Rothschild Wine

Perfect pairs

July 14, 2007 - as published in the Beacon News and Naperville Sun

By Bill Garlough

What started my interest in wine a few years older than 20 there were several memorable meal where the wine was the star. Although the nuances of the Food and wine were certainly evident, the wine moved me.

My recent experience in movement was more literal than my wife and I have just completed our move. With furniture, kitchen utensils, food and countless boxes was my personal collection of wine. It's amazing how a collection can build if, during your travels, your memories of a trip is a couple of bottles of wine. I have several hundred bottles of wine on hand, as it is fun to explore the various wines of the world and share the experience with friends over dinner.

Back in the day

As far back as 4000 BC, the wine was transported from the wine producing regions to other markets, as early exchanges. The development of container transport has increased from skins of wine amphora terracotta jars of glass bottles and, possibly, large wooden barrels. wooden casks were advantageous because they can store wine for longer periods of time. bulk wine had its drawbacks, as unscrupulous merchants substituted mediocre wine or even added water to increase profits. Baron Philippe de Rothschild is credited with bottling wine (bottled current size) the principle of quality control and protect the reputation of the winery.

Today, the wine is exported in the case of glass bottles in refrigerated containers. Domestically, the wine is shipped from the basement to robust consumer corrugated boxes, with wine housed in polystyrene inserts. Depending on the temperature of the nation, arrangements can be made for delivery in two tranches of two or four days by UPS or other carriers.

One of the considerations for a collection of wine is that wine is a drink of life that has its peak and begin to deteriorate over time. White wines tend to be consumed while young red, with more tannins, can last longer. However, poorly stored wine will accelerate the aging process and affect the taste of wine.

The environment is essential

Important considerations for the proper conservation of the following wines:

Darkness: Store wine in direct sunlight. Excessive light distribution of molecules, and the wine loses flavor.

: Wine Store between 50 and 60 degrees temperature. While the cold temperatures slow the aging process, which also allows the wine to age properly. Higher temperatures (70 to 80 degrees) cause premature aging.

Humidity: The ideal humidity level is between 60 to 80 percent. A dry low humidity cap, thereby affecting the seal. Oxidation of wine can occur if the cap loses its seal.

basement of your house offers the best solution for storing these considerations, it is usually dark, offers a cool, constant temperature and tends to have a moisture level higher than the rest of the house. If you do not have a basement, a dark closet on the first floor would be your best bet.

The biggest challenge in moving your wine collection or storage, it is very stable temperature. When the wine transport, it is best to travel direct with wine and place in a temperature and (ideally) the humidity-controlled environment as soon as possible.

Fluctuations in temperature affect the cork seal, as is the point of giving. When wine warms, the wine and air in the bottle expands and can cause the cap to move. When the wine is in a cooler environment, the wine and the contract of air inside the bottle, the air in the bottle design. As we know, the oxidation leads to accelerated aging and loss of quality.

Finally, when the wine is transported, it should be.