Chill Out with a Wine Cooler
There are several different types of wine coolers available for your wine storing and cooling needs. There are thermoelectric, electric, and even gel pack ice wine cooler types available on the market from most wine accessory stores or web sites.
This makes for a large variety and variation in the way people are storing their fine wines. The days of having a traditional wine cellar are quickly being replaced by more portable and modern technological advances.
There are small table top units that are utilized to rapidly chill a single bottle of wine and there are larger refrigerator style units that are used to store many bottles of wine. The smaller units are especially designed for wines such as rose and sparkling wines that require a specified temperature for proper serving.
The larger wine cooler is useful for those without access to a wine cellar and is capable of keeping an entire room at a desired temperature with the use of a thermostat and some other cooling equipment.
Other Types of Coolers
Some people like to use a wine decanter as a wine cooler. A decanter is a glass serving container which holds an entire bottle of wine after it is poured in. The use of a decanter promotes aeration of the wine by maximizing the ratio of air to wine, in turn creating more oxygen that allows the wine to breathe and creates a fuller taste in most wines. Many people use a decanter for serving older wines as the oxygen helps diminish the presence of potassium crystals that have formed over time.
The Importance of Temperature
As most wine lovers know, the temperature of the wine drastically affects the overall taste and smell of the wine. Serving wines chilled from a wine cooler can help mask some of the flavor flaws in some newer or cheaper wines whereas serving a wine warm can help bring out some of the more natural flavors. This option is ideal for older, well-aged wines. The bite of alcohol can also be repressed with a lower temperature, which often makes the wine easier to sample.
The importance of a wine cooler is clear, especially in terms of newer wines, because it provides the adequate temperature at a consistent rate for your desired wine. This will help create a positive experience for your guests and wine lovers alike, creating a reputation for fine wines at your table and in your household for many years to come.