Thermometers and cellaring

[Finney]

Hi all,

BACKGROUND
I have a room that I have converted to a cellar. The way I store my wines is in numbered cartons and the numbers allow me to track what is in each box - I do have to remember to delete wines as they are taken from cellar for drinking though! I also have a drink now section that is just a browse and select as required!!!!

My cellar uses a portable aircon (2.5HP), vented outside with water drain. I also have water in the room to help maintain humidity. I will see some temperature and humidity fluctuations. Hence the use of cartons as this will also help to minimise rapid temperature and humidty fluctations through the seasons.

I bought a thermometer from a store the other day that can do max min and humidity. I have a few questions though:

What is the expected humidity range in a cellar?

The thermometer also has the capability to measure outside temp via a sensor that can be stuck on the window. Now I was thinking about possibly sticking this on a bottle. Anyone tried this, is it worthwhile?

What is the expected temp of the actual bottle and it's contents?

Any thoughts re the placement of this bottle bearing in mind the way store my wine?

Does humidity matter with screwcaps?

Thanks in advance

Finney (Craig)

[Alex F]

I think you should aim for 65% to 75% humidity. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the storage companies are at 70%. Screw caps are not affected by humidity, notwithstanding the fact that labels will go mouldy on all bottles if humidity is too high. I dunno how effective boxes are at minimising temparature changes, either my thermometer is not sensitive enough or boxes don't really do much.

[TORB]

Hi Craig,

I have a similar setup with a split system. I have never worried about humidity and unless you intending keeping wine for 20 years, I doubt it matters much. The cork is in contact with the wine and thats good enough for me.

As far as inside/outside thermometers go, you can't put the outside one into water unless it is a special type.

I got a fish tank wet probe/ dry room temperature thermometer and siliconed it into a bottle full of water and placed it in the middle of a box of wine. Daily fluctuations is 5/8th of SFA. As its so stable, even if there is a couple of degrees change in the air temp (like in winter when its not on) the bottle temp is very consistent.