Comparison of hygro-thermal conditions in underground wine cellars from a Spanish area

This paper discusses the results from the monitoring of various traditional underground wine cellars in the area of "Tierras sorianas del Cid". The studied area belongs to the "Denominacion de Origen of Ribera del Duero", which is known all around the world because of the high quality of its wines. Four wine cellars from two villages were monitored at two times: summer and winter time. Underground wine cellars can contribute to energy savings due to the stability of temperatures occurring inside them. The aim of this study was to analyze the existence of differences in temperature and relative humidity inside wine cellars which influence the quality of wines. The results showed that the temperature registered inside the wine cellars was much more constant than outdoor temperature, but there were some differences in the temperature level and annual variation of temperature from one cellar to another, which we try to examine. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.