Cult Insider

EDITION 023 | SEPTEMBER 2024

How to Preserve Your Wine Collection Without a Cellar

Written by - Cult Wines team

For wine enthusiasts and collectors, storing fine wine is crucial to preserving its quality. The delicate balance of temperature, light, and humidity plays a significant role in the maturation of a fine vintage. Unfortunately, many collectors have faced the disappointment of uncorking a long-held bottle only to find that it has not aged as expected. If you plan to age your wine over the long term, professional storage is often the best option. However, for those intending to enjoy their wine sooner rather than later, it is possible to store wine at home without a cellar. Here’s how you can do it effectively.

Managing Temperature: The Most Important Factor

When it comes to storing wine at home, temperature control is paramount. Wine is highly sensitive to temperature variations, and even slight fluctuations can impact its flavour and aroma. The ideal storage temperature for wine is around 12°C, though a range of 8°C to 18°C is generally acceptable. Temperatures above 21°C can prematurely age the wine, leading to less vibrant flavours and diminished aromatic complexity.

Storing wine in a refrigerator for extended periods is not advisable, as the cold, dry air can cause corks to dry out. A dried cork may allow air into the bottle, leading to oxidation and spoilage. If refrigeration is necessary, ensure that wines are consumed within a few months to avoid these issues.

Choosing the Right Storage Location: Stability Matters

Selecting the right place to store your wine is essential. The key is to find a location in your home where the temperature remains as constant as possible. Areas like kitchens, utility rooms, and garages are generally unsuitable due to frequent temperature changes caused by cooking, appliances, or outdoor weather conditions.

Instead, look for spaces that offer stability, such as a cupboard under the stairs or an unheated closet. These areas are less likely to experience temperature swings, making them more suitable for wine storage. Consistency is crucial, so once you find a stable spot, it will help maintain the quality of your wine.

Light Exposure: The Silent Deteriorator

Light, particularly sunlight, can be harmful to wine, causing it to age prematurely and lose its intended character. This issue, known as "light strike," can lead to unpleasant changes in taste and aroma. Wine bottles are often made from dark glass to help shield the contents from light, but this protection is not foolproof.

It's best to store your wine in a dark place away from windows and direct sunlight to protect it. Even artificial light can pose some risks; while standard household bulbs are generally safe, they can fade labels over time. It's also advisable to avoid fluorescent lighting, as it emits small amounts of ultraviolet light that can be detrimental to wine.

Humidity Levels: Finding the Sweet Spot

While humidity might not be the first thing that comes to mind when storing wine, it plays a vital role in maintaining the cork's integrity. Ideally, humidity levels should be between 50% and 80%. If the air is too dry, corks can shrink, allowing air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine. Conversely, too much humidity can lead to mould growth on the labels, which, while not harmful to the wine, can affect the bottle's appearance.

Most homes naturally fall within the ideal humidity range, but if you live in an exceptionally dry environment, placing a bowl of water near your wine storage can help maintain adequate moisture levels. If your storage area is too humid, a dehumidifier can help protect your labels from damage.

Storing Bottles: Horizontal or Vertical?

Traditionally, wine bottles are stored on their sides to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out. This method is particularly important for wines sealed with natural corks and intended for long-term ageing. However, if you plan to drink the wine within a few years or if the bottle has a screw cap or synthetic cork, the position of the bottle is less critical.

Storing bottles horizontally is often the most space-efficient method, especially as your collection grows. Wine racks are designed with this storage orientation in mind and can be a practical addition to your home wine storage setup.

Investing in a Wine Fridge: When to Upgrade

If your home lacks a suitable place for wine storage or your collection is growing and requires more specialised care, it might be time to invest in a wine fridge or a standalone wine cooler. These appliances are designed to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity for wine storage, providing a stable environment similar to a traditional wine cellar.

Various options are available, from compact units that hold a small number of bottles to larger, more advanced systems that can accommodate a more extensive collection. As a general guideline, if the cost of a wine fridge represents less than 25% of your annual wine budget, it's a wise investment. Choosing a unit with a capacity greater than your current needs is also advisable, as wine collections often grow faster than anticipated.

Extra Considerations for Wine Collectors

For those deeply invested in wine collecting, additional measures can help protect your collection. Keeping an organised inventory of your wines, including their optimal drinking windows, will help you manage your collection and ensure that bottles are enjoyed at their peak. This can also prevent you from accidentally forgetting about bottles that may be reaching the end of their ideal ageing period.

Finally, remember that wine is a living, evolving product. Even with the best storage practices, your wine will continue to change over time. Regularly tasting your wines is one of the most rewarding aspects of collecting, allowing you to appreciate the development of each bottle and make informed decisions about when to enjoy them.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively store your wine at home without the need for a cellar, ensuring that your collection remains in optimal condition for future enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, proper storage is key to preserving the quality of your wines.

News in brief

UK Drinks Industry Warns Chancellor Against Tax Increases

The UK drinks and hospitality sectors have issued a stark warning to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her upcoming Budget. Trade bodies caution that raising alcohol excise duties or business taxes could devastate an industry struggling with inflation and reduced consumer confidence. Despite a forecasted £800 million revenue boost from a 6% alcohol duty hike, industry leaders argue it would lead to falling sales, lower tax revenues, and further pub closures. With alcohol duty already down £1.3 billion from 2023, the sector is pushing for a duty freeze.

Taittinger Officially Opens its First Winery in UK

The Duchess of Edinburgh officially opened Domaine Evremond, a Kent winery co-run by Taittinger, marking the first time a major Champagne house has invested in UK vineyards. At the event, HRH unveiled a commemorative plaque and celebrated the presentation of the vineyard's first Classic Cuvée, set for release in 2025. The project, a collaboration between Taittinger and UK partner Hatch Mansfield, has been in the making for over ten years. Co-founders Patrick McGrath and Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger hailed the winery as a symbol of Anglo-French friendship.

Image Copyright: Getty Images

Hello Kitty Wine Banned from UK Market

The UK has banned the sale of Hello Kitty-themed wine after The Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel found it had a strong appeal to under-18s. Torti Wine, the Italian producer, argued the wine was aimed at adult consumers, but the panel highlighted that the character is widely associated with children. The wine, featuring Hello Kitty’s trademark red bow on its label, will no longer be sold in the UK as it was deemed inappropriate for an alcohol product to use a children's cartoon character in its branding.

Alexa Atkinson, Senior Marketing Manager - Cult Wines - Strange Kompanjie Cinsault 2023

What we’re drinking

Strange Kompanjie Cinsault 2023

Alexa Atkinson, Senior Marketing Manager - Cult Wines

I recently picked up the Strange Kompanjie Cinsault 2023 from my local wine shop, and I have to shout out to Liz, the owner, who recommended it as the perfect light summer wine. She wasn’t wrong! My partner and I enjoyed this wine in our garden on a sunny Saturday afternoon, paired with a spicy shakshuka. It was a match made in heaven—easy to drink, fresh, and vibrant, with just the right balance of red berry flavours and a hint of spice that complemented the dish beautifully.

This Cinsault is made from 30-year-old, dry-grown bush vines in Paarl, South Africa, a region known for its warm climate that produces ripe, concentrated flavours. Roughly 30% of the fruit undergoes carbonic maceration, adding freshness and vibrancy to the wine. Fermented spontaneously in older French oak, it’s a naturally produced wine with no fining or filtration, and low sulphur levels, ensuring that each sip reflects a pure expression of the fruit.

Best served slightly chilled (around 13-15°C), this wine shows off a bright bouquet of fresh cherries, cranberries, and raspberries with a touch of earthy spice. The palate delivers juicy, crunchy red berries, tangy acidity, and a smooth, lightly spiced finish. Its natural acidity and gentle tannins make it incredibly quaffable, and the wine’s light body makes it perfect for warmer days.

If you’re looking for a versatile, refreshing wine to enjoy outdoors, whether on its own or with Mediterranean dishes, chargrilled veg, or even a spicy shakshuka like we did, this is a great choice. It’s become our new favourite, and I’m sure it will be for you too.

Our fine wine feature

The Many Faces of Pinot Noir: A Grape Shaped by Its Surroundings

Written by - Jessie Wu, Client Account Manager - Cult Wines

Pinot Noir, the beloved red Burgundy grape, is highly sensitive to its growing environment, resulting in distinct styles based on the terroir and climate in which it is cultivated. Known for its transparent expression of place, Pinot Noir offers a variety of flavours ranging from bright fruitiness to earthy complexity.

While it can deliver some of the most elegant and refined wines, the challenges of growing Pinot Noir, such as sensitivity to yields, thin-skinned berries, and a tendency to rot in damp climates, make it one of the most difficult grapes to cultivate successfully.

Burgundy: The Heart and Soul of Pinot Noir

In Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir thrives due to the region's ideal combination of cool climate and limestone-rich soils. The wines from the Côte d'Or, particularly in villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, are renowned for their complexity and balance of fruit and earthiness. In Gevrey-Chambertin, the limestone soils produce robust and structured wines with flavours of dark cherry and a signature earthiness, while Chambolle-Musigny’s Pinot Noirs are known for their elegance and floral qualities. Burgundy’s terroir allows Pinot Noir to fully express itself, resulting in wines that can vary greatly in flavour, texture, and ageing potential.

The Many Faces of Pinot Noir: A Grape Shaped by Its Surroundings

Oregon vs. California: A Tale of Two Pinots

Across the Atlantic, the climate of the Pacific Northwest in the United States, particularly Oregon, also provides an ideal setting for Pinot Noir. Oregon’s cool and wet autumns give rise to wines that are lighter in body and colour compared to those from California, with bright flavours of cranberry and cherry accompanied by earthy undertones like truffle and mushrooms.

Meanwhile, California’s more fruit-forward Pinot Noirs, particularly from regions such as Sonoma and Santa Barbara, tend to be richer and more robust, with flavours of black cherry, vanilla, and clove thanks to the region’s warmer temperatures.

Germany's Spätburgunder: A Hidden Gem

Germany, where Pinot Noir is known as Spätburgunder, offers yet another expression of the grape. The country’s cooler climates, particularly in regions like Baden and Ahr, produce Pinot Noirs with a delicate balance of fresh red cherries and savoury notes. The wines are often more affordable than their Burgundian counterparts while maintaining a high level of quality. In regions such as Baden, the warmer climate allows for full-bodied Pinot Noirs, while the slate soils of Ahr contribute to structured, elegant wines with a distinctive minerality.

New Zealand’s Bold and Fruit-Driven Pinot Noir

New Zealand, with its maritime climate, presents a fruit-forward and vibrant expression of Pinot Noir. The country’s diverse terroirs, from Central Otago’s dramatic temperature swings to Martinborough’s windy vineyards, contribute to wines that are both rich and complex.

Central Otago’s wines are often marked by intense berry flavours, wild thyme, and minerality, while Martinborough’s Pinot Noirs tend to be more savoury with dark fruit and earthy undertones. The varied terroirs of New Zealand offer an exciting range of Pinot Noir styles that reflect the country’s unique growing conditions.

Pinot Noir’s Emerging Role in the UK

In recent years, the UK has also emerged as a promising region for Pinot Noir, particularly in cooler areas such as Sussex and Kent. While the focus has primarily been on sparkling wines, Pinot Noirs are still beginning to gain recognition. The cool climate and chalky soils, particularly in southern England, allow for a style of Pinot Noir that is more in line with Burgundy, offering lighter, elegant wines with bright red fruit, floral aromas, and a refreshing acidity.

As UK vineyards continue to mature and refine their craft, there is increasing potential for Pinot Noir to flourish as both a still and sparkling wine in the region.

In conclusion, Pinot Noir’s remarkable ability to express its terroir makes it one of the most fascinating and versatile grape varieties in the world. From the earthy and structured wines of Burgundy to the fruit-forward and lush expressions in California, Pinot Noir continues to captivate wine lovers with its delicate balance of fruit, earth, and elegance.

Whether from the cool climates of Oregon, the steep slopes of Germany’s Ahr region, or the sun-drenched vineyards of New Zealand, Pinot Noir’s adaptability and sensitivity to its environment make it a grape that truly embodies the essence of place. As the UK’s wine scene grows, Pinot Noir may very well become a key player in the region’s winemaking future.

Explore & travel

Sunshine Coast Wine and Brisbane’s Rising Charm

Written by - Connor Adams, Relationship Manager - Cult Wines

I recently had the pleasure of returning to my motherland for a two-week holiday, culminating in a trip to the breathtaking Sunshine Coast.

As I sit here writing this, I would be lying if I said a little homesickness didn’t kick in, especially considering it is currently a chilly 10 degrees and raining in London. The contrast between the gloomy weather here and the sunny, vibrant atmosphere of Australia is hard to ignore. Each photo I look at reminds me of the warmth, both from the sun and the people I encountered during my trip.

Queensland’s Growing Wine Scene

What once was a sleepier version of its more famous cousin, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast has now become a holiday destination of choice for travellers from Sydney and Melbourne. Over the years, it has transformed into a thriving hub of activity, offering not only stunning beaches and natural beauty but also a vibrant food and beverage scene. The hinterland is dotted with charming towns, each with its own unique offerings.

For instance, Maleny is a gem that should not be missed. It’s a place where you can sip on locally produced wine while taking in panoramic views of lush landscapes.

Sunshine Coast Wine and Brisbane’s Rising Charm

Queensland’s wine industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, particularly in the hinterland, with wineries producing standout varietals like Verdelho and Shiraz, all of which reflect the region’s sunny, coastal climate. The commitment to sustainability in these vineyards is evident, and tasting these wines is a true reflection of the region’s dedication to quality.

Wine and Food: The Perfect Pairing

My dining experiences throughout the trip also offered a perfect pairing of local wines with Queensland’s incredible fresh produce. One meal at a beachfront restaurant was especially memorable, where I enjoyed a delicate pairing of fresh local seafood with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The citrus notes of the wine balanced beautifully with the natural sweetness of the prawns, creating a combination that felt quintessentially Sunshine Coast.

Similarly, a Maleny Pinot Noir, paired with slow-cooked lamb at a hinterland restaurant, highlighted how well Queensland’s wines complement the richness of its local ingredients, enhancing both the food and the wine.

Brisbane’s Cultural and Wine Renaissance

My sunny hometown of Brisbane also deserves a mention in this narrative. Once merely known for being nestled between two of Australia’s best coastlines, Brisbane has finally started to grow out of the shadows of Sydney and Melbourne.

It’s evolving into a vibrant cultural centre, bursting with art, music, and food that reflects the diversity of its population. The city’s wine culture is also catching up with its Southern counterparts, with a growing number of wine bars and boutique cellars offering both local and international selections. While in London or Europe, there’s often an old-world reverence for wine steeped in centuries of tradition, Brisbane offers a fresh and experimental approach, blending Australian innovation with its newfound culinary confidence.

Brisbane's Growth and Future Prospects

The city’s median house price has now surpassed that of Melbourne, a shocking statistic if you had told me that 15 years ago. This growth is a testament to Brisbane’s appeal as a place to live and work, especially as it gears up to host the 2032 Olympics. The event promises to bring not only international recognition but also an influx of tourism and business opportunities that will undoubtedly continue to shape the city’s dynamic landscape.

As Brisbane matures and embraces its future role on the global stage, I can only imagine how its cultural and culinary offerings, including its wine scene, will continue to thrive.

Exploring Brisbane’s Neighbourhoods

During my visit, I re-visited various neighbourhoods in Brisbane, each with its own character. From the bustling streets of Fortitude Valley, known for its nightlife and eclectic dining options, to the more laid-back atmosphere of West End, where I enjoyed some of the best coffee in the city, the diversity is striking. The South Bank Parklands, with its lush gardens and cultural institutions, is a must-visit, offering a beautiful escape right in the heart of the city.

Ultimately, for me, London is home, with its own unique charm and opportunities. However, the 28-hour journey to Australia is well worth it for anyone considering a visit. I would highly recommend staying longer than two weeks if possible; there is so much to see and do that it can be challenging to fit it all into a short timeframe. Whether it’s exploring the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the beautiful national parks, or simply enjoying a day at the beach, each moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

In conclusion, my trip back to Australia has reignited my love for my homeland. The beauty of the Sunshine Coast, the vibrant culture of Brisbane, and the warmth of the people made for an unforgettable experience. While I may be back in London now, my heart holds a piece of Australia, and I look forward to my next adventure down under.

Until then, I’ll keep reliving the memories through my photos and videos, and perhaps planning the next visit to soak in that glorious sun once again.