Wine Care Guide

The bouquet and tastes of different wines are very complex but wine itself starts out as a simple blend of grapes and yeast that are left to ferment naturally.

During fermentation the grapes' natural sugars are transformed into alcohol with carbon dioxide given off as a byproduct. The final delicate balance between each wine's carbohydrates, amino acids, phenols and other elements is what gives rise to the underlying flavours and bouquet that characterize each individual wine.

This is largely dependent on natural factors, including the type of grape selected, the ground it was grown in (terroir) and the weather conditions present while the grape was growing and ripening. But the subtle variations between wines are also due in part to the conditions in which the wine was produced – elements such as the amount of yeast added, ambient temperature during fermentation, humidity, length of fermentation and other factors, all of which will affect the wine's ultimate distinguishing characteristics.

For hundreds of years, wine was left to mature in dark, damp and chilly cellars and nobody really understood quite what occurred over time to the wine inside the bottle, or exactly why some wines emerged enriched while others failed to improve and or even lost their character after being laid down. Thanks to modern technology, we now understand more about the way ambient processes affect wines' aging processes.

Laying wine on its side

The reason we store good wine on its side is to keep the cork wet at all times. This ensures that the amount of air passing through the cork and into the wine is kept to the minimum. If too much oxygen gets into the wine this will change the chemical reactions that take place as the wine matures and cause your wine to spoil – which is one good reason not to store your bottles in a vertical position

It is also best not to move your wine around too much during the maturation process. Vibration and movement of any sort can negatively impact the complex molecular structure of your wine which is what gives it its characteristic depth.

At Rosehill we build wine cellars that are designed to give your wine a consistent environment throughout the aging process. We ensure that your wine is stored at an ideal temperature, optimum humidity, and free of vibrations. California redwood is often used for the racking system because it responds well to the cool, moist environment of a wine cellar. Wood/stain with odor, off gassing or any other smells in your cellar may be absorbed into the bottle as it matures in the cellar. Proper wine storage provided by Rosehill Wine Cellars will ensure you enjoy your wines to the fullest.

Temperature

A constant temperature of 50-57 °F is considered ideal for wine to reach its peak. Maintaining the appropriate temperature while avoiding drastic fluctuations is the most essential factor to optimizing proper wine storage.

Humidity

The humidity levels should ideally be between 50-70%, no higher, no lower. Humidity levels assist corks to retain their sealing ability.

Darkness

Ultra-violet light can cause oxidization of the tannins.

Vibration disturbs the slow process of biochemical evolution in wine and is often fatal to finer crus. It is best to keep wine in one spot as opposed to continuously moving it around.

Natural Ventilation allows the elimination of odor build-up or mold.