ARGICRU: A natural wine cellar in an apartment? Who would have thought! When we hear Wine Tech, we often picture something sleek and modern rather than earthy and clay-based. Yet, in a world dominated by planned obsolescence, isn’t the pinnacle of technology the ability to function without electricity or mass-produced items?
Key Takeaways
- Wine fridges are a good way to store your wine but they need electricity
- Alternatives are to store your wine in your cellar but temperatures and humidity may fluctuate
- The Argicru wine storage system uses burned clay tubes to store your bottles at constant temperature and humidity
- Argicru storage block are made of 9 kg of burned clay and are delivered with a fitted stopper
- The mass of burned clay keeps the temperature and humidity around your bottle constant
Natural alternative to a wine fridge
That’s exactly what Argicru aims to provide. In 2009, driven by a desire to reduce energy consumption during the firing process of his materials—which requires temperatures of at least 1000°C—Philippe opted to utilize raw clay instead. But what could he create with it?
Drawing on his experience in the clay industry (his father and he had previously crafted kitchen splashbacks), he looked to traditional earthen homes known for their natural thermal regulation. For instance, African huts maintain a cool interior even in extreme heat due to their dried earth construction. Inspired by this concept, Philippe partnered with Arnaud Neveu to create Argibrique—raw clay bricks designed as partitions for healthy and climate-controlled living spaces.
Change of plan
However, they soon encountered challenges navigating building regulations that were more complex than solving Tetris at the final level. Ultimately successful in their pivot away from that market but not willing to abandon raw clay or their existing stock of bricks, they decided to repurpose these materials into individual wine cellars. Thus was born the Argicru brand—alongside a clever play on words—offering a solution for wine enthusiasts who lack access to traditional cellars that provide the stable temperature and low air movement ideal for proper wine storage.
Natural storage vs wine fridge
This solution is designed for wine enthusiasts who lack the luxury of a conventional wine cellar, where conditions are ideal for proper wine storage—cool and stable. It serves as an environmentally friendly and visually appealing alternative to electric wine coolers. While these electric models are convenient for apartment dwellers, they operate similarly to large refrigerators, which means they rely on motors and compressors, consuming energy and eventually becoming obsolete (typically lasting 10 to 15 years with good maintenance).
First presentation of Argicru
In 2014, Philippe and Arnaud unveiled their innovative concept at the Foire de Paris, quickly capturing the attention of attendees and event organizers alike, who encouraged them to enter the L pine competition. This proved to be a wise decision; their patented Argicru design won the Bronze Medal in May 2015. The invention received accolades from industry professionals after undergoing testing by a laboratory specializing in temperature control and engineering.
How does Argicru work?
Argicru fills a gap in traditional wine storage solutions that often fail to provide adequate temperature regulation. Unlike conventional systems where walls or interiors are linked together for climate control, Argicru offers an effective alternative. However, it is important to note that each rack can be quite heavy—around 9 kg per bottle—so users should handle it carefully.
Imagine a temperature-controlled environment where you can dramatically adjust conditions. In this setting, two identical bottles of wine are placed side by side: one exposed to open air while the other rests in an Argicru rack. As room temperature drops from 20°C to 8°C within an hour, the wine stored in Argicru maintains a steady temperature fluctuation of only two or three degrees—similar to what would be experienced in a traditional cellar—while the exposed bottle endures significant temperature fluctuations.
The expense associated with earth materials is noteworthy. For a module of Argicru containing 48 bottles, you should budget around 1,000. In comparison, an electric aging cellar of similar dimensions from a French manufacturer costs close to 3,000, while a budget-friendly alternative can be found for under 300. However, it’s important to consider additional costs such as energy consumption and the need to replace the unit once it reaches the end of its lifespan. Moreover, recycling presents challenges due to the various materials and components involved.
In contrast, Argicru entails a one-time investment. Made entirely from clayey earth—sourced from France—it is fully biodegradable. When you’re finished using your lockers, you can easily bury them in your garden; after a good rain, they will decompose without leaving any trace behind—just some mud that could even be used for a beauty mask!
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