Storing and Pouring Large Format Wine Bottles

Storing and Pouring Large Format Wine Bottles

Large format wine bottles can be stored on diamond racks.

Diamond racks are among the solutions for storing large format wine bottles in your wine cellar. (Photo: Rosehill Wine Cellars)

Wine Collectors acquire odd-sized bottles and require appropriate shelving

Standard wine racks hold standard sized wine bottles (750 ml), and they make no considerations for large format wine bottles that are now so popular with wine lovers.  Cellar designers have to make their own remedies. Modern wine cellars include wine racks that accommodate larger bottles because they are excellent investments.  A magnum bottle equals two standard bottles.  The wine stored in a Magnum or larger tastes better and has more value. Wine bottles can be massive, holding an amount equal to 40 standard wine bottles.

Why are big bottles becoming more popular?  Large formats tend to be consumed at large gatherings and the bottle can become a memento signaling the communal enjoyment of wine that has aged in a large format wine bottle. Fashion large wine bottles into gorgeous display pieces, once the wine has all been poured. It’s not a problem to store large wine bottles because Rosehill Wine Cellars has a variety of racks for that very purpose. But what about the challenge of serving wine from a huge bottle? Rosehill has the solution for pouring from large format bottles, as well.

Wine Bottle Sizes Chart

187.5 ml Piccolo or Split: Typically used for a single serving of Champagne.

375 ml Demi or Half: Holds one-half of the standard 750 ml size.

750 ml Standard: Common bottle size for most distributed wine.

1.5 L Magnum: Equivalent to two standard 750 ml bottles.

3.0 L Double Magnum: Equivalent to two Magnums or four standard 750 ml bottles.

4.5 L Jeroboam (still wine): Equivalent to six standard 750 ml bottles.

6.0 L Imperial: Equivalent to eight standard 750 ml bottles or two Double Magnums.

9.0 L Salmanazar: Equivalent to twelve standard 750 ml bottles or a full case of wine!

12.0 L Balthazar: Equivalent to sixteen standard 750 ml bottles or two Imperials.

15.0 L Nebuchadnezzar: Equivalent to twenty standard 750 ml bottles.

bottle sizes chart

Big Bottle Wall Mount

Available at Rosehill Wine Cellars is a metal Big Bottle Wall Mount, with an option for a Black Satin, Chrome, or Platinum aka Brushed Nickel finish. The wall-mounted wine rack is 30” high and holds four bottles sized from 3L to 6L in angled display. The space between storage mounts is 10 to 14”. Install on or more Big Bottle racks one over the other, for a seamless look.

A 3-liter, or Double Magnum, holds four standard bottles of wine. A 6-liter is an “Imperial” aka “Methuselah,” and it is equivalent to eight standard bottles of wine or two Double Magnums.

single Magnum wine rack, 7ft tall7ft+ Magnum Wood Wine Rack for Large Format Wine Bottles

Another quality wine rack specifically for large format bottles is the 1.5L Single Column Magnum Wood Wine Rack 7ft-plus. Toasted Maple, Sapele (African Mahogany), and Beech are the available types of wood for this wine rack for large format bottles. The rack is full wine bottle depth and holds 17 magnum bottles of wine.

Premier Cru Wood Wine Rack Kits

Arguably the best wood kit racks on the market are Premier Cru Wood Wine Rack Kits 7ft-plus. They are full wine bottle depth and available in a wide variety of modules, so that wine storage can be fully customized. Large format bottles can fit in diamond racks, whether all racks are the diamond configuration or the rack is a combination of individual standard-sized wine bottle racks and diamonds.

Vcanter in showroom

VCanter – Wine Pouring & Decanting System

VCanter wine systems assist in pouring and decanting very large bottles of wine.

There are several models, including:

  • A 6L model designed to help pour a Methuselah; and
  • A 27L model for pouring the massive Goliath, which is the equivalent of 36 bottles.

Contact Rosehill Wine Cellars for all the quality wine storage racking you may need, including wine racks for large format bottles.

4 Benefits of Adding Large Format Wine Storage to your Wine Cellar 

4 Benefits of Adding Large Format Wine Storage to your Wine Cellar 

Ancaster Cellar with large format wine storage.

Custom wine racks from Rosehill Wine Cellars can include large format wine storage. (Photo: Rosehill Wine Cellars)

Large format wine bottles offer notable benefits over standard 750mL bottles, making large format wine storage important. The standard size, equal to about six glasses of wine, is by far and away the most commonly distributed wine. Perhaps surprisingly, the standard wine bottle is only one of at least 17 available sizes—3 being smaller than standard and the rest larger. Many wine collectors recognize that large format bottles of wine offer coveted benefits. Sizeable bottles, however, don’t fit on standard wine racks. With a custom wine cellar, you can choose wine racking that accommodates bottles of all sizes. The decision to make special wine storage considerations is duck soup for those who invest in large format bottles of wine for any of the following reasons and more.

1-The Wine Tastes Better

For various reasons, wine in large format bottles usually tastes better than wine stored in smaller counterparts. There is less oxygen relative to the volume of wine, for example. As a result, the wine oxidizes more slowly, resulting in a longer aging period and improved maturation. Overall wine stability and aroma are among the characteristics of the wine that are improved when properly stored in a large format bottle. The wine should be maintained in ideal cellar conditions, which can largely be achieved with a wine cellar cooling unit from a top manufacturer, such as WhisperKOOL, Koolspace, or Wine Guardian. Large format bottles are also more resistant to irregularities in temperature that may be caused by moving the wine to a different wine cellar or by power outages.

2-Communal Enjoyment

Large bottles of wine provide delightful “wow moments” at large gatherings, including anniversaries and weddings. Everyone gets to share in the experience of drinking from the same bottle containing wine that has aged gracefully and has better maturation than wine in smaller bottles. Bringing out a large format bottle of wine is an upgrade to any event.

3-Rare = Valuable

Small production historically increases wine value. There are usually very few large-format bottles of any vintage that wineries produce. Whether a Magnum bottle with double the standard volume or the massive Melchizedek, equal to 40 standard bottles of wine, large format bottles are rare. They are usually reserved for special occasions, such as a winery’s anniversary; charity auctions; special collectors; winery displays; or private collections, whether for proprietors or their family and friends. Although large format bottles of quality wine tend to be very expensive, they are also sometimes offered at prices friendlier to those less wealthy.

4- Showpieces

The wine in a large format bottle isn’t the only part of the bargain. The wine bottle itself can be considered a real treasure. It’s not unusual to see large bottles of wine on display in fine restaurants and as dinner table centerpieces. There are many craft and décor ideas for large format wine bottles on Pinterest, in which the bottles are used as gorgeous lamps, vases, candle holders, and much more.

Don’t Forget Large Format Wine Storage

Some consider the size of large format wine bottles a downside, due to potential storage challenges. Rosehill Wine Cellars specializes in wine cellar construction and can help with all wine racking needs, from custom wine racking to adaptable wine kits. Rosehill also offers wine cellar cooling units from all of the top manufacturers, such as Koolspace, Wine Guardian, and WhisperKOOL.

Best Wine for Long-Term Storage

Best Wine for Long-Term Storage

Wine Cellars from Rosehill

Custom wine cellars from Rosehill Wine Cellars provide the perfect environment for fine wine to age over years or decades.

The best wines are those that have aged over a long period of time. But not just any bottle of wine is made to go through the beneficial process of long-term storage in a wine cellar. In fact, estimates are that 99% of the wine bottled today is made for almost immediate consumption. The other 1% is what sets true wine lovers apart. Collecting wine for aging is about more than just the romance of terroir, swishing to identify tasting notes, and delighting in the pairing of food with the best vintages. The rare bottles of wine that are meant to age slowly have the benefit of complex chemical reactions that enhance taste and aroma. The flavor of beautifully aged wine makes a custom wine cellar more than worth the space it occupies and the cost of a wine cellar cooling unit from a top manufacturer, such as Wine Guardian, WhisperKOOL, or Cellar Pro.

Tannins

Tannin has a lot to do with the improved taste of aged wine. Seeds, plants, wood, leaves, fruit skins, and bark all contain tannin, which is a naturally occurring polyphenol. In wine, tannin adds complexity, bitterness, and astringency. Red wine contains grape tannins, and white wines usually contain tannin from the process of aging in wooden barrels.

Wines that age well are those higher in tannin content. Fine wines achieve the right balance between grape tannin and wood tannin, and the result is that the taste of the wine is smoothed out as the tannins break down in a chemical reaction, over time.

Acidity

The level of acidity in wine also determines whether or not it will age well in a wine cellar. A wine that has lower acidity should be consumed while the wine is young. High acidity wines age well. Over time, the acidity flattens out, contributing to improved flavor and complexity.

Alcohol and Residual Sugar

Winemakers must strike a balance with all of the components in wine, including alcohol level. In non-fortified wine, alcohol can more quickly turn the wine into vinegar. Fortified wine is made by adding a small amount of brandy or strong alcohol to wine. Examples of fortified wine are Madeira, sherry, vermouth, and port; they are among the wines that can age the longest.

Sweet wines also tend to age very well, including Riesling, Sauternes, and Moscato.

Wines Best for Long-Term Storage

The potential length to age wine depends upon the producer. The following estimates represent potential averages:

Fine White Wine can age for up to 10 years. Examples are: Chardonnay, such as White Burgundy and French Chablis; Sauvignon Blanc, such as White Bordeaux; and Riesling, including Auslese and German Spatlese.

Fine Red Wine can age for up to 20 years. Examples are: Merlot, such as Pomerol and St. Emilion; Pinot Noir, including Grand Cru Burgundies of France; and Cabernet Sauvignon, including Bordeaux in the Medoc Region of France.

Fine Champagne can age up to 60 years, such as Prestige Cuvee Champagne, including Dom Perignon, France.

Dessert Wine, aka Fortified Wine, can age for up to 100 years. Examples are Madeira, Hungarian Tokaji, and Semillon.

Wine Cellar Conditions

To store your collection of fine wine, it’s best to have a quality wine cellar cooling unit from a trusted manufacturer, such as Wine Guardian, WhisperKOOL, or Cellar Pro. If you are considering construction of a custom wine cellar for your fine wines, contact the experts at Rosehill Wine Cellars. We specialize in wine cellar construction, and we also offer wine cooling units and much more for the wine lovers among us.

Wine Racks 101

Wine Racks 101

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.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Custom Wine Cellar Cooling System

Signs You Need to Replace Your Custom Wine Cellar Cooling System

CellarCOOL: Through the Wall Wine Cellar Cooling Units

CellarCOOL wine cooling system.

If you have a wine cellar cooling unit in your wine cellar that’s made by a leading manufacturer such as Wine Guardian, CellarCOOL, or Koolspace, you can be confident that your wine is in a safe environment. Every cooling unit has a lifespan, however. There comes a time when you need to replace your custom wine cellar cooling system. The last thing any wine lover wants is for their cooling system to go out without their knowledge, causing wine to potentially get too warm, which can spoil it quickly. It’s very helpful to know signs to watch out for so that you know your wine cellar refrigeration system may need to be replaced.

Making Strange Noises

Wine refrigeration systems are usually very quiet. If you ever hear noises, it could be an indication that the unit needs to be repaired or replaced. The following provides an idea of various sounds a cooling unit makes plus what may be causing it:

  • Squealing is an indication that the fan belt may need to be replaced.
  • Rattling could mean that a panel is loose or perhaps that the motor or fan blade is rubbing against another component of the cooling system.
  • A hissing noise usually means you have an air or refrigerant leak. This usually occurs near the reversing valve or the compressor.
  • A gurgling sound could be a sign that there is excess air in the lines.

Temperature or Humidity Inconsistencies

Important aspects of wine storage include maintaining a constant temperature of 55° to 58° F and a certain, consistent humidity level. Sometimes a faulty thermostat is the problem and all that’s needed is to replace batteries or the thermostat itself. If humidity has become a problem, however, it could be the refrigerant levels in your cooling system are low. Contact a professional technician to determine the refrigerant levels and add more, if it’s needed.

Leaking

It’s normal for wine cellar refrigeration units to need repair for water leaks. Condensation is produced on evaporator coils on normal days, and it drips into a condensate pan that drains the water. If the drain becomes clogged, the pan will overflow and leak onto the floor. Refrigerant can also leak, but that’s far less common.

If you have your wine cellar built by the dedicated experts at Rosehill Wine Cellars, your cooling unit will be professionally installed and can also be maintained by experts. Always call professionals for wine cellar cooling unit repair as soon as you suspect a problem. Remember that wine cooling units by even the best manufacturers, such as Wine Guardian, CellarCOOL, and Koolspace, have a lifespan and eventually need to be replaced. It’s unnecessary for your wine to get spoiled in the switch from one wine cooling system installation to another.