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
