The criteria for optimal wine conservation

Any true wine lover generally wishes to age his bottles of wine in the best conditions. And to do so, it is important to always keep in mind the criteria that make a wine age in optimal conditions, namely a constant temperature, an adapted hygrometry, darkness, absence of vibration and an adequate air circulation.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for aging a wine is around 12°C (at a higher temperature, the wine will tend to evolve more quickly, and at a lower temperature too slowly). Another important aspect is the stability of the temperature, as too many variations are harmful to the wine. ArteVino’s COSY model has polyurethane foam insulation and aluminum interior walls that allow for effective temperature distribution inside the cellar. Moreover, it is equipped with an ultra-efficient cooling system and a heating resistor to stabilize the temperature. COSY displays the actual temperature of the cellar at all times to allow constant control of the temperature in the blink of an eye.

Hygrometry

The humidity level inside your wine cabinet should always be between 65 and 80%. Below this level and over a prolonged period of time, corks may dry out and the wine may leak. Too much humidity can cause mold and damage corks and labels. The COSY cabinet is constructed with stuccoed aluminum interior walls that are highly effective against condensation and ensure proper moisture distribution. Finally, COSY comes with a humidity cassette filled with clay balls that have the effect of bringing more humidity if needed (especially if you live in a particularly dry area). COSY also displays the humidity level inside the cellar so you can check and correct it if necessary.

Protection From Light

Ultraviolet rays cause tannins to degrade, so it is highly recommended to store your wines in the dark. Therefore, choose a cabinet with a solid door or a glass door that is treated to filter out ultraviolet rays. The anti-U.V. treatment on the glass doors of the COSY model ensures a 97% filtration rate.

Lack of Vibration

Vibrations are damaging to the evolution of the wine in the long term and are particularly harmful on the oldest vintages which are often very fragile. The polyurethane foam insulation of the COSY model avoids frequent start-up of the compressor and therefore limits vibrations. Moreover, the compressor in question is isolated from the rest of the cabinet and rests on silent blocks. COSY is equipped with 2 adjustable feet to ensure a good stability. Finally, the bottle racks do not rest directly on the walls or on the back of the cabinet to avoid any possibility of vibrations.

Air Circulation

This is the last criterion to keep in mind. Air that does not circulate and is not renewed can lead to the development of mold and bacteria. The pressure difference between the two openings in the COSY cabinet allows the air inside the cabinet to circulate and renew itself (warm air rises and cool air falls).

My Thoughts on the ArteVino COSY Cabinet

POSITIVE

. A state-of-the-art wine cabinet to preserve your precious bottles in the best conditions
. Quality materials
. Very quiet
. Reliable
. Built-in or free-standing
. 2 cabinet models: an aging cellar and a service cellar
. Recognized know-how and expertise
. Made in France

NEGATIVE
. A storage capacity of only 39 bottles (which can be increased to 52 in storage mode to optimize the capacity of the cabinet)
. The price

I have been using the COSY cabinet for a little over 6 months now and I must say that I have nothing but positive things to share with you. As soon as I received the cellar, I immediately noticed that it was built with quality materials. On several occasions, I checked the actual temperature and humidity with a thermometer and a hygrometer and the test was always accurate. As for the humidity level within the cabinet, it never dropped below 60%.

My wine cabinet is located in the dining room and I was very positively surprised by the very low noise level it generates. You can barely hear the compressor when it starts up.

I think it’s particularly clever that ArteVino has decided to offer two models: a maturing wine cabinet and a serving wine cabinet. I personally tested the maturing wine cabinet, but with a bit of retrospect, maybe I should have opted for the serving one which allows you to serve your wines at the right temperature (I already own two maturing wine cabinets).

For a big wine lover like me, the capacity of 39 to 52 bottles may seem very small, but the COSY model is primarily aimed at wine lovers with little space or wishing to have a high-end wine cabinetin their kitchen. And as for the price, I concede that it is in the high range, but it s in my opinion totally justified. I personally prefer to pay more and own the best in wine preservation and maturing technology. Peace of mind is also very important. ArteVino is a brand of the EuroCave Group, a world leader in wine conservation and service. So there is no doubt about the quality and reliability of the product which is built in France. I myself own two EuroCave cabinets, one of which is over 15 years old, and they both work like a charm! In the end, it’s all a matter of choice, you can always pay less, but don’t expect the same level of quality… And if issues or repairs appear sooner than expected, the initial savings might not be worth it…

I hope I have enlightened you and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the ArteVino COSY model or more general questions about purchasing a wine cabinet.

To learn more about the ArteVino COSY model, click here.

This article is a collaboration with ArteVino. I received the COSY model from the brand in order to test it and share with you my opinion on the product. I was not paid by the brand to write this article.

Cet article My Experience with the ArteVino COSY Wine Cabinet est apparu en premier sur vino2travel.

Vegetable Curry with a White Beaujolais Wine

When we think of Beaujolais, we often talk about Gamay, the king grape of the region, but we tend to forget that the region also produces superb white wines made of Chardonnay, such as this very pretty Cuvée La Galoche, produced by Domaine Saint-Cyr. Mineral and fruit-driven with notes of green apple and tropical fruit, this wine has great freshness and vibrant acidity that perfectly counterbalance the spiciness of the cauliflower and pea curry. Choosing a wine to pair with Indian food is never easy, but the pairing here works perfectly. This white Beaujolais would also be a great choice with any vegetarian dish.

Beaujolais La Galoche 2018
Appellation: Beaujolais
Producer : Domaine Saint Cyr
On sale at the SAQ here.
Recipe on Marie-Claire’s website.

Chicken and Shrimp Nasi Goreng with a Beaujolais Rosé

What about rosé wine now? Beaujolais also produces rosé wine made of Gamay. This rosé produced by Château Cambon is worth discovering. Dry and lively, with notes of small red fruits, it has a slightly spicy finish. A wine that makes you salivate and that needs a dish with strong flavors. I chose to pair it with a nasi goreng, a spicy rice dish that is typical of Indonesia. With this dish containing chicken and shrimp and being relatively spicy with the chili pepper from the sambal oelek, the rosé was an excellent choice. A white would have been too bland for this dish, a red would have killed it, so this rosé was the perfect compromise!

Château Cambon Beaujolais 2018
Appellation: Beaujolais
Producer : Château Cambon
On sale at the SAQ here.
Recipe here.

Duck Parmentier with a Régnié Cru Wine

Régnié, one of the 10 Beaujolais crus, may be one of the least known, but believe me, it should be on your radar if you are a gamay lover. And Julien Sunier should be at the top of your list of producers to discover! This particularly fruity wine is synonymous of conviviality. The kind of bottle that should absolutely be shared with friends. With its slightly spicy side and good acidity, this wine will require a rich and delicate dish. The duck parmentier was just perfect! The delicacy and saltiness of the duck confit, the taste of the porcini mushrooms, married to the creaminess of the mashed potatoes… What a beautiful combination with this delicious Régnié from Julien Sunier!

Julien Sunier Régnié 2017
Appellation: Régnié
Producer: Julien Sunier
On sale at the SAQ here.
Recipe on the website of La Ratte du Touquet.

Salted Pork and Lentils with a Cru Moulin-à-Vent

I couldn’t have finished this article without proposing a gastronomic pairing with a Moulin-à-Vent, one of my favorite Beaujolais wine appellations. The combination of power and elegance of this vintage produced by the Lardet family called for a dish full of flavor. So what better way to enjoy this wine than a classic French dish: petit salé aux lentilles. With its pretty nose of cherry and liquorice and its generous and generous side, this wine would delight the lovers of well-structured gamays. Ideal to break up the very salty side of the dish. Little advice, ideally choose a Moulin-à-vent with already a few years in the cellar and more melted tannins, the pairing will be even better. A Morgon would also have been very appropriate with this succulent lentil dish.

Family Lardet Moulin-à-Vent Le Nid Tradition 2017
Appellation: Moulin-à-Vent
Producer: Famille Lardet
On sale at the SAQ here.
Recipe on Marie-Claire’s website.

I hope I have convinced you to think more often ofBeaujolais wines and their different crus. Their drinkability and diversity make these wines ideal companions for meals with friends or family. A convivial concept that now has a name: Beaujonomie! To be drunk in moderation, of course. Cheers!

To learn more about Beaujolais wines, please click here.

This article is a collaboration with Les Vins du Beaujolais.

Cet article Four Dishes to Share with a Good Bottle of Beaujolais Wine est apparu en premier sur vino2travel.

A Multitude of Food and Wine Pairings

The different levels of appellations in Chablis produce wines with various profiles allowing a wide range of possibilities with food. The freshness, minerality and tension of Chablis wines make them easy to match with food.

The saline and iodine notes found in Chablis wines make them a great match for seafood. Oysters, for example, are great companions, especially for Chablis wines that have been aged in vats. Sushi, sashimi, scallop carpaccio and seafood platters are also excellent choices.

Chablis wines also go very well with fish. Choose Petit Chablis and Chablis with grilled or poached fish, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru with fatty fish or fish in sauce (beurre blanc, Armoricaine sauce, creamy sauce, hollandaise, etc.).  The more complex the dish is in terms of flavors, the more it is recommended to go for Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru, which are more likely to go with more pronounced tastes and aromas.

Shellfish and crustaceans are also natural matches for Chablis wines. Lobsters, scampi, crab, mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops make very good matches. White meats also work very well, such as glazed pork or veal blanquette.

Do you like mushrooms? Mushrooms also love Chablis. A little butter and garlic and you’re done. Stuffed mushrooms or a truffle risotto will also go very well with a Chablis Premier Cru or Grand Cru that is a little older. Finally, don’t forget cheese, especially goat cheese.

As you can see, Chablis wines offer a multitude of pairing possibilities. Now, I would like to present three pairings that I have personally tested and enjoyed.

Petit Chablis and Asian-inspired Pork Stir-Fry

A Chinese noodle dish with strong flavors such as soy sauce, garlic or roasted sesame oil calls for a lively wine like a Petit Chablis. The one produced by Clotilde Davenne, lively and full of freshness with its notes of white flowers and citrus, proved to be an ideal companion for this dish. The recipe is available on the Chablis wine blog by clicking here. Since I always like to add a little personal touch to each dish, and since I am a big fan of spicy meals, I decided to add a good dose of Espelette peppers. The freshness of the Petit Chablis mitigated the spiciness of the pepper. So don’t hesitate to think Petit Chablis on spicy dishes such as curries for instance.

Chablis and Salmon Glazed with Maple Syrup

The title of the recipe alone is a delight! What a wonderful pairing this caramelized lacquered salmon with soy sauce and maple syrup was with a fennel salad with an olive oil, mustard and lemon vinaigrette. The dish was full of flavors and the sweetness and saltiness of the salmon was a perfect match for the vibrant acidity and minerality of this Chablis produced by Daniel Dampt & Fils. Nice notes of green apples and candied lemon with a long mineral finish. A real delight! If you want the recipe, go to the Chablis wines website here.

Chablis Premier Cru and Linguine alla Vongole

Third pairing tested and approved, a Chablis Premier Cru Les Fourneaux by Corinne and Jean-Pierre Grossot with Linguini alla Vongole (pasta with clams). The strong iodine of the clams combined with the flavor of the garlic and the herbaceousness of the parsley is not an easy match. But with its notes of yellow fruit, lime blossom, slightly buttery character, remarkable tension and long saline finish, I couldn’t imagine a better match than this delicious Chablis Premier Cru! My three year old daughter told me that the wine smelled great and the clams were succulent, what more can I say? For the recipe, click here.

For more recipe ideas

The Chablis wines website offers a myriad of recipes and wine and food pairings, so be sure to check it out for more gourmet suggestions by clicking here.

If you also want to know more about the wines of Chablis, I invite you to consult my article on the subject at the following link: https://www.vino2travel.com/les-vins-de-chablis/.

This article is a collaboration with Les Vins de Chablis.

Cet article Chablis Wine Pairing Suggestions est apparu en premier sur vino2travel.

The most exciting part of this is that I have no idea what route I will take! Apart from the fact that I will land at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, I don’t know more. It is only when I arrive at the Montreal airport on Wednesday September 12th that I will know my destination and my itinerary for the next few days.

Two pairs of bloggers will be associated to help you discover a dream destination! Two regions are to be discovered as part of the #francedanslesvignes Blogger Challenge: Occitania and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, two must-see destinations for wine, adventure and gastronomy lovers! And more particularly, the vineyards of Cahors as well as Beaujolais and Côtes-du-Rhône! By voting between September 12 and October 12 for your favorite destination, you can win this wonderful trip to France. The rules of the contest will be revealed on September 12 on the Atout France website.

By the way, I invite you to watch the video below to get a taste of what’s in store if you win

The prize to be won is as follows:
– A trip for two to France with Air France, Occitanie-Sud de France and CroisiEurope
– Flights with Air France: departure to Lyon, return from Toulouse
– A gastronomy and vineyards cruise from Lyon
– The train between Lyon and Toulouse
– Two nights in the vineyards of Cahors
– Car rental for two days in Toulouse

So who wants to win?

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the three other bloggers who will be taking part in the Challenge. One of them will be my partner for the adventure:
– Stephanie White : stephaniewhitetravels
– Eve Martel : evemartel.com
– Jean-François Frenette : jeffontheroad.com

Of course, to conclude, a big thank you to Atout France for inviting us to this exciting trip as well as to all the partners: Air France, Croisi Europe, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Tourisme and the Occitanie-Sud de la France Region.
See you on September 12 at the Montreal airport for the beginning of the adventure!

Cet article Blogger Challenge and Contest #Francedanslesvignes est apparu en premier sur vino2travel.

Unpacking

The Coravin Model Two Elite comes with two argon gas cartridges, a storage pouch and a small cleaning kit (in case the needle used to rack the wine gets dirty). Before using it, you unscrew the base of the Coravin, insert a gas cartridge and screw it back on. It’s that simple, your Coravin is ready!

How to Use the Coravin

I found the device quite easy to use. You quickly pull the trigger to make sure there is still gas in the cartridge and then use the clamps to place the Coravin on the neck of the bottle in a standing position.

Then, the needle is pushed down so that it penetrates the cork and comes into contact with the wine. The bottle is tilted and the trigger is pulled to pour the wine. The idea is to press as many times as you want to get the desired amount in the glass. The wine is then replaced by argon gas. Then, you put the bottle back in vertical position, you take out the needle of the cork and that’s it. The cork will automatically re-seal itself, because cork is a natural material that will regain its elasticity. Then, you just have to store the bottle in your cellar or your wine cellar. It will then be able to keep as if it had never been opened!

Maintenance

Maintenance is very easy. After use, the Coravin is rinsed lightly with water under the tap to remove excess wine from the spout. However, it is very important not to press the trigger under water as this could damage the machine. Then, we gently dry the needle with a cloth or a paper towel. And we store it in its case. Very simple. It can happen that the needle gets blocked (bad maintenance, damaged cap, lees, etc.). In this case, all you have to do is unclog it with a metal kit included with the machine.

The Test

I have used the Coravin on a variety of bottles: two 10 year old vintages (corks often tend to deteriorate), a magnum (longer and wider cork). Each time, I was able to use the machine without any problem. I then put the bottles back in my cellar and it was clear that the corks had sealed well since there was no trace of leakage when I checked afterwards. I took the 3 bottles out again a month later, and I used the wine from each of the bottles again. The conclusion? Convincing! The 3 wines seem to have not moved at all. According to Coravin, one should be able to keep a bottle for a very long time even after using the Coravin several times. The only problem that could arise is if the cork is really damaged, in which case the wine could leak and oxygen enter the bottle. Corks on very old vintages are more sensitive, which is why Coravin has developed a finer needle specifically for these corks. I did not test this needle, but I have to admit that the standard needle did its job on my two 2006 vintages…

Positive / Negative Points

The Coravin has several advantages in my opinion. The first one, as I already explained above, is obviously its ease of use and maintenance. Sometimes, you might want to have a glass of wine without necessarily wanting to open a bottle. This is for me the great strength of the product. Being able to drink a glass of wine from the same bottle several weeks or even months apart is something absolutely incredible for a wine lover! Another positive point is to be able to taste a wine to know if it is good to drink or if a long storage will not harm it. There is no greater frustration than opening a bottle on the decline… If, like me, you lack the space or budget to store cases of your favorite wines and sometimes only have one copy of a vintage, the Coravin is a great way to test the bottle so you know when to open it. In short, I find it particularly enjoyable to be able to take a glass of any bottle in my cellar, because I feel like it, and above all to be able to renew the experience when I feel like it!

And the negative points in all this? The main limitation is obviously the price of the Coravin Model Two Elite at 475 Canadian dollars. This is obviously not for everyone. Not to mention the cost of the capsules, about 18 dollars each (according to Coravin, each capsule allows you to pour about 15 glasses of 150 ml, or about ten glasses of 200 ml). The product is therefore not for the average person, but for the discerning amateur. The machine obviously does not work on bottles with a synthetic cork (the latter not being made from natural cork, it will not be able to reseal itself and the wine will therefore leak). Coravin has recently developed a system for bottles with twist caps. To do this, the cap is replaced by a stopper specially developed for this purpose

A few Tips

• TAKE CARE OF YOUR CORAVIN: You’ve invested in a great product, so take care of it! Clean the Coravin thoroughly after each use to keep the machine clean and effective over time.
• THE CUTTER IS STILL THERE: Do not use the machine on a bottle that contains 3 or fewer glasses of wine. The more the bottle empties, the more gas it takes to replace the wine in the bottle. There is no need to empty your cartridges. In this case, simply use your corkscrew!
• RESTAURATION: If you are in the restaurant business, the Coravin can be a good investment if you want to offer great wines by the glass. Your customers could then offer themselves a glass of great wine, if they can’t afford the bottle. On a recent trip to Warsaw, I visited several wine bars, and many of them were using the Coravin to offer almost the entire wine list by the glass!!!
• TRAVELING WITH THE CORAVIN: beware, it is strictly forbidden to carry gas capsules on a plane (considered flammable products). Don’t try to carry them, your suitcase will be opened and the capsules confiscated. Also, if you put your Coravin in your suitcase in the hold, it too may be confiscated. If you want to travel with your Coravin, bring it in your carry-on luggage, so that you can explain to the security officers what the product is. Before you leave, check the Coravin website to see if you can get capsules in your destination country. Personally, mine will stay at home. With the security that is getting tighter and tighter in the airports, I will not take any risk…

Conclusion

As a wine lover, I love using my Coravin. This is mainly for two reasons 1) to be able to test any bottle of wine in my cellar to see how it is evolving and when to open it 2) to be able to have a glass of wine from any of my bottles whenever I feel like it without having to open a bottle! Does the Coravin justify such a price? YES. Is it a good investment? That’s up to you. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to use the Coravin Model two Elite if you drink $10-15 bottles. But if you are a lover of fine wines or good bottles, that’s another matter… I am very satisfied with it and I will continue to use it for my pleasure and that of my friends. Thanks to Coravin France for sending me the machine for free so that I could test it. Successful test!!! Note that there is also a Model One, more affordable at 270 Canadian dollars (plastic finish and less ergonomic than the model two).

Cet article I tested the Coravin Model Two Elite est apparu en premier sur vino2travel.

Tintorería Vinoteca

Located not far from the Plaza de Colon, north of Retiro Park, this wine shop with more than 1,000 references is a real treasure trove for wine lovers. Tintoreria Vinoteca likes to put forward wines from small producers that highlight a terroir. Many of the wines are made from indigenous grape varieties. Very large selection of the best in Spain, very large choice of champagne and burgundy too. The place organizes tastings with producers. They also organize tastings with 8 or more participants. Every month, they also put forward exceptional gastronomic products. When I visited, it was artisanal sardines and pickled peppers. Delivery throughout Europe. latintoreriavinoteca.com

Enoteca Barolo

Just a few steps away from Real Madrid’s home, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Enoteca Barolo, as its name suggests, offers a wonderful selection of Italian wines. According to its owner, the place offers the widest selection of Italian wines in Spain. But not only Italian wines are available, there are also many French and Spanish wines. 2500 references in all. Enoteca Barolo organizes a lot of events around wine. We will be able to advise you since all the available products have been tasted! Delivery in all Europe. enotecabarolo.com

Lavinia

It’s probably not the friendliest store, but Lavinia, with its 1,200 square meters dedicated to wine and almost 7,000 references in the store, cannot be overlooked! It is of course the largest wine store in the Spanish capital. There are wines from all over the world, tasting stations, and a restaurant upstairs. In front of so many bottles, I dare you to leave without buying anything! lavinia.es ! lavinia.es

La Fisna Vino y Cata

Located in the popular Lavapies neighborhood, La Fisna is both a wine bar and a wine shop. It has more than 300 references. Any bottle from the store can be tasted on the spot, for a corkage fee of 4 euros. La Fisna offers more than 60 wines by the glass. One can nibble on a few tapas-style bites. lafisna.com

Bodega Santa Cecilia

This institution that exists since 1922 has now 4 stores in Madrid. I visited the store located in the chic neighborhood of Chamberí. There are more than 5500 references (wines, spirits and delicatessen products). You are sure to find all the great names from Spain, but also all the great international wines. But you can also find in Bodega Santa Cecilia many cheap wines. When I visited, there was a wine tasting booth with wines for less than 6 euros. There is a small bar in the store where you can have a few tapas and open a bottle of wine at the store price. santacecilia.es

Reserva y Cata

Located in the district of Justicia, is a small wine shop that has existed for almost 20 years. Here they sell mainly wines from small producers. A section is reserved for natural wines, but the main attraction in my opinion of the place is the incredible selection of sherry wines. There are more than 70 references, including some very limited productions. Reserva y Cata keeps about 700 references in store. Tastings are regularly organized.

Cet article Where to buy wine in Madrid? est apparu en premier sur vino2travel.