A wine collector should know about fine wines and he or she should also know all the important facts and tips required to be the connoisseur of great wines. Start your collection by knowing that you must have a great place for storing that collection. Constructing a cellar is usually done for the convenience of having wine available at all times. Storing your bottles under the proper conditions for the right amount of time can intensify the flavor of the wine. Drinking wine when it has fully matured is considered the height of a connoisseur’s wine tasting experience.
The many different varieties and styles of wine to choose from. along with distinguishing one wine from another, is just part of the fun of wine collecting. One important fact to remember is to take your time, follow what your nose and taste buds tell you, take in greatness and boldness of the wine and most of all have fun.
There are some advantages to having a wine cellar and a few notes follow:
- A well-stocked cellar is convenient, buy in bulk
- Easy to match suitable wines for different occasions
- Wines can be purchased in bulk and at your leisure
- Wines are stored correctly instead of haphazardly
- Less expensive when you can let the wines mature
- Availability – buy your selection early and you will always have it on hand
- Keep bottles lying on their sides
- Store in a cool place with little variance in temperature
- Maintain high humidity levels (65-90%) for long term storing
- Do not store near sunlight
- Avoid vibrations
- Build your cellar for expansion
- Monitor your collection for age worthiness
An important factor is, as mentioned above, should you choose to build your own cellar, whether in a basement or closet, you have to be careful of recurring vibrations. Heaters, generators, or motors from appliances, can affect the aging process of your wine. Such vibrations keep the normal sediment in the wine from settling.
Be ready to drink your fine wine at its maturity. Enjoy it and have loads of fun.
Another great tip, should you build your own wine rack, use woods that are mildew and rot resistant. The best wood to use is mahogany or redwood. These are strong, durable woods that they do not dent easily. Redwood is a little softer, but since it is an endangered wood, it is best to use mahogany. Other decorative woods such as pine, cedar and others are prone to rot and can affect the taste of your wines. Using the right wood will keep you from rebuilding your cellar racks in the long run.
The following are storing tips that are nice to know but are equally important rules to follow.