We believe that the proper preservation of wine maximizes the flavor and adds to your wine drinking experience. That’s why we’ve designed our Wine Captain^® Model.

Wine can be enjoyed on many different levels. The more you know about all of its complexities and the vineyard where it began its journey, the more it can enhance your wine tasting experience. In this blog Stasi will help demystify the language of wine with her tips on how to choose the best and how to get the best from your wine.

Wine culture can be intimidating. Varietals, vintages and food pairing can be overwhelming at times! What to choose? How do I say that? What is best? How do I know? It is our belief that everyone should have full access to reliable, understandable wine knowledge. We want to thank Stasi for sharing her passion as well as her knowledge with our blog readers.

U-Line Wine Captain^® Models

1000 Series

2000 Series

Modular 3000 Series

About Stasi:
Stasi is a third generation farmer-born and raised in a vineyard. She has worked for the world’s largest wine & spirits company and has collaborated with some of the best winegrowers in California. She has traveled the world over, learning what makes each country, region, winery and wine unique. Her extensive training and specialized wine-related education, includes a WSET Level 2 diploma. Additionally, she is currently teaching a course in which students learn to unlock the mysteries of wine, entitled, “Wine Savvy 101.” Stasi’s class will empower you with the tools to confidently and successfully create great wine experiences. You can expect expert guidance on everything from the basics to advanced wine knowledge. Here are just a few highlights.

• How to pronounce wine varietals and understand their origins.
• How to evaluate the many complexities of wine’s flavors, textures and aromas.
• How to correctly describe and fully enjoy different varietals of wine.
• How to follow tasting etiquette.
• How to evaluate wine quality.
• How to impress your friends and astutely select wines from a menu.
• How to understand vintage and the winemaking process.
• How to confidently navigate through the thousands of wines on the market and make a great choice when shopping.

To learn more about Stasi and Unlock Wine, visit unlockwine.com

The Modular 3000 Series is the ultimate Point-Of-Use solution that delivers both seamless integration and the most precise preservation system. Designed and assembled in America, but built for the world, the U-Line Modular 3000 Series product was developed on a global platform. These products install and integrate seamlessly into all cabinet styles with widths of 18″ (45cm), 24″ (60cm) and 36″ (90cm), are available in stainless and integrated models and 110V and 230V options.

The fully integrated and concealed U-Select^® Control system, ergonomically located on the top of the door, is available in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German.

The U-Line Modular 3000 Series integrated models are panel ready and designed for seamless integration into any cabinet type whether you install a custom solid or framed panel. The U-Line Modular 3000 Series stainless steel models are designed with a commercial style handle which is interchangeable with our professional style handle for a more robust look.

Whether installing a stainless steel or an integrated model, the Modular 3000 Series’ clean and contemporary global design make it easy to integrate seamlessly into any environment. A zero clearance, flush installation is easily achieved with our concealed and covered hinges, front ventilation system, adjustable and integrated plinth/grille, adjustable doors and a rear leveling system that is adjustable from the front of the unit. Additional integration features include theater LED lighting, black interiors with graphite, tinted accents and thoughtful design elements for an elegant yet subtle space.

Click here to view the North American 110V product collection
Click here to view the Global 230V product collection

Many wine enthusiasts today accept that 55°F is the optimum cellaring temperature, yet did you know this was an arbitrarily chosen temperature? The selection of this specific temperature comes from the average European cellar condition. It was meant to be used as a “golden mean.” Wines neither age too quickly nor are deteriorated too rapidly at this temperature.

So, what does this all mean to the average collector? The reality is, there is no specific one temperature standard for the storage of wines, rather an acceptable range. Fine wines stored at 50°F simply will evolve more slowly than a wine stored at 55°F. In fact, cold temperatures short of freezing has shown little effect on wine other than slowing the development process. Ideally you want a wine to age and develop so temperatures too cold are not the collectors best option. Watch the U-Line video on Modifying Default Temperature

Savvy collectors are now also becoming more aware of the importance of other critical storage factors, such as humidity, vibration and light. An entire book could be written about the misconceptions of humidity and its usefulness to today’s storage of wine in the home storage unit. Humidity levels are critical in the cellars of wine producers where barrels need humidity to swell wine barrel staves reducing evaporation of the wine within. Many experts question the usefulness of humidity to a glass bottle with a cork further isolated by a wax covering or metal capsule.

What is less debatable is the lasting effects vibration and light has on fine wines. Because fine wine is a living, breathing, evolving liquid, vibration can have a deleterious effect, but only once the vibration level hits the point of cavitation. Simply put, if the vibration is not strong enough to suspend and displace the sediment within the bottle, vibration becomes a non-factor. On the other hand, the importance of shielding light from wines doesn’t receive enough attention.

Molecules in a high end wine are excited and activated when exposed to light. The UV end of this spectrum is particularly harmful to wines, browning and damaging wine properties. A colorful example of this light damage can be seen with old Sauternes from France which are bottled in clear glass. Even when subjected to sunlight for only a few short months, the pale yellow liquid turns to an amber brown.

So, with all these storage considerations, what’s a collector to do? In the end, the best investment a novice or veteran collector can make is in the choosing of a wine preservation unit manufactured, engineered and tested by an experienced company.

Sparkling Wine Mode – Temperature range between 38°F and 50°F (3°C and 10°C) with a set point of 45°F (7°C) which is designed to be celebration ready; this setting will keep Champagne bubbles chilled and is also perfect.

White Wine Mode – Temperature range between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C) with a set point of 50°F (10°C) which keeps white wines crisp, bright and ready for dinner or an afternoon with friends – from Chardonnay to Riesling, the whites will always strike the perfect note.

Red Wine Mode – Temperature range between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C) with a set point of 55° F (13°C) allows you to cradlethose special young reds, like Bordeaux, or boldZinfandels for long-term storage or set the temperature a little warmer for maintaining your everyday Cabernets at your preferred serving temperature.

At U-Line, We understand proper storage is critical for wine. The U-Select^® Control available in the Modular 3000 Series Wine Captain^® Models creates cellar-like conditions to maximize the preservation of wine. With digitally controlled convection cooling, these models consistently maintain a precise and stable environment, within 1°F of the set point temperature, providing optimal preservation for your prized Cabernet or a bottle of fine Champagne.

The U-Line Wine Captain^® Models are available in 18″(45cm), 24″(60cm) and 36″(90cm) sizes. U-Line’s Modular 3000 Series Wine Captain^® Models provide ample space for your wines. Two wine racks per zone accommodate larger diameter bottles, such as Champagne and many of the newer bottles. Our unique wine rack design cradles various shapes and sizes of bottles safely in place.

U-Line offers the widest selection of Wine Captain^® Models, including a variety of sizes, features and temperature management systems to accommodate your preservation needs and personal taste.

Click here to view the North American 110V product collection
Click here to view the Global 230V product collection

About Dave Barna
Dave Barna has been a wine collector since 1979 and boasts a high quality collection of approximately 1,000 bottles. His storied collection contains wines dating back to the 1700′s, and wines so exceptional that they’re registered with Christie’s in London to ensure a formal record of their current location. Dave is recognized as an expert in Ports and Madeiras and is active in international wine auctions. In addition, his published contributions can be found in many epicurean magazines.

Though his extensive wine collection is what Dave is most known for, he also enjoys collecting books, mostly American “First Editions.” Dave Barna has been married for 26 years and the proud father of two daughters. He also enjoys Corvettes and motorcycling.

With the seamless integration unique to the Modular 3000 Series, the 3018CLR (3045CLR), 18″/45cm Clear Ice Machine brings superior commercial performance into your home with style. The The 3018CLR (3045CLR) Clear Ice Machine produces up to 60 lbs of crystal clear ice per day and has a storage capacity of 30 lbs so you will always have enough ice for entertaining. Each cycle makes 32 – 7/8″ cubes of crystal clear ice. It takes about ¼ of a gallon of water for each harvest of ice.

Like all products in the Modular 3000 Series, the 3018CLR (3045CLR) comes equipped with the U-Select^® Control integrated into the top of the door. This system not only allows you to customize your preferred language, but gives you the ability to customize the Clear Ice Machine for your personal preferences. You can use the U-Select^® Control to set the Clear Ice Machine into Silent Mode, which will suspend production for three hours and you can also use it to customize the thickness of your cubes!

One thing to keep in mind with the U-Line 18″/45cm Clear Ice Machine is that all Clear Ice Machine models require a drain. If you cannot install the unit in an area with proper access to a drain, the Clear Ice Machines can be ordered with a sealed and permanently lubricated P60 drain pump installed. All units ship with a factory installed drain line to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.

The 3018CLR (3045CLR) lets you know when it needs to be cleaned with a clean indicator alert. Because of the U-Line patented clear ice making process, the 3018CLR (3045CLR) provides the perfect balance of high ice production, quiet operation and the easiest cleaning process.

Not only can you integrate the 3018CLR (3045CLR) 18″/45cm Clear Ice Machine seamlessly into your cabinetry, you can combine this model with other 18″/45cm U-Line products to create custom 36″/90cm models. You can expand the possibilities with U-Line 36″/90cm Custom Models. The 36″/90cm Custom Ice Flange Kit makes it possible to add a Modular 3000 Series 18″/45cm Clear Ice Machine to another 18″/45cm model for a customized 36″/90cm application. This allows for a greater degree of personalized applications including the combination of a solid door and glass door model.

The 36″/90cm Custom Models using the 3018CLR (3045CLR) Clear Ice Machine:

36″/90cm Custom Glass Door Refrigerator / Ice Machine
Combine the 3018RGL (3045RDC) Glass Door Refrigerator with a 3018CLR (3045CLR) Clear Ice Machine to make a perfect combination for entertaining friends and family.

36″/90cm Custom Wine Captain^® Model / Ice Machine
When you bring the 3018CLR (3045CLR) Clear Ice Machine and the 3018WC (3045WC) Wine Captain^® Model together, you are ready whether it’s time to uncork that perfect Cabernet or if it’s cocktail hour.

36″/90cm Custom Refrigerator / Ice Machine
A 3018RF (3045RF) Refrigerator is a perfect companion to a 3018CLR (3045CLR) Clear Ice Machine to create a standby custom unit ready for any holiday and entertaining need.

That’s why we’ve sought the help of respected wine authority, Dave Barna. Dave will answer the questions we all have about preservation, pairing, and presentation; and walk us through the steps of making the most out of our bubbly experience.

To start, set your U-Select^® Control to Sparkling, which defaults to 45°, an optimal temperature for sparkling wine. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving to make sure the bottle is at the optimal temperature. Gently remove the bottle from your Wine Captain^® Model without any excessive movement. Carefully remove wire cage and the foil over the cork with the bottle pointed away from everyone. (Figure A).

Grasp the cork firmly while making sure your hand is covered over the top of the cork (this prevents a premature surprise). Now, hold the bottom base firmly with your other hand, twist the bottle while holding the cork steady. (Figure B).

This is the key technique – turning the bottle and not the cork! As the cork begins to ease out, you’ll begin to have a good feel for whether the cork will come out with a controlled “pop” or whether you’ll need to have a glass or two ready for an immediate pour! Although people like to hear and see the “pop” and flowing rush of Champagne coming out of the bottle, this only results in a “flat” tasting experience since much of the carbon dioxide has now been allowed to escape, lessening the bubble experience.

When preparing to pour the champagne, always use flute glassware (tall slim glass), as these allow for a more controlled bubble stream and helps delay the champagne from going flat too quickly. The traditional American wide rimmed squat Champagne glasses seen in old movies should be avoided as they allow for too much surface area, thereby allowing the bubbles to dissipate quickly. (Figure C).

Next, wrap a white linen towel or equivalent around the bottle to capture drips, condensation and for ease of holding. Place one hand with thumb placed into the bottom depression (punt) of the bottle. (Figure D).

The other hand should then guide the bottle onto the glass and pour slowly into the side of the glass, not directly onto the base. (Figure E). This preserves the bubbles from escaping.

You may have to take a few pauses to fill each glass. Fill the glass no higher than 3/4 full, this allows the guest to easily appreciate the experience and ensures that you are getting the absolute best from your bubbly! (Figure F).

About Dave Barna
Dave Barna has been a wine collector since 1979 and boasts a high quality collection of approximately 1,000 bottles. His storied collection contains wines dating back to the 1700′s, and wines so exceptional that they’re registered with Christie’s in London to ensure a formal record of their current location. Dave is recognized as an expert in Ports and Madeiras and is active in international wine auctions. In addition, his published contributions can be found in many epicurean magazines.

Though his extensive wine collection is what Dave is most known for, he also enjoys collecting books, mostly American “First Editions.” Dave Barna has been married for 26 years and the proud father of two daughters. He also enjoys Corvettes and motorcycling.

Shown in image: 3036WCWCOL 36″ Wine Captain^® Model and a 3024RGLOL 24″ Glass Door Refrigerator.

We are proud to introduce our blog, which we call Keeping it Cool. We have a deep and abiding love of great food and good wine and in this blog, we are going to give tips on how to get the best from your dining and wining and how perfect preservation enhances the dining experience. Keep your eyes out as we introduce a very special guest blogger in the coming weeks.

We will have a strong focus on the impact of fresh ingredients and nutrition on the food side and keep you educated on getting the most from your wine on the beverage side. For U-Line, perfect preservation is about maximizing flavor and increasing the joy of the epicurean experience. Bon appetit!