A Simple Guide to the Different Kinds of Wines and Where to Store Them

The trouble with being a collector and lover of wine is that eventually we all have to ask the question of where to keep our stock. It is fortunate that there are many viable solutions to this problem. It is not really something you want to just put underneath your kitchen sink. That would only waste precious space for your kitchenware. It is too impractical.

There are solutions for just about any financial situation. The word “cellar” sounds rather grand, but should be interpreted loosely. All you really need is a place that is dark, humid, cool and free of any kind of vibrations that could break your bottles. A little room under a stairway is excellent for those who have very little extra money to work with. It is easy enough to set up wine shelves in an area such as that. For those with more money to spend, a cellar may be an ideal place to set up your “wine cellar.” Just wall off the area that you plan on using and install wine shelves.

Regardless of where you decide to put your wine collection, it is important for the preservation and best aging of the wine for it to be in an optimal climate. Ideally, your wine should be kept in a room where it stays at a near constant 55 degrees F.. you do not want to leave it in a place where the temperature fluctuates as it will spoil your wine. IF you cannot keep the room temperature as low as 55 degrees F, then it is much better to have the temperature a little bit higher as opposed to having a temperature that fluctuates much.

Another thing to consider is having your wine room climate controlled. This way you can be sure that the temperature and humidity stay fairly consistent.

Now that you know how to store your wine, lets talk about wine types. Here are the best of the Red Wine varieties:

Barolo is a traditionally made Italian wine that can be tannic and acidic before it ripens. It is best at at least 10 years of aging.

Bordeaux is one of the top wines that comes from excellent vintages. It gradually improves up to 15 years, yet it is good at 10.

Burgundy is often an underwhelming wine in it’s early years. It improves into a beautiful ethereal wine as it ages.

Cabernet Sauvignons or Bordeaux blends are the top of the line wines. Because of its popularity, these delightful wines sell out as fast as they are put on the shelves, so it is a good idea to buy it in it’s youth and store it in your wine cellar until it ripens.

Northern Rhone is a Hermitage or Cote Rotie.

Rioja and Ribera del Duero are both beautiful wines from Spain. After 15 years of aging, they are very similar to Bordeaux.

Most white wines are made to be drunk without much aging, although there are a few exceptions.

One of these exceptions is Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. It is very acidic early on, and is best stored for 10 years before indulging.

Riesling is the top variety from Germany. It increases in it’s rich flavor as it ages.

White Burgundy Meursault is an excellent example of a rather ubiquitous Chardonnay grape wine.

Ports can take more then 20 years to reach their earliest maturity. It is best to wait even longer!

It is an excellent idea to have a large variety in your wine cellar so that you will have a wonderful new taste and surprise each time you take out a bottle. It is fun and exciting to have something different each time, although if you do find a favorite, remember to stock up and let the time go by!