Chase Maser on December 8, 2016 0 Comments If you’re an occasional wine drinker with a specific taste for only reds or whites, then where you store your bottles isn’t too much of a concern. Most people place their Merlots on the countertop, while others put their Zinfandels in the crisper drawer of their fridge; it really all depends on the types of wines you find yourself purchasing. But if you feel like expanding your repertoire a bit more with wines of different varietals, then purchasing a wine cooler with single or dual temperature zones is a great way to boost your inner sommelier. What is a Wine Cooler? To get started, you may be asking yourself what a wine cooler is in the first place. Putting it simply, a wine cooler is a separate appliance made specifically to properly refrigerate your wines. All types of wines are supposed to be maintained in terms of temperature and storage, and a wine cooler allows any consumer to utilize ideal storage methods in their own home. Depending on what kinds of space you have available in your kitchen or separate room, you have the option to purchase either a built-in or freestanding unit. Built-in units can be placed under the counter or into an old trash-compactor, whereas a freestanding unit can be plugged in and pushed up against the wall. Wine coolers are a great way to add some diversity to your home, all while showing your guests that you mean business when it comes to wine. Wine Storage Temperatures The reason why temperature is important when it comes to wine storage is because the taste of wine is deeply affected by it. Let’s consider a normal bottle of Chardonnay. If it is stored at room temperature, the flavor would be overly sweet, thick, and pungent. On the other hand, if it is stored at a chilled temperature in a fridge, the flavor becomes lighter, tangier, and mild. The same idea applies to red wines, too. White wines are more applauded for their acidity, but red wines need both acidity and bitterness to pack a punch, which is where temperature plays a part. Red wines have an organic compound within them called tannins, and these compounds are manipulated by storage temperature. If a red wine is chilled, the tannins are boosted and give the wine more flavor and a subtler smell; if red wine is stored at room temperature, the tannins become weak, which then leads to an inconsistency of flavors. Overall, wines are best preserved and presented when they are stored at a certain temperature, so knowing what those temperatures are will offer the best experience for your guests, as well as saving you money! What Are Temperature Zones? Once the idea of temperature is all sorted out, the next thing to consider are the temperature zones that wine coolers utilize. Temperature zones represent the space within a wine cooler that allow for the manipulation of temperature change. This means that depending on whether your unit has single, dual, or multiple zone options, those zones can be set to a desired temperature to properly maintain your wines. Single Zone Wine Coolers Primarily, the most common temperature zone equipped in both built-in and freestanding units are single zone capabilities. Single zone wine coolers are units that can be set to one temperature, and that temperature is maintained throughout the entire appliance. Wine coolers with a single zone are the best option for consumers who buy only a certain kind of wine because a certain stock can be maintained easily. If you find yourself buying only white wines, then they can be chilled at a cool 52 degrees; if red wines are more your speed, then your entire collection can be set at a mild 60 degrees. Whatever your preferences are, a single zone wine cooler is easily adjustable and maintainable, and it’s a great option to store your wines in a designated space instead of stockpiling everything in the refrigerator. Dual Zone Wine Coolers Dual zone wine coolers are made to provide two separate spaces within the appliance that can be set to different temperatures. This option is perfect for any consumer who has an equal appreciation for different types of wines or sparkling beverages. For example, champagnes can be stored in the bottom half of the unit at around 45 degrees, and Cabernets can be stored above at 64 degrees. So much versatility is offered with a dual zone wine cooler, and the best part is that many units — built-in and freestanding — can come equipped with dual zones. Of course, a dual zone wine cooler costs more than a single zone one, but the freedom to try different wines is well worth the bump in price. Multiple Zone Wine Coolers This option is the best one for a wine lover with a wide range of interests because multiple zones means that many different varietals can be stored at different temperatures throughout the unit. Imagine a wine cooler where you can properly store Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and Prosecco within their respected areas without any worries of ruining their structure. The only downside to a multiple zone appliance is that these units are typically much larger than a single or dual zone unit, which means they require a specific space for installation, and they will cost more money. Multiple zones are more commonly found in larger units, so if you’re looking to fill a small space under the counter, but you want multiple zones, you may be forced to purchase a dual zone unit until your interests take you to the next level! Things to Consider A good rule of thumb for choosing which type of temperatures zones will best suit your needs is the location of where your unit is installed. The location of your unit will ultimately decide the size of the unit you choose, and size translates to how many zones your unit can have. Smaller appliances are mostly equipped with single and dual zone capabilities, whereas larger appliances can have dual or multiple zone capabilities. Putting everything together, you’ll need to pinpoint where you want to place your cooler, what size you need, how many zones you want, and then how much you’re willing to spend. Once you’ve nailed down all those factors, finding a wine cooler that matches your criteria is the easy part! There are tons of different brands that will undoubtedly meet your requirements, so whether you’re new to buying wines, or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll be able to find exactly what you want at a price that works.
