• News

    The Art of Wine Cooling: How to Keep Your Favorite Vino Perfectly Chilled

    Are you a wine enthusiast who takes pleasure in savoring every sip of your favorite vino? If so, you know that the perfect temperature can make all the difference in enhancing the flavors and aromas of your wine. The art of wine cooling is essential for preserving the integrity of your beloved beverage and ensuring a delightful drinking experience. In this guide, we will explore the various methods and tools available to keep your wine perfectly chilled, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a glass on your own. From traditional wine coolers to innovative gadgets, we will uncover the secrets to achieving the ideal serving temperature for different types of wine. Whether you prefer crisp whites, full-bodied reds, or sparkling varieties, mastering the art of wine cooling will elevate your enjoyment and allow you to appreciate the complexities of each bottle. So, grab your corkscrew and get ready to discover the secrets of keeping your favorite vino at the perfect temperature.

    The Importance of Wine Temperature

    When it comes to wine, temperature matters. Serving wine at the correct temperature can have a significant impact on its taste and overall enjoyment. Wine that is too warm can taste flat and lack complexity, while wine that is too cold can mask its flavors and aromas. To truly appreciate the nuances of a wine, it is crucial to serve it at the optimal temperature.

    The temperature at which wine should be served varies depending on its type. Whites, reds, and sparkling wines all have different ideal serving temperatures. Understanding these temperature ranges will allow you to fully experience the characteristics of each wine and make the most of your drinking experience.

    The Science Behind Wine Cooling

    To understand the art of wine cooling, it’s essential to delve into the science behind it. Wine is a delicate beverage, and temperature plays a vital role in its development and preservation. When wine is exposed to high temperatures, it can age prematurely, resulting in a loss of flavor and complexity. On the other hand, serving wine too cold can inhibit its aromas and make it taste dull.

    The ideal temperature for wine is influenced by its chemical composition. Wine is a complex mixture of acids, sugars, and volatile compounds that contribute to its taste and aroma. Different compounds react differently to temperature, which is why serving wine at the right temperature is crucial for unlocking its full potential.

    Different Types of Wine and Their Ideal Serving Temperatures

    To fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of different wines, it’s important to serve them at their ideal temperatures. Here is a breakdown of the ideal serving temperatures for various types of wine:

    ### Crisp Whites

    Crisp white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, are best served chilled to around 45-50°F (7-10°C). The cool temperature enhances their refreshing acidity and brings out their vibrant fruit flavors.

    ### Full-Bodied Reds

    Full-bodied red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, should be served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). This allows the wine to showcase its complex flavors and smooth tannins.

    ### Sparkling Wines

    Sparkling wines, including Champagne and Prosecco, are best served well chilled at around 40-45°F (4-7°C). The low temperature preserves their effervescence and ensures a crisp, refreshing experience.

    Each type of wine has a specific temperature range that allows its unique characteristics to shine. By serving your wine at the recommended temperatures, you can fully appreciate its nuances and enjoy it to the fullest.

    Traditional Wine Cooling Methods

    For centuries, wine lovers have relied on traditional methods to cool their favorite vino. These methods may require a bit of planning and patience, but they can be highly effective in achieving the desired temperature. Here are some traditional wine cooling methods you can try:

    ### Ice Bucket

    An ice bucket is a classic and straightforward way to cool wine. Fill a bucket with ice and water, then immerse your wine bottle in the mixture. The ice and water combination will gradually lower the temperature of the wine. For faster cooling, add salt to the ice-water mixture, which lowers the freezing point and accelerates the cooling process.

    ### Wine Fridge

    A wine fridge, also known as a wine cooler, is a dedicated appliance designed to store and cool wine. These fridges offer precise temperature controls and are ideal for long-term wine storage. Place your bottles in the wine fridge a few hours before serving to ensure they reach the desired temperature.

    ### Wine Cellar

    If you’re lucky enough to have a wine cellar, you have the perfect natural cooling solution. Wine cellars provide a stable and cool environment for storing wine, allowing it to age gracefully. When it’s time to enjoy a bottle, simply retrieve it from the cellar and let it sit at room temperature for a short while to reach the ideal serving temperature.

    Traditional wine cooling methods have stood the test of time for a reason. They may require a bit of planning, but they can be highly effective in ensuring your wine is perfectly chilled. Experiment with these methods and find the one that works best for you.

    Modern Wine Cooling Options

    In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. Luckily, modern technology has given rise to a range of innovative wine cooling options that offer both efficiency and ease of use. These options are designed to cool your wine quickly and accurately, allowing you to enjoy a perfectly chilled glass whenever the mood strikes. Here are some modern wine cooling options to consider:

    ### Instant Wine Chillers

    Instant wine chillers are portable devices that can cool a bottle of wine in a matter of minutes. They work by using a rapid cooling method, such as thermoelectric cooling or iceless chilling, to bring down the temperature of the wine quickly. Simply insert the device into the bottle, follow the instructions, and within minutes, your wine will be chilled to perfection.

    ### Wine Cooling Sleeves

    Wine cooling sleeves are a convenient and portable option for keeping your wine cool on the go. These sleeves are made from insulating materials and feature a gel-filled interior. To use a wine cooling sleeve, simply place it in the freezer until it’s frozen solid, then slip it over your bottle of wine. The sleeve will keep your wine cool for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure.

    ### Electric Wine Coolers

    Electric wine coolers are compact appliances that can be placed on your countertop or mounted under a cabinet. These coolers offer precise temperature controls and can store multiple bottles at a time. Electric wine coolers are an excellent option for wine enthusiasts who want the convenience of a dedicated cooling appliance without the need for a full-size wine fridge.

    Modern wine cooling options offer convenience and efficiency, making it easier than ever to enjoy perfectly chilled wine whenever you desire. Explore these options and find the one that suits your needs and lifestyle.

    Tips for Storing and Cooling Wine at Home

    Storing and cooling wine properly at home is essential for preserving its quality and ensuring it’s ready to be enjoyed at any time. Here are some tips to help you store and cool your wine effectively:

    ### Store Wine in a Cool Place

    To prevent your wine from spoiling, store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideally, wine should be stored at a consistent temperature between 45-65°F (7-18°C). Fluctuations in temperature can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork and allowing air to enter the bottle.

    ### Lay Wine Bottles Horizontally

    When storing wine for an extended period, it’s best to lay the bottles horizontally. This keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, which could lead to oxidation and spoilage.

    ### Chill Wine in the Fridge

    If you need to cool a bottle of wine quickly, the refrigerator is your best friend. Place the bottle in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired serving temperature. Keep in mind that whites and sparkling wines may require less time than reds.

    ### Avoid Overcooling Wine

    While it’s crucial to serve wine at the right temperature, overcooling can be just as detrimental. If you accidentally cool your wine too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to warm up slightly before serving. This will allow the flavors and aromas to fully develop.

    By following these tips, you can ensure your wine is stored and cooled correctly, guaranteeing a pleasurable experience whenever you decide to indulge.

    Choosing the Right Wine Cooling Accessories

    To enhance your wine cooling experience, consider investing in some essential wine cooling accessories. These accessories can help you achieve the perfect serving temperature and elevate your overall enjoyment. Here are a few must-have wine cooling accessories:

    ### Wine Thermometer

    A wine thermometer is a handy tool for measuring the temperature of your wine accurately. It allows you to monitor the wine’s temperature throughout the cooling process, ensuring it reaches the ideal serving temperature.

    ### Wine Chiller Stick

    A wine chiller stick is a practical accessory that cools your wine as you pour. Simply place the chiller stick in the freezer until frozen, then insert it into your wine bottle. The stick will keep your wine cool while you pour, ensuring a refreshing and chilled glass every time.

    ### Wine Aerator and Chiller

    A wine aerator and chiller combo is a versatile accessory that not only cools your wine but also enhances its flavors. This device fits directly into the bottle and cools the wine as you pour. It also provides aeration, which helps open up the wine and improve its taste.

    Choosing the right wine cooling accessories can take your wine experience to the next level. Consider investing in these tools to enhance your enjoyment and impress your guests.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooling Wine

    While the art of wine cooling may seem straightforward, there are some common mistakes that can compromise the quality of your wine. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure your wine is always served at its best. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

    ### Freezing Wine

    Freezing wine is a big no-no. The expansion of the liquid as it freezes can push the cork out of the bottle or even cause it to burst. Additionally, freezing alters the wine’s composition and can negatively impact its taste and aroma.

    ### Using Ice Cubes in Wine

    While adding ice cubes to wine may seem like a quick fix for cooling, it can dilute the flavors and disrupt the balance of the wine. Instead, opt for alternative cooling methods, such as an ice bucket or a wine chiller stick, to maintain the wine’s integrity.

    ### Serving Wine Straight from the Fridge

    While refrigerating wine is a common way to cool it, serving it straight from the fridge may not be ideal. The very low temperature can inhibit the wine’s aromas and flavors. Let the wine sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow it to warm up slightly before serving.

    ### Overcooling Sparkling Wine

    Sparkling wines are best served well chilled, but overcooling can cause them to lose their effervescence and delicate flavors. Be mindful of the serving temperature for sparkling wines and avoid overcooling them.

    By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your wine is always served at its best and enjoy a truly delightful drinking experience.

    Wine Cooling Hacks for Emergencies

    Sometimes, you may find yourself in need of a quick way to cool your wine, especially when unexpected guests arrive or a celebration calls for an impromptu toast. In these situations, it’s helpful to have a few wine cooling hacks up your sleeve. Here are some emergency wine cooling hacks to save the day:

    ### Wet Paper Towel Method

    Wrap the wine bottle with a wet paper towel and place it in the freezer for approximately 15-20 minutes. The wet paper towel will help cool the bottle more quickly, allowing you to enjoy a chilled glass of wine in no time.

    ### Salt and Ice Bath

    If you need to cool a bottle of wine rapidly, create a salt and ice bath. Fill a container with ice, sprinkle salt over the ice, then place the wine bottle in the mixture. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, resulting in a faster cooling process.

    ### Frozen Grapes or Berries

    Keep a bag of frozen grapes or berries in your freezer for emergencies. If you need to chill a glass of wine quickly, drop a few frozen grapes or berries into the glass. They will cool the wine without diluting it, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing drink.

    These wine cooling hacks can come in handy when time is of the essence. Keep them in mind for those moments when you need a quick and effective way to chill your wine.

    Conclusion

    The art of wine cooling is an essential skill for any wine enthusiast. By understanding the ideal serving temperatures for different types of wine and utilizing the various cooling methods and tools available, you can elevate your wine-drinking experience and fully appreciate the complexities of each bottle. Whether you prefer crisp whites, full-bodied reds, or sparkling varieties, maintaining the perfect temperature will enhance the flavors and aromas, allowing you to savor every sip. So, the next time you reach for a bottle of wine, remember the secrets you’ve learned here and ensure it’s perfectly chilled. Cheers to enjoying your favorite vino at its best!

  • News

    SIZING A CONDENSER TO OUR UNITS

    Found one of our units that will work perfectly with your application but you can’t seem to figure out what condenser to use?

    Here is a quick few-step process on how to properly sizing a condenser to our units can help with your planning. 

    Many times we get the questions, “how do you size the condenser with your

    evaporator?”. Here are some helpful guidelines when sizing.

    • Select condensing unit with a lower capacity than the

    evaporator ( 90% to 100% of evaporator )

    • Design point – 38° sst (use 40°f for sizing purposes) if running

    room at 55°

    • Goldilocks type of conditions
    • Use a good average temperature not worst case scenario
    • On hot days just let the system run a little longer fo the out of bounds conditions
    • Rooms are sized for 16 hour run day
    •  Load on evaporator is constant- its the condensing unit that needs to run a little longer
    • Size to a reasonable ambient temperature
    • Is it inside?
    • Is it outside?
    • Examples
    • San Diego- size for 80° not 110°
    • Palm Springs- size for 100° or so and let it run longer on the hottest times of the year
    • Put a fan cycling switch on the condenser to keep the head pressure up to 80° or better ambient conditions to protect during low ambient times.
    • Condensing unit should have a suction accumulator

     

  • News

    How to Use our Wine Room Calculator

    NEW VIDEO TUTORIAL!

    Ever wanted to use our wine room calculator but weren’t sure if you were using it right? 

    We know the feeling! That’s why we made a video to help walk you through the ends and outs of our wine room calculator.  A few easy tricks and tips and you will be a pro in no time! 

    If you still have questions please contact us at 562-944-1969 or email sales@lrccoil.com.

     

  • News

    AGING MEATS AND CHEESES

    Many times a customer wants to age meat or cheeses at a specific temperature and humidity to prevent the food from “drying” out during the aging process.  There are a couple of ways to approach it.  

    First one is a refrigeration system is installed to give the required capacity in the room and a humidifier is installed to temper or raise the air to the desired relative humidity level.  This requires that the system has enough capacity to handle the sensible load on the room and all the latent load that the humidifier places on the refrigeration system.  This can lead to a refrigeration system that is 2 to 3 times the actual load on the room.  And depending on the size of the humidifier the refrigeration system can actually be overwhelmed by the humidity being injected which can cause the system to reach an equilibrium point somewhere in the range that is desired.

    Another way to approach the system is to utilize a system where the dewpoint of the air is controlled by using either an EPR valve or a constant pressure expansion valve on the evaporator.  By holding a constant evaporator temperature the coil will “wring” out any moisture in the air that is in excess of the desired point but not take any additional moisture out.  This takes out the need for a humidifier to constantly put moisture back in the room to offset what is taken out by the evaporator.

    Example:  if the desired condition is 55 degrees/ 75% relative humidity the air in the room has a dewpoint of 47 degrees F and (.00687 lb/lb - moisture per lb of air).    So if a coil is running at a SST of 47 it will stabilize the moisture content in the room at this level.  If that same coil is running say a 43 degree SST with 55/75 air entering it can spend upwards of 25% of the system capacity condensing moisture from the air.  With a regular superheat controlled TXV the suction pressure/temperature can even dip below that point and lead to even more dehumidification of the air.  That combined with any heat used to make the steam/moisture has to be removed as well can lead to 2 to 3 times extra refrigeration capacity being needed.  

    The use of a slightly larger coil to reduce the temperature differential across the evaporator, holding the suction pressure at the dewpoint of the air in the cooler and the downsizing of the humidifier to only provide backup humidification leads to a reduced system cost and a more stable operation.

    This can be accomplished by using either fan assisted evaporators or gravity coils.  It all depends on the goals of the customer in the room.  Many times a reduced airflow fan assisted coil or a gravity coil is desired to reduce the potential for drying out the product.

  • News

    Commercial AC Vs Refrigeration which is better?

    When it comes to commercial AC vs Refrigeration, most of the units shown on the internet are commercially available AC units.  The standard for the industry is .012 thick copper tubes and most of the systems are not available with a coil coating so you will see coil failures fairly quickly. The LRC designs are based on a thicker copper .016 thick wall and all our wine coils are dipped in an epoxy and cured in the oven.  This is done because the wine vapors condense on the coil and get in the interface between the fin collars and the copper tube.  The epoxy seals this area so the coils won’t get attacked by the acetic acid.

  • News

    Line Set Sizing Chart for Wine Rooms

    It is important to size the main line to accommodate the system capacity.  To large a line can lead to problems with oil return (burnouts of the compressor will result) or too small can result in excessive pressure drop which will reduce the system capacity.  A good utility is the “refrigerant line sizing” program located at boxload.tecumseh.com.  Input the parameters of the system and it will recommend a suitable line size for both Liquid and Suction lines.

    Line Set Sizing

    For a single evaporator the total amount of pressure drop for the suction line should be equal to 1 to 1.5 degree F.  This will vary depending on the refrigerant chosen.  For R134a the suction pressure drop should be in the 1 – 1.5psig range.  For blends (R404a, R407c) the drop should be 1.5 to 2 psig in pressure drop.

    When sizing for a multiple evaporator installation break the main line sizing apart from the branches.  Each should be sized to add up to the desired total amount of pressure drop for the complete suction line.

    For long lineset runs over 50 feet pressure drop and oil return are big issues.  Long lineset runs can be done but pressure drop is critical to the system operation.   LRC’s lineset charts are based on 100 feet of run.  For runs over 100 feet please ratio the pressure drop – for 150 feet the pressure drop would be 150/100 * chart value.  Oil return is also a large issue.  For long runs over 50 feet or runs with alot of rise where the evaporator is higher than the condensing unit it is a good idea to utilize an oil separator to minimize the amount of oil that leaves the condensing unit.  If an oil separator is not used for runs over 30’ then please add 1 ounce of oil for each 10 feet of lineset over 30 feet.

    Click Here to get downloadable version.

  • News

    ALL COPPER COILS

    WE CAN MAKE ALL COPPER COILS!

    Did you know copper is a great Antiviral, Antimicrobial, and Antibacterial Metal? As well as  anti Corrosive metal which will make it last for years to come!

    We are able to make any coil all copper. With copper Tubing, Copper Fins, and Copper Endplates. Viruses and Bacteria cannot live on Copper.

    There are many wonderful attributes to copper coils not to mention will help keep Covid-19 off surfaces for long periods of time. Please take a look at this article that will help provide information on what copper coils can do for you!

    ARTICLE

  • News

    We are Still Open

    We are still open during the pandemic with all precautions.

    Due to the Covid-19 Virus and the mandate for all nonessential businesses to close in California, we have decided to shut our doors for the time at our L.A. manufacturing plant. But our Arizona plant is still open!


    We are still producing our replacement and OEM coils, as well as our Wine Room evaporators. 

    You also will still be able to get spare parts to keep your existing units working. We have stock of motors, heaters, fan blades, etc.

    Our engineering and sales staff will still be working from home at this time and able to take your calls and Questions.

    If you have any questions please contact us at 562-944-1969

  • News

    Newsletter Vol 2

    NEWS
    THE NEW D.O.E. STANDARDS | Begining of 2020 We will no longer make regular HS, VAH, RM, or VRM models. The EC versions will be the only models available. On the bright side, your customers will be saving tons of money on the energy savings, They will be quieter, and on the HSEC and the VAHEC models, they have filters already installed!
    PRICE INCREASE | Due to the ever-increasing tariffs all P.O.’s placed after December 1st will reflect our new prices. For questions please contact our office at 562-944-1969 or email Jonathan at jholden@lrccoil.com. Thank you.

    List Price 

    EDUCATION

    Commercial AC vs Refrigeration – Or Why Can’t I use that Cheaper Mini-Split unit??

    Most of the units shown on the internet are commercially available AC units. The standard for the industry is .012 thick copper tubes and most of the systems are not available with a coil coating so you will see coil failures fairly quickly. The LRC designs are based on a thicker copper .016 thick wall and all our wine coils are dipped in a water-based epoxy and cured in the oven. This is done because the wine vapors condense on the coil and get in the interface between the fin collars and the copper tube. The epoxy seals this area so the coils won’t get attacked by the acetic acid.

    1. In the case of the mini-split type of system, we do not have an equivalent. We have not been able to find a mini-split evaporator that has a coated coil and can utilize the constant pressure expansion valve.

    2. More flexibility. Some systems need cabling between the evap and condenser. The LRC systems are set up to do a pump down the type of system to facilitate installation.

    3. Evaporators only. Some resellers sell the entire system. We depend on the wholesalers to provide the condensing unit along with the other system components. We do this because the conditions are different for a refrigeration system between Florida, Phoenix, and Seattle. And only the wholesalers tend to know how to configure a system for their local conditions. In addition, prefer to have the condensing units and other parts sourced locally so in the event of failure parts are more readily available.