At
the risk of sounding like the space planner in a shopping complex,
take heart – storing your wine in an apartment or flat can be
fun and need not cost the earth.
Of course, like many things, the fun (and “best”) way
to store wine also costs the earth. That custom built-in wine storage
system, temperature controlled to house more than twelve cases of
your favourite wines, is a bit like a fine piece of furniture. My
dream storage unit, the Sub Zero 430, has two different temperature
zones, a nice display rack in between them and rolling shelves for
easy access. In addition to the sacrifice of valuable storage space,
you will be spending in the neighbourhood of $10,000 Canadian, including
taxes.
More modest solutions
are available. In Canada, more modest wine storage systems start at
$600. Before you run out and buy one, remember to figure out where
you will put the unit – for the small units, think mini-bar
(hmm, might fit right here, under the desk…). If you think you
can hide it away in a closet, take careful measurements and don’t
forget the electrical.
Is a temperature-controlled
unit an absolute must? If you are a serious collector, you already
know the answer. If you have some really outstanding wines that warrant
storage at the constant 10 to 12 degrees the experts recommend, invest
in proper storage, or find somewhere off site.
A friend with
an uninsulated basement is a potential Good Samaritan for the wines
destined for your firstborn’s 21st birthday, but take time to
get to know his teenage children – while most of them will opt
for the vodka upstairs before your wine downstairs, you need assurance
that your wine will be forgotten for years and years. Prudence and
etiquette both demand regular wine inspections – bring along
a fabulous bottle to drink with the landlord. (Note to self: choose
wine, make appointment with landlord.)
Now, for the 98%
of wine drinkers who think beyond this week’s supply, are not
prepared to spend thousands for their budding wine collections, but
are keen to protect them: You intuitively know the basics of wine
storage – a minimum of vibration, low light and constant cool
temperature. Humidity was important when wine was stored in wooden
casks and evaporation came into play; now, simply store your bottles
horizontally to keep the corks moist. Cross your fingers that you
are not storing corked wine – retailers aren’t good for
taking back wines that are no longer available. The Stelvin screw
caps are even handier, as they can be stored standing up.
You can eliminate
the problem of vibration by avoiding the closet that is home to the
washer and dryer (heat being another reason to avoid this spot). Light
can be dealt with by keeping the wine in boxes or keeping the closet
door closed.
In Vancouver,
we are blessed with a temperate climate, which means that ambient
temperature can be kept in the range of 18 to 20 degrees in the closet
closest to the centre of your condo. What will this temperature do
to your wine? Well, your wines will age faster than those stored in
“cellar” conditions. It’s inevitable – if
you live in an apartment, you will have to drink your wine sooner.
Oh, well.
If you live in
warmer climes, much of what is written here does not apply; for places
with cold cold winters and hot hot summers, remember, the constancy
of the temperature is important – if it’s so hot at night
that you aren’t sleeping, your wine won’t be happy either.
Your cellar should
mimic your drinking habits, with a higher proportion of special occasion
wines. A case each of red and white drinkers will cover your Tuesday
night spaghetti, and prove handy when you are heading out to an impromptu
dinner with friends. Don’t buy more wine than you can store,
but keep buying as you go, so that you always have something wonderful
to drink and even more to anticipate.
Shelving
is a matter of personal preference. IKEA type racks offer access and
visibility, but there is a trade off in space. Wooden boxes are attractive,
but they are cumbersome and hurt a lot when they land on your toes.
The classic wooden box configuration is good though, and several Burgundy
producers still ship in cardboard cases that present bottles on their
sides, six bottles laying head to toe on two levels, separated by
a heavy pre-formed insert.
At a glance, you can view six bottles, much easier than pulling out
each bottle one by one. The price is hard to beat.
An inventory system
will not only make your insurance adjuster happy, but it will also
help you figure out when to drink what you have, what you need replenish
and, most important, what you can open to go with tonight’s
dinner. An Excel spreadsheet works well and can include a column for
tasting notes.
On a final note,
personal financial planners will tell you to use your income tax return
to reduce personal debt or buy a retirement investment. Consider instead
investing in some medium term investments that offer tangible returns
and are a joy to share. When the economy is in the tank, you will
always have consolation. In good times, what better way to celebrate?
Cheers!
Gael
Arthur
