by Charlotte | Jan 12, 2018 | Rosehill Wine Cellars News
EuroCave Wine Cabinet (Photo: Rosehill Wine Cellars)
If you’ve been wondering whether you should get a wine refrigerator, below are some answers to help you figure it out. Most people who ask this question have recently begun collecting bottles of wine for future enjoyment with their meals. Simply placing wine on a decorative wine rack in your home could ultimately diminish the flavor, since undesirable chemical reactions occur in the wine from too much heat or exposure to UV rays. In the absence of a wine cellar, a wine refrigerator may be just what you need, but it depends.
Length of Storage
A wine fridge is excellent for storing wine for the short-term or medium-term. Long-term storage, on the other hand, may not be ideal for a free-standing wine refrigerator or an under-the-counter wine fridge. Quality wine that is stored for five years or more will do better with the unique conditions in a wine cellar. The temperature fluctuations in a wine cellar are typically minimized, as are vibrations and exposure to UV rays. EuroCave now offers wine cabinets that are made especially for long-term storage. They have significantly fewer vibrations than the nearest competitors.
Ideal Setting
Wine is a unique beverage that benefits from being stored in a very specific temperature range, that being between 55°F and 60°F. If wine is stored for very long, there should be at least 50% humidity, so that the corks don’t dry out, shrink, allow air inside the bottle, and spoil the wine because of oxidation. As mentioned above, other considerations include stability and protection from UV rays. If you have more than a few bottles of wine to drink, a wine fridge could be perfect for you.
Why a Standard Refrigerator Won’t Work
The atmosphere in a standard kitchen refrigerator is not favorable to wine storage. One problem is that refrigerators are designed to remove humidity from the cold air. Humidity is an essential element of proper wine storage. The temperature in a refrigerator average 40°, which is considerably colder than the ideal temp for wine. Another problem is that refrigerators don’t have wine racks.
Where to Buy a Wine Fridge
Is a wine fridge right for you? At Rosehill Wine Cellars, we offer a wide range of quality wine refrigerators. Among our selections are EuroCave Wine Cabinets that mimic a wine cellar better than any other wine cooler. You can find wine fridges of all sizes as well as under-the-counter and stand-alone wine coolers on the Rosehill Wine Cellars website. If you grow out of your wine fridge, Rosehill is also the place to call for a custom-built wine cellar.
by Charlotte | Jan 5, 2018 | Rosehill Wine Cellars News
A custom wine cabinet by Rosehill Wine Cellars.
Every wine lover with a growing wine collection should become familiar with options in modular wine racks. Although they can add beauty, class, whimsy, or elegance to your home or wine cellar, first and foremost, wine racks are functional. They can be small or large, metal or wood, and costly or affordable. In our catalog, you can see many different option for custom wine racks.
The Function of a Wine Rack
The primary function of a wine rack is to ensure that your wine is properly stored, to protect peak characteristics. Wine racks keep bottles of wine in the correct orientation, so that the cork stays wet. If the cork is not in contact with the wine inside, it can dry out. A shriveled cork allows too much oxygen into the bottle and results in undesirable oxidation that spoils the flavor of the wine. The following are more functions of wine racks:
· Wine racks also help to reduce the amount of lighting on the bottles.
· Proper temperature control for each bottle is easier when they are stored on wine racks.
· Identifying your bottles can be easier when you organize them in a wine rack. You can hang labels on them or use software to keep up with the location of each bottle in your wine collection.
· If you enjoy collecting oversized bottles of wine, you can choose wine racks built to accommodate various sizes. The large bottles of wine can serve as a reminder that wine racks must also be sturdy enough to hold the full weight of all bottles placed on it. It’s important to buy wine racks from a reputable source.
Types of Wine Racks
There are many types of wine racks to choose from, with styles available for all types of décor. Classic styles available from Rosehill Wine Cellars include 7-foot and 6.1-foot wood wine racks in Pine, Premium Redwood, or Malaysian Mahogany. These allow for wine to be showcased in angle displays and there are also individual bottle storage spaces in which wine bottles are completely submerged. More examples of options in racks for wine follow:
- An “Evolution Wine Rack” is a free-standing wine rack with acrylic support panels and steel rods.
- Designed for commercial and retail use, there are freestanding metal wine racks. For maximum product exposure, greater capacity in limited space, and convenient consumer access, there are Vintage View Island Displays and Point of Purchase commercial wine racks.
- African Mahogany Wood retail wine racks designed for commercial use feature free-standing wine racks, an island display, and presentation perches.
- A modern wine rack ideal for home use has a peg system, which displays wine bottles so that they appear to be floating. These are sold with or without backings. This system is often used with back lighting. The boards can include colored aluminum, wood, stainless steel, or acrylic.
Custom Wine Racks
The beauty of custom wine racks in a wine cellar is that you can choose a design that best suits your preferences for collecting wine. Whichever type of wine rack you need for your collection, Rosehill Wine Cellars has you covered.
by Charlotte | Oct 16, 2017 | Rosehill Wine Cellars News, wine racking
You know that the type of wine rack you probably want is horizontal, if you read Part 1 of this series. Once you know the angle of the rack you want, you can move on to choosing a wine rack that matches your needs and décor or setting. Whether you are buying custom wine racks for your wine cellar or for use in your home, there are several basic options in the materials used. The primary choices for wine racks are wood and metal.
Wood Wine Racks
The traditional material used for wine racks and wine cellars is wood such as mahogany, pine, or redwood.
The traditional material for wine racks is wood, which is a sophisticated and timeless choice. Of course, custom wine cellars are also typically made of wood, with wine racks to complete the look. The most popular types of wood used for custom wine racks are redwood and mahogany, and they can come with a variety of wood stains. Quality wood wine racks are extremely durable and won’t bend or break. More about specific types of wood for wood wine racks follows:
Redwood Wine Racks
Natural oils in redwood wine racks make this timber species an excellent choice for wine racks because the oils are preservatives that protect wood against mildew and moisture. Unstained redwood is as beautiful as when it is stained. The many color variations provide a way to choose a style that fits with your particular taste.
Pine Wine Racks
The least expensive type of wood for wine racks is pine. Another benefit of pine is that it can be stained to a color that matches just about any type of wood finish. This can assure nice coordination with your other furnishings and upholstery.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a very popular wood to use in the construction of wine racks, wine shelves, rooms, and custom wine cellars. It resists warping, swelling, and moisture decay. To prevent mildew from forming and deterioration caused by temperature fluctuations, mahogany is often stained and lacquer-finished. Mahogany is the wood of choice for many high-end wine storage designs.
Metal Wine Racks and More
Metal wine racks offer a contemporary alternative to wooden wine racks. The possibilities with metal are endless. When buying metal wine racks, be sure there is sturdy construction. Other than that, you have a wide range of choices, from ornate designs to sleek, modern styles. Metal wine racks can potentially add distinct sophistication, style, and/or an artistic touch to your wine storage.
There’s no reason to limit the type of material used to store wine, as long as the structure is sturdy and won’t bend or break, causing harm to your wine collection. You can find glass wine racks, plastic wine racks, and perhaps other materials used for wine storage. It’s all a matter of taste and preference.
More to Come
In the next installment of our series on recommendations for wine racks, learn about types of wine racks. For beautiful custom wine racks, contact Rosehill Wine Cellars. We specialize in custom wine cellars, and they can include many different kinds of wine storage shelving.
by Charlotte | Sep 6, 2017 | Rosehill Wine Cellars News
Custom Wine Cellar by Rosehill Wine Cellars
So you have a new wine cabinet or custom wine cellar in Toronto, and you need to brush up on your wine words? The lingo associated with wine is as distinctive as the beverage itself. As a wine lover, you don’t want to be perceived as a poser. There are wine terms that should be in your vocabulary, to intelligently navigate a conversation about wine. Knowing the terms can prevent inadvertently making dumbfounded expressions, if in the presence of a schooled wine connoisseur.
6 Basic Wine Words you Should Know
Knowing wine words isn’t all about making an impression. The more you know, the better equipped you are to shop for your wine cellar stock. You could be missing out on your favorite variety, if you don’t study and explore. Wine terms can help open up a greater understanding about this beloved alcoholic drink and the many kinds there are to choose from. The following are some basic wine words:
Varietal – Varietal wine is named after the grape used to produce it. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are all varietals. Wine must consist of at least 75% of a particular grape type to be a varietal. These are considered the purest of wines.
Regional – Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy are all French cities and names of regional wines. The world’s best wines are produced in particular regions. The smaller the region a wine is from, the higher the wine quality.
Weight – In the wine world, it’s important to know about weights. If a wine is full-bodied or heavy, it is usually dark in color and high in alcohol content and has a strong flavor. Examples of heavy wines are Merlot, Cabernet, and Zinfandel. A light-bodied wine is leaner and more delicate. Examples are Lambrusco and Beaujolais, also known as Gamay.
Oxidize – If wine isn’t properly stored in the right conditions of temperature and humidity in a wine cabinet or a customer wine cellar in Toronto, the result can be that too much air gets into the bottle. Exposure to too much air causes wine to oxidize. Oxidized wine loses freshness and turns a brownish color.
Aperitif – A dry wine served before a meal for the purpose of stimulating the appetite is called an “aperitif.” Champagne and other dry white wines are ideal aperitifs.
Digestif – A wine served after a meal for the purpose of aiding digestion is called a “digestif.” Examples of digestif include brandy and fortified wines such as port, vermouth, and madeira.
Custom Wine Cellars
At Rosehill Wine Cellars, we know all about wine plus much of the lingo. That’s why we are able to build custom wine cabinets and custom wine cellars in Toronto that preserve wine in optimal conditions.
by Charlotte | Sep 3, 2017 | Rosehill Wine Cellars News, Wine-tastic Fact
Life is better with wine and it may add to your years. A centenarian in Maine, Florence Bearse, recently shared that her secret to a long life is drinking wine. For wine lovers everywhere, the good news is that research backs up that possibility. At Rosehill Wine Cellars, we appreciate all of the pleasures and benefits of wine, including the health benefits that it uniquely provides. We specialize in building custom wine cellars, where wine can be stored to age gracefully and last longer than it would otherwise. Wine cooling units from top manufacturers such as Koolspace, Breezaire, Cellar Pro, and Wine Guardian are essential components of a wine cellar.
Health Reasons to Stock up on Wine
There are numerous health benefits to drinking wine. The most notable are those that can literally extend your life. Physicians have weighed in, and they agree that as long as it is done in moderation, wine drinking can be good for a body. The following are among the advantages of wine drinking:
- Drinking wine moderately reduces the risk of heart attack by 30%, compared to people who don’t drink any alcohol. This is no secret. In fact, it has been proven repeatedly over a period of three decades by researchers across the world.
- The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is reduced by 30% to 40% by drinking wine, compared to those who abstain from alcohol.
- It is an antioxidant that can help fight inflammation, which means circulation to your heart and brain is increased
- Antioxidants also slow the aging process
- Lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol
- Raises “good” HDL cholesterol
- For people concerned about their weight, wine is a better choice than other alcoholic beverages. It has fewer carbohydrates than beer, and drinking wine means you avoid the sugar calories commonly used for mixing cocktails.
- If drinking wine helps you to de-stress, it is providing another important health benefit. Stress is associated with many different life-threatening diseases.
A Definition of Moderation
The good things about wine can be lost if not enjoyed in strict moderation. It’s believed among most in the research community that one glass of wine per day is fine for women and two glasses per day for men is a healthy balance. For those who enjoy wine with dinner every evening, a wine cellar makes sense. With climate control by Cellar Pro, Breezaire, Wine Guardian, or Koolspace, your stored wine can be ready when you are.
A note of caution: Excessive drinking increases the risk of suffering from a variety of major diseases, including liver disease, heart disease, and some cancers.
Raise your Glass!
Thanks to Florence in Maine, we can all enjoy the reminder that wine drinking is actually good for you physically. How many truly enjoyable activities that help you unwind after a hard day can you say that about?
