Are you seeking guidance for your wine cellar? Welcome to the world of cellaring —where time transforms already delicious wines into something otherworldly.
Cellaring isn’t just about preserving wine; it’s a process that allows wine to develop and mature gracefully over time. We’ve outlined our top tips for preserving our wines for a magical occasion, either now, or in 2044!
Understanding the Essence of Cellaring
At Trinity Hill, we believe in the power of patience. Cellaring wine requires time, care, and a touch of devotion.
Cellaring wines, or wine aging, is a practice where wines are stored for an extended period under controlled conditions to allow them to mature and develop more complex flavours and aromas. Not all wines benefit from aging, but certain types, such as high-quality red wines, some white wines, and certain dessert wines, can improve significantly with time.
Cellaring wines allows them to undergo chemical reactions that soften tannins, integrate flavours, and develop tertiary characteristics like earthy notes or nuances of leather. Temperature, humidity, light, and vibration are critical factors to consider when storing wine, as they can affect its aging process. Generally, wines are stored in a cool, dark, and humid environment, such as a wine cellar or a wine fridge, to maintain their quality over time.
Choosing the Right Wines for Cellaring
Not all wines are created equal when it comes to cellaring. While some are best enjoyed in their youthful exuberance, others blossom with age, revealing layers of complexity. Here’s a brief guide to help you select wines worthy of your cellar:
- Red Wines: Varietals like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot often benefit from cellaring. Their robust tannins and structured profiles soften over time, unveiling richer flavours and aromas, particularly exemplified in our Homage. Our Hawke’s Bay reds can be cellared for 1-5 years, especially in great years such as 2020 and 2021. Our Gimblett Gravels reds can easily be cellared for 10 years while our Single Vineyard and Homage can be enjoyed tonight, or in 20 years!
- White Wines: Certain white wines, particularly Chardonnay , possess the potential to age gracefully. With careful cellaring, they develop captivating nuances, from buttery textures to honeyed notes. Our Single Vineyard 125 Chardonnay is a particularly good choice for cellaring, and can be kept for 10 years under the right conditions.
- Rosé Wines: While most rosés are best enjoyed young for their freshness, some premium offerings can surprise with their ability to age gracefully. Look for rosés with ample acidity and depth of flavour for cellaring. Our Single Vineyard Molly’s Block 2021 is as enjoyable now as when it was first put into bottle.
The Art of Cellaring: Tips and Tricks
1. Storing Conditions: Maintain a consistent temperature between 10-15°C (50-59°F) in a dark, humidity-controlled environment.
Tips for controlling and maintaining the temperature:
A. Consistent Temperature: Aim for a consistent temperature between 10°C and 15°C for long-term wine storage. Fluctuations in temperature can harm the wine, so stability is key.
B. Insulation: Ensure proper insulation of your cellar to minimize temperature fluctuations. Good insulation helps in maintaining a stable environment regardless of external temperature changes.
C. Climate Control Systems: Invest in a climate control system designed specifically for wine cellars. These systems regulate temperature and humidity levels to create an ideal environment for wine storage. Options include self-contained cooling units, split systems, or ducted systems.
D. Thermometer: Install a reliable thermometer in your cellar to monitor temperature levels regularly. Digital thermometers with alarms are especially useful for alerting you to any sudden fluctuations.
E. Humidity Control: Along with temperature, humidity is essential for wine storage. Aim for a humidity level between 50% and 70% to prevent corks from drying out and to discourage mold growth. (Only some of our older wines will be under cork). Humidity control systems or devices such as humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help maintain optimal humidity levels.
F. Avoid Sunlight: Keep your cellar away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, as they can raise the temperature inside. Use opaque curtains or UV-blocking windows to prevent UV radiation from damaging your wines.
G. Air Circulation: Ensure adequate air circulation in your cellar to prevent pockets of warm or cold air from forming. Proper ventilation helps maintain uniform temperature distribution.
H. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks for your climate control system to ensure it’s functioning properly. Clean air filters and inspect the system for any signs of malfunction.
I. Backup Power: Consider installing a backup power source, such as a generator or battery backup, to keep your climate control system running during power outages.
2. Positioning Bottles: If you have any of our older vintages under cork, it’s best to store these bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from seeping in, preserving the wine’s freshness.
3. Patience is Key: Allow the wines ample time to evolve. While some may reach their peak within a few years, others may require a decade or more to unveil their full potential. We know it’s tough to stay away from that 2019 Homage but it will be worth it!
4. Keep Records: Its helps to maintain records of your cellar, including purchase dates, varietals, and anticipated drinking windows. We can provide detailed tasting notes for each of our wines for your records, which also include optimal cellaring lengths. Of course, you can always contact us if you have any questions about any of your wines and when it might be best to enjoy them!
Cellar Selections:
Already have some of our wines hiding away for a special occasion? Here is our list of wines that are ready to be enjoyed!
Hawke’s Bay:
– Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019
– Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2020
Gimblett Gravels:
– Gimblett Gravels The Gimblett 2014
– Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2016
– Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo 2016
– Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017
– Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2017
– Gimblett Gravels Marsanne Viognier 2019
Single Vineyard & Homage:
– Homage 2010
– Homage 2014
And now the fun part! How to enjoy your cellared wines:
Enjoying wine when it’s ready involves a few key steps to fully appreciate its flavors, aromas, and nuances.
1. Choose the Right Glassware: Select a suitable wine glass that enhances the aromas and flavors of the wine. For example, red wines typically benefit from larger glasses with a wide bowl to allow for swirling and aeration, while white wines and sparkling wines are best served in narrower glasses to preserve their delicate aromas.
2. Decant if Necessary: Some wines, especially younger red wines or those with sediment, benefit from decanting. Pouring the wine into a decanter allows it to aerate, softening tannins and enhancing its aromas and flavours. However, not all wines require decanting, so check recommendations based on the specific wine you’re serving.
3. Observe the Colour: Hold your glass up to the light and observe the colour of the wine. Tilt the glass slightly to see how the colour changes towards the rim. This can give you insights into the wine’s age, grape variety, and potential flavour profile.
4. Swirl and Sniff: Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas. Then, take a moment to smell the wine, inhaling deeply to capture the full range of scents. Note any fruit, floral, herbal, or earthy aromas, as well as any oak or spice notes imparted by aging.
5. Sip and Savour: Take a small sip of the wine and let it linger on your palate. Roll it around your mouth to fully experience its flavours and texture. Note the wine’s acidity, sweetness, tannins (in the case of red wine), and any other distinctive characteristics. Pay attention to how the flavours evolve from the initial taste to the finish.
6. Consider Food Pairings: Wine can enhance the flavours of food, and vice versa. Experiment with different food pairings to find combinations that complement each other. Generally, lighter wines pair well with lighter dishes, while fuller-bodied wines can stand up to richer, more robust flavours.
7. Relax and Enjoy: Wine is meant to be enjoyed in good company and a relaxed atmosphere. Take your time to savour each sip and engage in conversation with your fellow wine enthusiasts. Share your thoughts and impressions of the wine, and appreciate the experience as a whole.
Cheers to the art of cellaring and enjoying your Trinity Hill wines for many years to come!
