The conditions in which vintage wines are stored are extremely important. Storage conditions—including temperature, humidity, lighting and vibration—all influence how fine wines develop.
Liebherr has been the industry leader in wine storage since the early 1990s, initially creating products for high-end restaurants, wineries and hotels. Eventually individual wine collectors expressed a demand for proper wine storage at home, and Liebherr responded with a line of wine storage cabinets that address the precise needs of fine wines to ensure maximum enjoyment.
Temperature must be kept at a constant to ensure that wine reaches optimum maturity. For both red and white wines 55ºF (13ºC ) is the ideal temperature for long-term storage. Liebherr’s specific electronic controls guarantee that temperature is kept constant.
Proper humidity is essential in wine storage. If humidity is too low the cork can dry out and shrink, compromising the integrity of the wine. To keep corks as moist as possible from the inside, wine bottles are always stored on their side. With 50% to 80% relative humidity, Liebherr wine cabinets guarantee ideal conditions.
Odors and poor air quality can negatively impact a wine’s flavor. For this reason, basements, pantries and garages are not ideal for wine storage. All Liebherr wine cabinets are equipped with active carbon filters, purifying all incoming air to create ideal conditions for wine storage. The units also feature untreated wooden shelving, which—free from coating materials—give off no odors.
Great wines need peace and quiet. Even minor vibrations can have a negative effect on a wine’s flavors by stirring up fine sediment. Liebherr’s specially developed compressors minimize noise and vibration, allowing your vintage collection to mature in peace. The tinted glass doors also keep out damaging UV rays, providing the dark storage conditions that fine wines demand.
When serving white wines, the ideal temperature is 46ºF (8ºC), while red wines are best served at 64ºF (18ºC). With their precise temperature controls Liebherr wine cabinets ensure that the temperature you desire is constantly maintained. Unlike other wine refrigerators, which only have cooling functions, Liebherr wine cabinets are also capable of heating to maintain the perfect conditions should the wine cabinet’s surroundings drop below the desired temperature.
The flavor of your wine will continue to change even once it is uncorked. The glassware you serve your wine in can greatly influence the wine drinking experience. By selecting the proper stemware you can ensure that the wine’s best attributes—its aromas, intensities, flavors and complexities—are presented in the best way possible.
Red wines are best served in a glass with a wider bowl and wider opening. The intense flavors of red wines need the larger air surface to release their aromas and showcase their bold flavors.
White wines are more delicate than reds, and as such are served in smaller bowls with narrower openings. The smaller glass size allows the whites to retain their chill, while concentrating their aromas.
Champagnes are best served in flutes. These tall, cylindrical glasses allow the champagne to keep its signature bubbles for longer, and provide a small surface for its sweet, delicate flavors to oxidize.
