Wine racks are a handy way to store a few bottles of wine in the dining room. They are manufactured in many different materials from wood to metal and come in a wide range of sizes. Here are some tips to help select a wine rack to suit your needs and budget.
Some very traditional producers such as Marques de Murrieta make a style mostly intended for the domestic market, and while very interesting and different, it is likely to provoke a love it/hate it reaction from your guests. Experiment with a bottle of Capellania Blanco 2005 (Berry Brothers and Rudd, pound(s)18.95), which has come from 50-year-old vines and is released only after spending nearly 18 months in French oak barriques.Consider how long will the wine be stored - If you frequently drink the bottles in your wine rack then it is OK if they are exposed to some heat and sunlight. If you are a collector who stores bottles of fine wine for years you may want a rack that covers most of the bottle so light and heat do not ruin your wine. You may want to consider buying a free-standing wine cabinet or converting an existing closet to use for wine storage.The style and d�cor of the room - Select a wine rack that fits nicely with your existing d�cor and surroundings. Stainless steel racks give a more modern look. Wooden racks look more traditional and are available in a wide array of finishes: oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, etc. Wrought iron blends well with a wide array of d�cor styles.Consider the amount of space you have - Some wine racks are designed to sit on a countertop, some are made to sit on the floor, and some styles are designed to be mounted to a wall or ceiling. Some racks are designed with additional storage features for glassware or bar accessories. If you have limited space these additional storage features can be very useful.Alternatively, try the more modern styled Campo Bravo Rioja Blanco 2008 (M&S, pound(s)6.99) which is fresh and fruity and incredibly user-friendly whilst still retaining the body that you'll need for Geoff's hake dish.How much are you willing to spend on storage? Depending on the quality, material, and size, a rack can cost you anywhere from $20 to well over $100. A handcrafted wood rack displays bottles nicely but can set you back a few hundred dollars, while a modern looking rack can cost between $30-$50. Cheaper versions of racks may fit your budget, but you may have a hard time finding one that suits your taste and home decor. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much -- or more -- on a rack as you would spend on a bottle of wine. Do you regularly buy expensive bottles or is your budget usually less than $20?Will you be displaying the wine or are you just looking for storage? If you're a wine collector or enthusiast, displaying an older or expensive bottle will require a different rack than someone who buys house brands and just needs a decorative storage unit. Both types of racks can be attractive looking, but a display rack will allow you to show the labels and keep the bottle tilted at an optimal level.
Check your local department stores or online retailers for the latest wine rack styles. Many online retailers offer free shipping and have product reviews that may help with the selection process. Selecting a wine rack should be a fun process. Consider it an investment for all the wines you will enjoy today as well as those that you will save for a special occasion in the future.
Author: Michelle Pelletier
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