Wine cellar
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 215615348 by [[Special:Contributions/209.129.253.190|209.129.253.190]] ([[User talk:209.129.253.190|talk]]) rvv
[[Image:Wine cellar2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An underground wine cellar]]
A '''wine cellar''' is a storage room for [[wine]] in [[bottles]] or [[barrels]], or more rarely in [[carboy]]s, [[amphora]]e or plastic containers. In an ''active'' wine cellar, important factors such as temperature and humidity are maintained by a climate control system. In contrast, ''passive'' wine cellars are not climate-controlled, and are usually built underground to reduce temperature swings. An aboveground wine cellar is often called a ''wine room'', while a small wine cellar (less than 500 bottles) is sometimes termed a ''wine closet''.
==Purpose==
Wine cellars protect [[alcoholic beverages]] from potentially harmful external influences, providing [[darkness]] and a constant [[temperature]]. Wine is a natural, perishable food product. Left exposed to heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and [[humidity]], all types of wine can spoil. When properly stored, wines not only maintain their quality but many actually improve in aroma, flavor, and complexity as they mature.
==Conditions==
[[Image:Sherry cellar, Solera system, 2003.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A [[sherry]] solera over the ground]]
Wine can be stored satisfactorily between 7-18 °C (45-65 °F) as long as any variations are gradual. A temperature of 13 °C (55 °F), much like what is found in the [[wine cave|caves]] used to store wine in France, is ideal for both short-term storage and long-term aging of wine. Note that wine generally matures differently and more slowly at a lower temperature than it does at a higher temperature.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} Between 10-14 °C (50-57 °F), wines will age normally.<ref name=ALE>{{cite book| last =Lichine | first =Alexis | title =Alexis Lichine's Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits | publisher =Cassell & Company Ltd. | date =1967 | location =London | pages =Chp 6, p.22-24 }}</ref>
==Active versus passive==
Wine cellars can be either active or passively cooled. Active wine cellars are highly [[insulation|insulated]] and need to be properly constructed. They require specialized wine cellar [[Air conditioning|conditioning]] and cooling systems to maintain the desired temperature and humidity. In a very dry climate, it may be necessary to actively humidify the air, but in most areas this is not necessary. Passive wine cellars must be located in naturally cool and damp areas with minor seasonal and diurnal temperature variations—for example, a basement in a temperate climate. Passive cellars may be less predictable, but cost nothing to operate and are not affected by [[power outage]]s.
===Debate on humidity===
Some wine experts debate the importance of humidity for proper wine storage. In the ''[[Wine Spectator]]'', writer Matt Kramer noted a [[France|French]] study which claimed that the [[relative humidity]] within a bottle is maintained 100% regardless of the [[wine closure|closure]] used or the orientation of the bottle.<ref> M. Kramer ''"Seeking Closure"'' The Wine Spectator pg 36 October 31st, 2007</ref> However, [[Alexis Lichine]] says that low humidity can be an problem because it may cause organic corks to dry prematurely. An inch of gravel covering the floor periodically sprinkled with a little water was recommended to retain the desired humidity.<ref name=ALE/>
==Wine racks==
[[Image:Euxinograd - wine bar.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wine racking]]
A wine rack is a storage device that holds bottles of [[wine]] (usually on their sides), and are often found in wine cellars.<ref>[http://www.frenchscout.com/wine-refrigerators#wine-racks Wine racks plans]</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{commonscat|Wine cellars}}
[[Category:Wine packaging and storage]]
[[Category:Rooms]]
[[de:Weinkeller]]
[[fr:Cave à vin]]
[[gl:Adega (de viño)]]
[[it:Cantina]]
[[nl:Wijnkelder]]
[[pt:Adega]]