Aiyaz Crystal Wine Glasses

Bottle Wood Wine

The Delights of Wine

For all its snobbish reputation, wine can be fun. The fun is in making the selection, buying by the case, opening a bottle from time to time and discovering the exact moment at which such a wine blooms, so to speak, with its maximum bouquet and mellow goodness.

An example of the heights to which this art of selection can develop was furnished one spring day by that California oenophile, Dr. Salvatore Pablo Lucia. He was visiting a few cellars in the Santa Clara Valley, sampling the newly fermented, still yeasty-tasting Barbera wines from the casks. Lucia asked one winemaker whether he had ever entered wines in the State Fair. The answer was negative. "Enter this one when it matures," said the doctor.

Two years later his advice was followed. The wine won a gold medal. One of the diversions of the kings of old was to similarly tour the vineyards, taste wines in the wood, and select those to be aged and bottled for their cellars. Today this is still being done by the brokers of Burgundy and Bordeaux. ("Broker," by the way, originated from the French broquier, who tapped or "broke" a cask to draw wine.)

Every wine ages differently; in fact, among very old ones each bottle is likely to be different. Pinotage wines are temperamental, and should be handled gently. When carried for any distance or even shaken, they sometimes sulk for a time and need to rest before serving.

If you keep a table wine ten years or more, watch it, because some corks grow soft and shrink with age, and excess air gets into the bottle as wine evaporates. You can re-cork old wines after ten years or so, or reseal the bottle by removing the foil and dipping the bottle neck into melted sealing wax.

All of this, of course, suggests having a home wine cellar. It need not be a vast vaulted cavern; the dark end of an apartment clothes closet can hold a dozen or more cases of wine. All that is necessary is to choose a cool spot that won't get too warm, yet won't freeze, where the temperature is as even as possible.

While millionaires can afford air conditioning and temperature control for their Tempranillo, you can convert a spot in even a warm cellar by lining it with insulating wallboard.

Although in the past connoisseurs have recommended building scalloped racks to fit individual bottles, many now favor one kind of storage arrangement above all others-diamond-shaped bins. These are simply constructed of parallel 1" by 12" boards.

Lean them at a 45 degree angle between uprights, with short dividing pieces nailed 16" apart to form the square compartments. Such bins hold the most wine in the least space, and the bottles don't roll about.

A cellar provides the opportunity to keep a cellar book. In it you can keep a record of your wines, of the foods you served them with, and how they tasted-a fascinating diary of pleasures. Some hobbyists keep label collections. Some people even have all their guests autograph the label of a wine they have enjoyed, as a memento of a pleasant dinner.

About the Author

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in viniculture, viticulture, and
Barbera wines
. For various varietals such as
Tempranillo
and
Pinotage
, check out
http://www.wineaccess.com/
.

Wood wine bottle holder, 'The Surprise' (Indonesia) $77.95 Kneeling, a woman hides a wine bottle as a surprise gift. Made Wirata presents an image with the rich grain of suar wood marking the contours of her lithe body. Wine not included.

Wood wine bottle holder, 'Embrace' (Indonesia) $79.95 Kneeling, a Balinese woman embraces the wine bottle with her arms. Made Wirata presents an image with the rich grain of suar wood marking the contours of her lithe body. Wine not included.

Wood wine bottle holder, 'The Offering' (Indonesia) $77.95 Kneeling, a woman brings an offering as she holds a wine bottle with her arms. Made Wirata presents an image with the rich grain of suar wood marking the contours of her lithe body. Wine not included.

Wood wine bottle holder, 'Hostess' (Indonesia) $84.95 Masterfully carving Balinese suar wood, Made Wirata depicts a nude woman. She offers a bottle of wine, always the gracious hostess. The graceful figure bears the artisan's signature. Wine not included.

Wood Wine Bottle Holder $98 The mission of NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents, to spur their creativity and to be paid a fair wage for their craft. A bio of the artist(s) will arrive with each piece helping you feel the attachment to the product and to the hands that created it. You will enjoy the one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. Due to the handcrafted nature of each piece, colors, motifs, sizes, shapes and designs may vary slightly from the images shown or dimensions provided. -Suar wood -Signed by the artist -Picture of artist is included in additional images if available. -Artist: Nyoman Karsa -Country of Origin: Indonesia

Lighting Business 10814 Vermont Wood Single Bottle Wine Holder $40.43 Vermont Wood Single Bottle Wine HolderStylish single bottle wine holder.90 Wrought Iron 10 Pinewood. Materials: 90 Wrought Iron 10 Pinewood. Dimensions: 16.25h x 6d

Wood wine bottle holder, 'Thinker' (Indonesia) $72.99 Resting his elbows on his knees and his head in his hand, a figure is lost in thought. Eka carves the image from suar wood, its curves and mass perfectly balanced. The elegant sculpture is designed to hold a bottle of wine (not included).

Wood wine bottle holder, 'Warm Embrace' (Indonesia) $72.99 Captivating contours envelop this carving by Eka, her design represented with skilled accuracy. Using Balinese suar wood, the artisan portrays a seated woman holding her arms outward in an embrace. This beautiful sculpture is designed to hold a bottle of wine (not included).

16.25 Rustic Vermont Iron and Wood Single Wine Bottle Holder $39.99 16.25" Vermont Iron and Wood Single Bottle Wine Holder Home DecorItem #10814Features a stylish single bottle wine holderHolds (1) bottleDimensions: 16.25"H x 6"W x 6"DMaterial(s): cast iron, pinewood Type: Wine Accessories

J.K. Adams Wood Stemware and Wine Bottle Rack $141.03 Constructed of wood and stainless steel, this J.K. Adams stemware and wine bottle rack features a compact design that is easy to install. This wine rack includes instructions and hanging hardware.Rack holds up to five (5) bottles of wine and up to 15 glass stemsInstructions and hanging hardware includedCast metal brackets must mount onto secure backing, such as wood or masonryMaterials: Wood, stainless steelDimensions: Approximately 21 inches long x 10 inches wide x 8 inches high

Decorative Wooden Wine and Bottle Stopper Holder $64.99 Wine and Bottle Stopper HolderItem#652039Features a large wooden holder for wine and bottle stoppersCan hold 6 stoppers and 1 bottle at the same timeIncludes decorative grapevine silhouettes and metal cask ringsDimensions: 4 inches high x 9.75 inch diameterMaterial(s): wood/metal Type: Wine Accessories

EP-STACK12 12 Bottle Wine $99 The perfect combination of function and style Easily place and expand your wine collection with these simple 12-bolle stackable wood wine rack cubes Designed to fit comfortably on a counter these racks come complete with 4 pegs which can be used when...

CHH 6151 3D Puzzle - Wine Bottle $28.35 Unique puzzle mimics a wine bottle. Made of wood. Color: Natural Wood. Dimensions: 11.25" L x 2.5" W x 5.25" H.

CHH 6151 3D Puzzle Wine Bottle $35.1 Unique puzzle mimics a wine bottle. Made of wood. Color: Natural Wood. Dimensions: 11.25 L x 2.5 W x 5.25 H.

Leather and wood wine bottle holder, 'Travels' (Thailand) $129.95 Ideal for travel and picnics, this sleek bottle holder makes for a versatile decorative motif. Designed by Tim, the holder is carved of wood and features fine leather motifs, including a strap for easy transport.

Guardian Wood Wine Bottle Holder $96 The mission of NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents, to spur their creativity and to be paid a fair wage for their craft. A bio of the artist(s) will arrive with each piece helping you feel the attachment to the product and to the hands that created it. You will enjoy the one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. Due to the handcrafted nature of each piece, colors, motifs, sizes, shapes and designs may vary slightly from the images shown or dimensions provided. -Acacia wood -Signed by the artist -Picture of artist is included in additional images if available. -Artist: Made Wirata -Country of Origin: Indonesia

Wood wine bottle holder, 'Gift from the Sea' (Indonesia) $60.79 Rising from the ocean, a sea turtle grasps a wine bottle in leathery flippers. Nyoman Karsa depicts the realistic creature in warm suar wood for a uniquely Balinese table accessory. Masterfully sculpted, the signature piece is original and beautiful. Wine not included

Antique Wood and Iron Decorative 3 Bottle Wine Holder $77.99 Iron and Wood Wine Bottle Holder by Artist Carolyn Kinder Item #10813 Beautifully hand crafted wine bottle holder features an intricate antique industrial design Holds (3) bottles of wine Approximate dimensions: 8.5"H (17.5" including handle) x 14.5"W x 5.5"D Material(s): wrought iron/pinewood Type: Bar Accessories and Tools Color: Brown

10 Bottle Wine Rack in Black Wood $34.99 Introduce to your bar or countertop the classic elegance and timeless design of this Accordia Wine Rack. This smartly designed rack is crafted from durable wood and is equipped with dowels on top for easy pick up and portability. Display up to 10 of your favorite wine bottles with this unique bar accessory. The easy collapsible design allows for convenient storage even when not in use.Features: • Durable wood construction • Dowels on top act as handles for portability • Holds up to 10 bottles • Collapsible design for easy storage • Color: BlackSize: 15 1/2"tall x 22"wide x 7 1/4"deep

Designer 100 Individual Bottle Wine Rack $395 Individual bottle wine storage is the most popular style of wine rack. In this rack, each bottle is cradled on two rails that are cut with beveled ends and rounded edges which ensure the labels will not tear when the bottles are removed. This individual bottle wood wine rack is 5 columns wide x 19 rows high. - Total Bottle Capacity: 100. - Rack must be secured to the wall. - Some assembly required. - Wine is not included.

8 Bottle Espresso Wine Butler by Winsome Wood $266.99 Create a full service entertainment station with the Wine Butler by Winsome Wood. Made of solid beechwood with a rich espresso finish, this furniture piece adds an elegant touch to your home. This wine bar features a lower criss-cross shelf that holds 8 bottles of wine. The upper cabinet comes equipped with a drop leaf door that opens to reveal a storage place designed for up to 24 stemware glasses as well as open bottles of wine. The top surface slides open to a 12" deep storage shelf that is great for wine accessories and bar tools. Assembly required; tools and hardware included. Features: • Crafted of Solid Beachwood • Slide the top open to reveal a storage area • Drop leaf door with wine glass storage • Criss cross shelf holds 8 bottles • Assembly required; tools and hardware included • Finish: EspressoSize: 37"tall x 30"wide x 20"deep Please Note: This item cannot be returned without a Return Authorization Number, please contact Customer Service . The manufacturer replaces missing, defective or damaged parts; returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.

Bottle Of Wine And Com $12.49 Bottle Of Wine And Com

VINO-100WC International 70 Bottle Wine $1735 Compact wine cellar houses approximately 70 bottles Wine cabinet has wood and aluminum racking hand made in Luan mahogany wood veneer with dark cherry finish brass finish lock and key 1500 BTU Wine-Mate cooling unit with digital readout and universal...

54 Bottle Wine Rack. $29.99 This stunning wine rack holds up to 54 bottles, ideal for the serious collector. Made from attractive steel and wood, this is an ideal way to display your wines in an easy to find manner.Galvanised steel and wood.Stores up to 54 bottles.Suitable for bottles up to 1 litre.Size H62, W81, D22cm.Self assembled.

Nine-Bottle Wooden Wine Cart $103 Ideal for small spaces, this wine cart can hold nine bottles and glasses as well. It is made of wood in an oak finish.

Espresso Eighteen-Bottle Wine Tower $244 This attractive tower holds glasses and eighteen of your favorite wine selections. It is made of wood in a deep espresso finish.

20 Bottle Wine Cabinet in Walnut $179.99 With room for 20 bottles, wine glasses, and a drawer for accessories, the Regalia Wine Cabinet by Winsome Wood holds everything necessary for preparing and enjoying a glass of wine. This elegant wine cabinet provides the top notch style and convenience that your wine collection deserves. Ingeniously equipped with a special nook to hold up to 20 wine bottles separately, you can be sure that your bottles are safe until you are ready to enjoy. The cabinet is made of solid Beechwood and boasts a stunning walnut finish. Glasses can be kept safely stored on the specially designed stem slots. The drawer provides a convenient place to store your wine accessories such as corkscrews, bottle stoppers, wine charms and so much more.Features: • Solid Beechwood construction • Equipped to hold up to 20 bottles in separate nooks • Wine glasses held inverted and securely • Drawer securely stores accessories and supplies • Color: WalnutSize: 40 1/3"tall x 26 1/2"wide x 15 3/4"deep

Wine Accessories Bottle Set $62.26 Handsome mahogany box set of wine accessories with beautiful burlwood inset for the golf-loving connoisseur.Includes retractable, multifunction corkscrew opener, two stoppers with lacquered wood tops, absorbent ring for dripless pouring, and small serving tray for snacks.Magnetic closure; measures 6.75"L x 2.25"W x 9.75"H.

Vinotemp VINO-250-ASPEN 160 Bottle Aspen Series Wine Cellar - Wood And Aluminum $4509 The Aspen-style exterior of this premium Wine Cellar invokes feelings of the slopes. This unit has the feel of a sleek pair of skis with its wood and brushed aluminum striped door. Universal 3 3/4 inch racking made of interlocking redwood and aluminum allows most of your wine bottles to fit comfortably. Approximate capacity is 160 bottles. (Capacity varies with size and shape of bottle. ) Dimensions: (28 inchW x 29 inchD x 73 inchH).

Imax 10814 Vermont Wood Single Bottle Wine Holder $40.43 Stylish single bottle wine holder. Material: 90 Wrought Iron 10 Pinewood. Artist: Carolyn Kinder. Dimensions: 16.25 H x 6 D. IMAX exclusive

Wine Rack - 21 Bottle Wine Butler $184.1 This wrought iron and wood floor standing Wine Butler by Howard Miller offers a removable serving tray. The wrought iron metal wine rack is finished in warm gray and the wooden serving tray in Americana Cherry. Wine rack holds up to 21 bottles. Some assembly required. Adjustable levelers under each corner provide stability on uneven and carpeted floors.

20 Bottle Espresso Wine Cabinet with French Doors by Winsome Wood $192.99 This stunning Wine Cabinet by Winsome Wood provides a wonderful place to store and display your favorite bottles of wine. Made of solid wood with a rich espresso finish, this furniture piece adds an elegant touch to your home. This wine cabinet features glass french doors that open to a 20 bottle sectioned interior with slots for hanging 8-12 stemware wine glasses. The decorative satin nickel hardware adds grace and style to the piece. Assembly required; tools and hardware included. Features: • Crafted of solid wood • Glass French door with satin nickel hardware • 20 bottle sectioned interior • Slots for hanging 8-12 stemware wine glasses • Assembly required • Finish: EspressoSize: 40"tall x 22"wide x 17"deep Please Note: This item cannot be returned without a Return Authorization Number, please contact Customer Service . The manufacturer replaces missing, defective or damaged parts; returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.

16 Bottle Espresso Wine Cabinet with Glass Door by Winsome Wood $154.99 This stunning Wine Cabinet by Winsome Wood provides a wonderful place to store and display your favorite bottles of wine. Made of solid wood with a rich espresso finish, this furniture piece adds an elegant touch to your home. This wine cabinet features a glass door that opens to a 16 bottle sectioned interior with slots for hanging 8-12 stemware wine glasses. The decorative satin nickel hardware adds grace and style to the piece. Assembly required; tools and hardware included. Features: • Crafted of solid wood • Elegant glass door with satin nickel hardware • 16 bottle sectioned interior • Slots for hanging 8-12 stemware wine glasses • Assembly required • Finish: EspressoSize: 40 1/5"tall x 22"wide x 16"deep Please Note: This item cannot be returned without a Return Authorization Number, please contact Customer Service . The manufacturer replaces missing, defective or damaged parts; returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.

RACK-H3PR-RW 3-Column Wood Wine Racks $273 This 3-Column Individual Bottle Rack keeps bottles safely organized individually and on display Crafted from premium redwood for an attractive look it is ideal for starting or expanding any wine collection Vinotemp uses untreated domestic wood for th...