What kind of protection does the glass door offer against UV rays?  The standard glass used in wine cellars offers a 70% UV protections and the fluted glass offers 63%.  The glass is the same type used in finer home window applications.

How does high altitude affect the wine cellar?  Extensive tests have shown that high altitudes have no affect on the wine cellar.

What is the available temperature range?  The TriTemp™ Storage System provides three independent temperature zones that can be set from 43 and 65°F.

What door stop adjustments are available on Built-In Wine Cellars?  90, 110, and 120 degree door stop settings are standard.

Can Built-In Wine Cellars be “Freestanding”?  Yes.  Side panel and top kits are available to transform a built-in wine cellar into a “freestanding” unit.  The wine cellar will still need to be secured to the wall either through the same methods as a built-in, or by using the anti-tip device included with the top kits.

What is the available temperature range?  The temperature can be set between 44°F and 68°F.

How many bottles of wine can be stored?  The 15” wide model holds 24 bottles, and the 24” wide model holds 45.

How do wine cellars protect my wines?  Viking Wine Cellars have Dual Pane argon filled glass doors, low intensity LED interior lighting, and vibration reducing coated wine shelves.

How can the units be installed?  They can either be installed under a counter or freestanding and may be installed as single units, or side-by-side.

What type of wine should be cellared?
Every wine will benefit from proper storage conditions. The appropriate length of storage depends on the grape varietal and the quality of the wine.

 

What are the proper temperature and humidity settings for storage wine?
The general rule is that temperature should be approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit (55-60 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate for red wines) and humidity between 60% and 75%. Sparkling wines and most white wines which generally develop at a faster rate than reds, can be stored at lower temperatures (45-55 degrees Fahrenheit) to slow the maturation and provide a longer "drinking window."

 

Why are bottles stored horizontally?
To keep corks moist and swollen which prevents air from entering the bottle, thus avoiding oxidation.

 

Is it okay to store champagne in the refrigerator?
Only for a period of up to 24 hours. The temperatures are too cold and dry, plus odors from food may impart off-flavors.

 

Do storage levels affect the temperature?
It is always better to have the cellar well stocked. More mass controls the temperature better, preventing the compressor from running too frequently due to having to cool an excess volume of space.

The evolution of a wine is fascinating and complex. Generalization regarding the time needed for a particular wine varietal to reach its peak of development are just that - a general guideline. Within a varietal, the vintage and the vintner's individual style of making the wine, along with other factors, will have a substantial influence on the ability of a particular wine to age well. Some of the better wine critics will include in wine's review a "drinking window", or range of years during which they predict the wine will be at its best. We recommend that you subscribe to one of these experts' newsletters to help you in a selecting wines to buy and in determining how long to age them.

 

Typically, dry white wines don't benefit much, if any, from aging (very find Burgundy, Riesling, and Champagne are prominent exceptions). Neverthess, it is wise to store them in a cellar to protect them from heat and light damage. Red wines are a different story. A fine, well-balanced red wine from a good vintage will usually improve with some age. Most  very fine Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux, Syrahs, Burgundys, Barolos, and Riogjas are made with the expectation that they will be allowed to age in order to reach their full potential.

 

Set forth here is a table of very general guidelines for the aging of several red wines by varietal or region. Again, for an outstanding bottle of wine, it is worth doing a little research.

 

Wine	Aging Guidelines
Barolo	5-15 years
Bordeaux	5-15 years (some much longer)
Burgundy	2-10 years
Cabernet Sauvignon	3-10 years
Chianti	0-5 years
Merlot	0-5 years
Pinot Noir (other than Burgundy)	1-6 years
Port - Vintage	10-30 years
Rioja	3-10 years
Syrah	5-10 years
Zinfandel Red	1-5 years

 

The temperature at which a wine is served has a significant effect on its taste. The appropriate temperature allows a good wine to express its depth and complexity of aromas. In general, red wines served at temperatures above 68 degrees will taste monolithic and have a warm, alcoholic aftertaste. They lose their balance and liveliness. White wines are often served too cold, suppressing the flavors and richness of the wines.

Since it is seldom possible to monitor or control a wine's temperature during a meal, we suggest serving it at a temperature somewhat cooler than its recommended range, allowing it to warm up and develop in the glass. 

 

Wine	Suggested Temperature
Beaujolais	54-59° F
Bordeaux - Red	62-67° F
Bordeaux - White	50-54° F
Cabernet Sauvignon	62-67° F
Champagne	40-44° F
Chardonnay	45-50° F
Chenin Blanc	43-48° F
Chianti	58-63° F
Dessert Wines	45-50° F
Gewurztraminer	45-50° F
Merlot	58-63° F
Pinot Gris	45-50° F
Pinot Noir	58-63° F
Rioja	59-68° F
Port - Tawny	50-55° F
Port - Vintage	62-67° F
Rose	40-44° F
Sauvignon Blanc	50-54° F
Sparkling Wines	45-50° F
Sparkling Wines - Inexpensive	40-44° F
Syrah	59-68° F
Zinfandel Red	62-67° F