
For wine enthusiasts who are keen on throwing their own wine tasting event, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make the affair memorable. The first is to pick a theme for the event. A group may choose to compare and taste an assortment of wines from the same grape varieties from different regions.
Once a theme has been picked, the host then decides on what approach to use to explore this idea. One approach could be to host a vertical wine tasting event, which focuses on wines that come from the same winery but are produced from different grape varieties. Another angle could be a horizontal tasting party, which involves wines produced from the same grape varieties.
Party Size
Although there is no rule as to how many people can attend a wine tasting party, it is always a good idea to keep the size to a minimum. The size of the group should be enough to taste test one bottle of each wine. A single bottle of wine can pour 12 1.5 ounce tastes. Hence, the ideal party size should be around 12 people. Limiting the number of people in attendance also provides plenty of opportunities to exchange and compare wine tasting notes.
Types of Stemware to Use and Food to Serve
Picking out the right glass stemware is also an important factor. Plastic cups are a no-no unless you’re throwing a frat party. Remember that wine glasses can influence the perception and presentation of varietals. Different shapes of glass stemware can enhance the characteristics and aroma of different wines. At a casual wine tasting event, wine glasses need not be stylish but should at least be clear enough to see, smell, swirl, and sip wines.
Pairing food with wines is an excellent idea. Providing a small selection of finger food appetizers can help intensify the tasting experience. Examples of wine tasting appetizers are cheese plates, cured sausages and meat, bruschetta, and cured olives. Serving bread or crackers can help cleanse the palate between each taste. Also, make sure that there is water on hand to keep guests hydrated.
Table Preparations
In order for the color of wines to be seen accurately, the venue for the wine tasting party must be properly illuminated and the table should be covered in a white tablecloth. If a white tablecloth is not available, white place-mats will do. Paper and pens should also be distributed so that guests can write down their observations and describe their experiences.
Home Wine Distribution and Storage Systems by WineStation
A new trend in home wine storage is to install a wine pouring device that also stores your open bottles. When bottles get opened they need to be finished within a couple of days or they get ruined by oxidation. This elegant device stores wine that’s been opened for up to a month.
You can also program the exact amount for wine distribution. This makes for a perfect pour every time. Many wine bars and restaurants use this for serving lots of glasses of wine easily and professionally. Having a WineStation in your home, at your party, can make for convenient serving, reduce spills, and prevent unintended-drinking. And it’s beautifully designed, adding a stunning piece of luxury to your home.
Many Happy Wine Cellar Memories
With a properly installed residential wine cellar, a wine dispenser, and a well planned out event with all the party perks, the event will surely be a success. There will be many more happy memories to come in a beautiful home, with the help of custom wine storage and a wine serving room. Enjoy!
Most wine cellars are designed with a climate control system in order to provide optimum conditions for storing and aging wines. Maintaining a climate-controlled environment is crucial to the wine aging process because it promotes consistency in temperature and humidity levels, and it is also vital to preventing mold growth inside a wine storage room.
Molds are fungi that grow both indoors and outdoors. They spread rapidly in dark, moist, and humid conditions. Molds generate spores that can be transported by air and water. Mold growth can cause a great deal of damage to the areas or surfaces it lives upon and they can also be detrimental to one’s health when not addressed quickly.
Mold growth may occur in wine cellars when there are inadequate ventilation and a lack of proper airflow. One way to avoid mold infestation in dedicated custom wine rooms is to undertake measures to achieve moisture control during the initial construction phase of the wine cellar.
Installing Vapor Barriers to Custom Wine Rooms
Installing vapor barriers is an integral part of the building envelope. The purpose of vapor barriers is to help prevent moisture from seeping in through the walls of the wine cellar. The required climate conditions of a wine cellar can bring about moisture migration. Outfitting wine cellars with these vapor retards can provide the necessary moisture control to arrest condensation build-up.
The walls and ceilings of wine cellars also require proper insulation not only to help maintain optimum conditions but also restrict mold growth. A well-insulated wine storage room will help eliminate moisture accumulation in the storage space. The correct way of installing insulation materials is to make sure they lie between the vapor barriers and the interior drywall.
Role of Wine Cellar Cooling Units in Preventing Mold Growth
Preventing Mold Growth Using Wine Cellar CoolingUnits
The function of wine cellar cooling units is to provide the best possible environment for wines, as well as help control moisture. These cooling systems are designed to help keep the temperature between 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity within 50% to 60%. Keeping the range of temperature and humidity at ideal levels will help wines mature nicely, and at the same time control the rate of moisture.
A wine cellar environment needs to be stabilized because fluctuations in temperature can accelerate the aging process and cause irreversible changes to wines. Exceedingly high temperatures can be a contributing factor in mold infestation as well.
The amount of humidity should also be regulated in order to achieve the ideal storage conditions. Erratic humidity levels can negatively impact the storage environment and the overall condition of wines. Humidity falling below 50% can cause the corks to dry out that can lead to wine spoilage.
If humidity levels go beyond 70%, potential mold problems can occur. When molds are allowed to form inside a custom wine room Naperville Illinois, they can spread on wine labels and that can affect their resale value. The presence of molds in the storage space can also cause cork taint in wines. Cork taint is characterized by a musty smell and unpleasant taste in wines.
Other Causes of Mold Growth
Another source of mold growth is water intrusion from flooding, a leaky roof, or a faulty plumbing system. Water damage from these sources can cause molds to grow in hidden areas. When molds are left on their own for a long period of time, the damage may prove too costly to remedy.
Possible water intrusion problems should be addressed during the construction phase of wine cellars, as this can help curtail the growth of molds and help save money down the line. The quality of the roofing material and water pipes should be checked beforehand so that replacements can be made in case the materials are found damaged or heavily corroded.
Custom Wine Rooms Naperville Illinois
The key to preventing the spread of molds in wine cellars is to control moisture. This can only be attained if vapor barriers are installed correctly; the right insulation value is applied to the walls and ceilings, and the proper wine cellar cooling unit is supplied to the storage space.
Investing in a home wine cellar is common nowadays, especially in Dallas, Texas. They provide wines the best storage conditions, add value to your home, allow easy access to your wines, and provide a place to entertain friends. After your residential custom wine cellar is built, it is wise- especially for larger collections- to organize wine bottles in a manner that will allow you can easily find a certain type of wine.
You don’t want your guests to wait for a long time while you’re having difficulty looking for the wine you want to serve. Below are some organization options for your wine collection.
Organize Wines by Brand, Region or Varietal
Storing wines of the same brand in one area of your wine rack is one great way to organize your Dallas Texas wine cellar. This option is ideal if you buy wine in bulk.
Many wine lovers collect wines from different regions. The region from where wine originated contributes a lot to its taste, so in order for you to find a bottle that best pairs with your dish in no time it is recommended that you keep them by region.
If you want to drink a glass of Chardonnay now and a different variety tomorrow, there’s no better way than to store your wines according to the varietal. You can separate whites from reds in your wine room.
According to Wine’s Maturity
It is recommended that you keep wines intended to be drunk sooner on one side of your wine room and those that require longer aging periods on the other side. Make sure to keep everyday wines in your wine cellar where they can be accessed easily.
Categorizing Wine Bottles with Description Tags
Bottle Tags or Description Tags
Categorizing your bottles will be easy with bottle tags which can be hung around the wine bottle’s neck. Indicating the brand, varietal, or region on the tag will allow you to easily locate the wine you need without flipping every bottle in your home wine cellar. You may also use color-coded tags.
Software Programs and Wine Management System
You can get software programs that allow for wine cellar owners to manage and organize their wine collection in a hassle-free way. The wine management system is usually used in commercial wine cellars, but it is now recommended for installation in residential wine cellars for a quick inventory of your wine collection.
The most efficient and easiest software to use is the eSommelier wine cellar management system. It allows you to have 24-hour access to your wines and makes inventory and monitoring of wines much more convenient compared to maintaining a spreadsheet.
It also lets you find a glass of wine and the best time to drink it. It comes with a barcode scanner, a touch screen interface, and a barcode printer. Investing in this software will save a lot of time and effort.
With many options for wine cellar organization, it is still you who will decide on how you would like to categorize your wine collection. Just make sure that you will be able to serve the right wine to your guests in a timely manner.
In a few days, the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Gone are the days when the celebration of the day of hearts was exclusive to couples. These days, people give gifts to their loved ones – parents, siblings, spouses, girlfriends/boyfriends, and friends – to express their love and affection.
For the wine and wine cellar enthusiast, it is a bit difficult to think of a wine gift other than the obvious (wine, of course!). There are a lot of gift ideas in the market not just to fit the giver’s budget but to satisfy the receiver. Below are just a few of the possible gift ideas for wine lovers.
1. Wine Accessories
Corkscrews, corks, decanters, wine glasses, chilling buckets, wineglass charms, and wine bags are just a few gift options for the wine fanatic. A corkscrew can be personalized with the recipient’s initials. Decanters come in many shapes and sizes that cater to varying preferences.
Wine glasses can be stemmed or stemless and usually comes in a set of 4 or 6. A chilling bucket can be simple or elaborate.
Wineglass charms can be plain or a bit fancy. Wine bags that are available on the market can range from tote-style to wheeled and anything in between.
A wine lover can keep some of these accessories in his or her custom wine cellar. Being prepared for any wine tasting event or occasion is important!
2. Gift certificates
Gift certificates come in varying denominations and expiration dates. It is important that the giver considers these variations before making the purchase. The farther the expiration date, the better. It is also a bonus if the gift certificate is honored in many establishments or branches of the wine store or commercial wine cellar to give the recipient an array of choices.
3. Books
Most enthusiasts will want to know more about their field of interest. Books can be a good source of information that a wine enthusiast must know to live up to the label. Bookstores carry many titles on wine; its history, origin, variety, production, and the like.
For beginners in the world of wine who don’t have their own wine storage room and want to have one, maybe a book about wine cellar design and construction would be a great gift.
4. Wine Cellar Club Memberships
Another way of educating oneself about wines is to join a wine club and learn from fellow enthusiasts and wine experts. Wine club memberships come in different forms.
One can join a Red or White wine club, or the region of preference where their favorite wine comes from. Membership in these clubs can give the enthusiast opportunities to experience wine-related activities such as wine tasting.
These are just a few random gift ideas one can give this Valentine’s Day. No matter what your budget is, there is a perfect gift that your wine enthusiast will greatly appreciate. What’s important is the time, effort, and love poured into the gift by the giver.
Unoaked wines are widely produced by many winemakers and are present in almost every residential wine cellar.
Many people choose to collect wines because for them, wine is already a part of their lives and it makes any wine drinking experience more enjoyable. Increased knowledge of wines is important, whether you are just starting a wine collection or you already have a large number of wines stored in your residential wine cellar.
One of the most interesting topics in the wine world is about unoaked wines. Many people might be wondering what unoaked wines are and their characteristics. This article will discuss unoaked wines, particularly Chardonnay.
Traditionally, wines are allowed to ferment in wine oak barrels, which create the flavors and bouquet of the finished wine. Oak barrels help balance the tannins in wine, enhance the texture and add a little spice and some sweet vanillin characters to the wine.
Unoaked Wines are Produced Using Stainless Steel Barrels
The wine making process has evolved so much as time has gone by. Some winemakers even deviated from tradition to discover “naked” wines.
“Naked wine” is a term for unoaked wine, or wine that has never been aged inside an oak barrel. Production of unoaked wines involves a cost effective process using a stainless barrel instead of the more traditional oak barrel. Steel aging brings out the true flavor, without the influence of oak barrels.
In unoaked wines, the natural flavors of grapes and elements of the soil from which they are grown are emphasized. Unoaked wine is perfect as a table or dessert wine because of its light flavor. It is perfect for people who cannot drink wine with high tannin content.
If wine is unoaked, the tannin level is lowered, making the wine bearable to drink. Many consumers enjoy a lighter and fruitier wine without the influence of the oak barrels, which is why unoaked wines are widely produced by many winemakers and are present in almost every wine cellar.
We cannot deny that unoaked wines are gaining popularity in the US. One of the most popular non-oaked wines in the US, especially in California, is the unoaked Chardonnay, which was originally popularized by Chablis.
One of the most popular naked wines in the US is unoaked Chardonnay.
Since Chardonnay is a neutral grape and can deliver various flavors and aromas, many winemakers like to experiment in creating a different taste of the wine after fermentation. Chardonnays which are fermented and aged in oak barrels taste like butter or caramel and have scents of vanilla, spice or wood. They also deliver a creamy texture.
When Chardonnay is fermented and aged in steel wine barrels, it is unoaked or un-wooded. Unoaked Chardonnay has light and delicate flavors, making it more versatile in food pairing compared to oaked Chardonnay.
The true characteristics and crisp fruit flavor of wine will emerge if it is not fermented or aged in oak barrels, which is why some winemakers choose not to oak wines. There’s nothing better than ending a stressful day with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay from your home wine cellar.
Residential custom wine cellars are a place for you as an avid wine collector, to display your wine collection as well as to store and age your wines over time. As your wine collection grows your wine cellar is likely to have a mix of wines from different regions, wines that you will want to age over the longer term and some that will be intended to be consumed over a much shorter period.
As part of the management of your wine cellar there are many factors that can influence the preservation and aging of wine. In this article we are going to discuss the role different types of cork can play in this process.
Cork is used in a variety of products, the most common of which being the wine cork. It is considered the most suitable material for bottle stoppers on wine bottles because of its structure and component materials. The mechanical and physical properties that make cork the most preferred wine bottle closure include resiliency, low density, impermeability, flexibility, temperature and age stability, adherence and biodegradability.
Wine cork is essential to the graceful aging of wines in your wine cellar. It prevents oxygen from spoiling the wine in subsequent storage.
In order for cork to serve its purpose in wine storage, wines should be positioned in wine racks the right way. It is also essential to use the ideal wine cellar cooling units to ensure that the right humidity level in the wine cellar is maintained. This will prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking, thus reducing the possibility of oxidation, which causes wine spoilage.
There are different types of wine corks used by winemakers. The most well-known are the natural wine corks. These wine corks are derived from the best quality cork oak periderm or bark and are washed, carefully inspected for flaws, sterilized and printed.
Natural Wine Corks are Perfect for Long-Term Wine Storage in Your Home Wine Room
Natural wine corks enable wine to mature slowly because they are able to seal it for a considerable length of time. They are most suitable for bold red wines intended for long term storage.
Corks which are popular for their affordability are agglomerated wine corks. They are low cost because they are made from clean natural cork grains. These grains are formed into dense corks by mixing them with food grade glue. They assure good sealing for wines intended to be stored from 12-18 months.
Agglomerated Wine Corks are Ideal for Short-Term Wine Storage (12-18 months)
Another type of wine cork that fits ice wine bottles with a narrow neck is the ice wine natural cork. These corks are smaller than natural wine corks and are specifically sized to withstand high sugar content.
Pore-filled natural wine corks are called colmated wine corks. Their pores, or, lenticels, are preserved carefully with cork dust or cork grains. These grains are gathered and attached to the lenticels of colmated cork stoppers by using rubber glues (FDA authorized) or natural resin glues.
Colmated Wine Corks are Pore-filled Natural Wine Corks
Synthetic wine corks are considered to provide a good seal to wines since they don’t harbor bacteria, which is why some wineries prefer to use this type of cork. The advantage of synthetic wine corks is their availability to be manufactured in different colors, thus allowing flexibility in packaging.
Synthetic Wine Corks can be Manufactured in Different Colors
Double disc corks, also known as 1+1 corks or twin pop corks, are a combination of natural corks and agglomerated corks. The main advantage of this type of cork is the consistency in quality, density, price and function which make double disc corks widely used in bottling commercial wines.
Double Disc Wine Corks are a Combination of Natural Corks and Agglomerated Corks.
When selecting wine for long term preservation and aging of your wines in your custom wine cellar, take into account the type of cork that was used to seal the wine and when making this decision. Wines that have been sealed with low-end porous corks are likely to be less suitable for long term storage.
With several types of wine available, pairing wine with food needs careful attention in order to bring out the best in each combination. There are no rules when pairing wines with food, only suggestions. Always keep in mind that the best match is determined by your personal preference. Food can either contradict or complement wines. In your quest to pair wine with food, you must consider several factors for both wine and food.
For some wines, finding the perfect food match can be difficult. However, there are wines that are especially food-friendly, such as Riesling. This wine is often found in the wine cellarsof those who want to find ease in choosing the right wine and food pair during dinner parties.
Riesling wines are produced from Riesling grapes, which originate in the Rhine region of Germany. Riesling is characterized by flowery, fruity and fragrant aromas. On the palate, Riesling wines highlight the pear, citrus, apple and peach flavors. They also exhibit mineral flavors, which they tend to get from their native soils.
Any food pairing can be successful if the wine’s intensity, acidity, alcohol, and degree of sweetness are taken into consideration. Rieslings are known for their out-going character or versatility when it comes to food pairing. Rieslings are sweet, crisp, light-bodied and have a balance of sugar and acidity, as well as relatively low alcohol content.
The high acidity in Riesling wines increases saliva production in the mouth, causing you to want to eat more. German Rieslings that have high acidity go well with saucy dishes and fatty foods. This is why they can be paired with an array of foods such as appetizers, pork, poultry, and mild fish. Riesling is also prefect for contrasting dishes such as sweet and spicy. Dry Riesling wine matches well with chicken and seafood, while sweet varieties go well with desserts.
In Germany, off-dry Rieslings are slightly sweet (classified as Spatlese or Kabinett). They are best paired with salty foods, spicy dishes and sweeter vegetables like corn, sweet potatoes, turnips, and yams. Never match red meat with dry or off-dry Riesling, since its flavors can overpower that of the Riesling.
During light summer months, many of us love to have outdoor activities or have picnics with family and friends. We often grill fish and other seafood, which are best served with Riesling.
For wine cellar owners, make sure that you include Rieslings in your collection so that you can serve your guests with a wide range of food and grab a versatile wine.
You can also try pairing Riesling with other foods. Remember that your own palate will still be the biggest factor in a successful matching of wine and food. What matters most is that the pairing should enhance your wine drinking experience.
In the production of sparkling wine in every major wine-producing country in the world, the most important grape varieties used are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Different methods are also used by different winemakers depending on their preference and the laws of their region. Sparkling wines are mostly pink, white or red. Sparkling wines’ sweetness varies from bottle to bottle and can be categorized as brut, extra brut, extra dry, sec and demi-sec.
It can be paired with a variety of foods including seafood, poultry and some desserts such as fruit salad, tiramisu, and chocolate mousse. It appears fizzy because of the significant levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in it.
The most popular type of sparkling wine is Champagne which is only produced in the Champagne region of France. The first Champagne was made in the 17th century. It is called spumante in Italy, Sekt in Germany and Austria, cap Classique in South Africa and cava in Spain.
So what makes sparkling wine different from other table wines? It is the bubbles and the process used to make it bubbly. Many people love to drink sparkling wine, but only a few know the mystery behind its bubbles.
Bubbly Sparkling Wine
In the first stage of making sparkling wine, base or still wine (no bubbles) is produced and blended until the desired taste and aroma have been created. During the second fermentation process in sparkling wine production, the bubbles are generated in either a specially designed tank or in the bottle.
The winemaker adds a small amount of sugar and yeast to the blended base wine, which is converted to carbon dioxide trapping millions of bubbles in a very small space. The carbon dioxide is released in the liquid to produce a “sparkle.”
If CO2 is released too fast, the flavor of the sparkling wine fades quickly. In order to preserve the carbon dioxide in the wine, you should not pour the liquid straight into the center of the wine glass. Instead, you should pour it down the side of a glass which is ideally at an angle of 45 degrees.
Storing sparkling wines requires extra care since they are more sensitive to light than other table wines. They should be stored in a wine cellar, wine refrigerator or any location where the temperature is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will prevent overly aggressive bubbles. Sparkling wines must be placed on the lowest shelf of the wine racks because they are susceptible to heat and light. Since heat rises, wines requiring the lowest temperature should sit at the lowest temperature. Unlike regular bottles of wine, they can be stored upright so that the carbon dioxide can form a ring at the neck of the bottle, thus protecting the wine from unwanted air.
Since sparkling wines don’t improve with age, they should be consumed within 1 year of purchase. When you are planning a celebration with your family and friends, keep the sparkling wine in a fridge for a day or two.
The serving temperature affects the rate at which bubbles are released. Sparkling wines should be served chilled, with the temperature between 42-52°F to steadily release bubbles.
When creating this special wine, winemakers have different preferences in sparkling wine styles. Some want a more delicate and less flavorful style while others prefer the strong flavors of oak, aged wine or yeast. The 3 key production methods used in the secondary fermentation are a traditional method, transfer method, and Charmat Method.
Next time you have a celebration, you will feel proud because you know why the sparkling wine in your glass is bubbly. Enjoy every tingly bubble in it!
Creating a safe wine storage facility requires the help of a professional wine cellar builder. Failure to store wine in a climate-controlled environment will result in waste of time and money you spent for your collection. For this very reason, Wine Cellar Specialists recommends investing in a functional Texas custom home wine cellar that will preserve wine for many years to come. They ensure that every wine room they build is installed with essential components, especially the wine cellar cooling system. Their expertise in proper wine storage enables them to build safe home wine cellars.
One of the Most Outstanding Custom Wine Cellars Designed and Built by wine Cellar Specialists
An Effective Residential Custom Wine Cellar – the Perfect Place for Your Growing Collection
Custom Home Wine Cellar Designed by Wine Cellar Specialists Texas
Any oenophile worth his or her weight in wine knows that enthusiastic wine collecting needs a suitable place at home in which to grow. Fortunately, as more and more people turn to wine as a hobby, your options for building a wine cellar or having a wine cellar built in your home continue to grow.
Wine cellars are not particularly difficult to find room for in a moderately sized home, and you can not only find plenty of do-it-yourself guides to help you along the way, but also get help from experts ready to make your dreams come true.
Wine Cellar Specialists is your one-stop source for all things related to wine storage. They provide the essential components for your Texas home wine cellar, such as wine racks, cooling systems, doors, and flooring. They have found that the cellar itself is often the easy part of the project. You may know where in your home you can build a space in which to store your wine.
With the help of an expert like Wine Cellar Specialists, you do not have to break the bank to build a functional wine cellar in your home. They will create a well-thought-out design that will suit your functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements.
A well-designed residential wine cellar will not only keep your wines safe for many years. It will also enhance your guests’ drinking experience. Wine Cellar Specialists cares for your collection. Therefore, they always see to it that every wine cellar they build has high-grade components and are installed correctly.
Preserving Wine Quality with an Efficient Wine Cooling System
Wine Cooling System – an Essential Component of Texas Wine Cellars
You may know about the temperature requirements for your cellar, and you may even know about the difference in humidity your cellar needs to be at, compared to the rest of your house.
Wine needs a stable environment to preserve its desirable characteristics. Extreme temperature changes will deteriorate your wines. To achieve the ideal wine storage conditions, wine be stored in a wine cellar equipped with a reliable wine cooling system.
The type and capacity of your cooling unit depend on the number of bottles in your collection, and the size and location of your wine room. If you are not sure which refrigeration system suits your needs, please see the different wine cooling options offered by Wine Cellar Specialists.
Wine Cellar Specialists will perform a heat load calculation for the proper sizing of your wine cooling system. This process will ensure that your equipment is not too big nor too small for the size of your wine cellar.
This team of experts has extensive knowledge and understanding about proper wine storage. They know the crucial role of wine cellar refrigeration units in protecting the wine’s from external factors such as heat, light, odor, and vibration. They offer reliable wine cellar cooling systems from the following top-notch manufacturers:
WhisperKOOL
Wine Guardian
CellarPro
US Cellar System
CustomWine Racks
Whether you want something custom to your taste, or you want one of our modular rack kits, Wine Cellar Specialists can help.
Your wine rack system is one of the factors that contribute to the overall appeal and functionality of your Texas home wine cellar. You must choose the right material and design to allow for a more organized storage system, to ensure bottle safety, and to create attractive wine displays.
Wood and Metal Custom Wine Cellar Racks
Wine racks can be made of wood or metal. Wooden wine racks add warmth to your storage space. They are durable and offers design flexibility. Their timeless appeal make them a favorite choice of homeowners, builders, designers, architects, and contractors. Redwood. Mahogany, and Alder are some of the attractive and durable wood species used for manufacturing wine racks.
Metal wine racks are ideal for modern homes. They add sleek appearance to custom wine cellars. Master builders recommend the VintageView metal racking systems. They are known for their durability and ability to match any décor. The label forward orientation of VintageView wine racks makes it easier to see the wine labels.
Custom Wine Cellar Doors
Texas Custom Wine Cellar Door
But you know one part of the wine cellar that often goes overlooked until the very end? Wine cellar doors. Don’t leave your door as an afterthought. It is as important as your cellar itself.
As many options as you have for cellars, your options for cellar doors are just as limitless. Keep in mind that the door needs to be exterior-grade, provide insulation, and have proper weather stripping. Beyond the practicality of the door you pick – it is the FIRST thing you and your guests see when you walk into your cellar. You want to pick something that not only fits the rest of your home but also fits your cellar AND your personality.
If you choose a door that opens into your cellar, but make sure that the door will not hit any racks (or, more importantly, any bottles of wine) when it opens. If you pick a door with glass, make sure the glass is duel pane tempered glass and properly fits the door frame. Most of the cold air that escapes from a wine cellar escapes from under the door. An automatic door bottom will help to seal below the door. If you pick a poor door, then all of the work you’ve invested in your cellar and your wine may be for nothing.
Any wine collector knows that a wine cellar is the way to go. Not only does it give you total control over your wine and its storage, but it will also, in time, add value to your home.
You may choose between solid wooden door, a glass door with wooden frame and wrought iron grill, and a seamless glass door.
An Expert Can Help Build Your Dream Wine Cellar
Why build a wine cellar? Why not build a Texas home wine cellar? And why not let the experts help you make your wine cellar dreams come true?
Wine Cellar Specialists has proven its expertise, reliability, and creativity in building outstanding refrigerated wine cellars for homes.
If you have questions or want more information about how they can help you build a custom wine cellar, call Wine Cellar Specialists at 972-454-0480, or you can e-mail them at info@winecellarspec.com. They can help you stay within budget, find something that fits your needs, and something that not only shows off your superior taste but also complements your fine wine collection.
We couldn’t be more thrilled! Check out some of our awards and their corresponding projects:
We had a start to finish excellent experience with Wine Cellar Specialists. After talking to a couple of carpenters about converting a closet into a small wine cellar I wasn't very confident they knew what they were doing so I started looking for expertise and found Wine Cellar Specialists.
I had my consultation with Brad Cupp and he was very passionate about their business and options
Steve Gee
We had a fantastic experience with Brad Cupp and Wine Cellar Specialists-Dallas. They converted an under-the-stair closet into a fabulous refrigerator cellar that holds about 400 bottles of wine. The attention to detail and craftsmanship was well worth the time it took to complete this job. You don't always get what you pay for, but in this case, I truly believe that we did. Thank you for an exceptional job.
Timothy Martin
Wine Cellar Specialists provided us a custom black iron/glass door as the main feature to our new wine cellar. The quality is excellent and the look is just what I asked for. Thanks so much.
Aiden K
I purchased a wine cellar door from Wine Cellar Specialist and had the pleasure of working with Alex. She helped me design a custom door that was absolutely beautiful. This was a very big project and she was so kind and professional and held my hand throughout the whole process. It was an amazing experience. I researched other companies before choosing Wine Cellar Specialists and it was their customer service and attention to detail that made my decision so easy. I highly recommend them for any wine cellar project.
G
Gary Anderson
Great experience with the process and progress completion - Brad Cupp dons well in coordinating and communication. All the sub contractors were good to work with and were attentive to cleaning after work. Plus the important end result was a wonderful wine cellar that can accommodate over 700 bottles of wine in relatively small area. Highly recommend!
Dallas 
Whatever storage option you choose, it is important to ensure that you store your wines in a place where they are away from too much heat, vibration, and strong odors.
