Everyone has had that bottle of wine that was amazing. The kind that made you want to keep a spare in the cellar.
Once you’ve grown an excellent wine collection and want to enjoy the fruit of your labor, you need to choose an appropriate place to store it. Are you thinking about purchasing some to put in storage but want to double-check your ideas before doing so?
Read along to discover the dos and don’ts of storing wine.
Store Your Wine in a Cool, Dark Place
Old root cellars, basements, or refrigerators provide the proper wine storage. A space below room temperature and out of direct sunlight is ideal. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, as oxygen can affect the flavor and smell of the wine.
Maintain a Constant Temperature
The temperature should remain constant and not rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing wine in direct sunlight, near a heat source, or where the temperature fluctuates can cause the wine to spoil quickly. The ideal temperature for storing wine is a consistent temperature of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can follow this tip for keeping wine longer to help extend its flavor, aroma, and texture. If a wine refrigerator is unavailable, the back corner of a pantry, closet, or basement would be ideal in order to avoid any noticeable temperature fluctuations.
Store Wines in a Horizontal Position
Make sure to store and display your bottles horizontally with the labels facing up. This is one of the better ways to ensure the cork remains moist and seals the bottle tightly.
Storing wine bottles horizontally helps to prevent evaporation. It also reduces the risk of air entering and damaging the contents.
Never Store Wine in Direct Sunlight or Harsh Lighting
Sunlight or UV rays can prove to be detrimental to the wine’s chemical components. It breaks down the aroma and flavor balance and potentially destroys your wine. Therefore it is essential to store the bottle of wine in a cool place such as a cellar, a basement, or in a cabinet under a countertop.
Keep Away From Vibration
This is because any vibration will stir up the sediment at the bottom of the bottle. This sediment is made up of compounds from the aging process and, when suspended in the bottle, can spoil the flavor. Vibrations can also cause the wine to age quicker, spoiling the taste.
It is essential to keep the bottles away from any form of vibration, as this can affect the flavor of the wine as it ages.
Keep Wine Away From Strong Odors
Strong odors, like garlic, onions, or gasoline, can penetrate through the cork and affect the flavor and aroma of the wine. Additionally, avoid storing your wine in metal containers as these can affect the taste and can cause off flavors.
If possible, store wines in an area of your kitchen or pantry that is away from strong odors and make sure that the area is kept clean.
Key Considerations When Storing Wine
Storing wine correctly will have a significant effect on its quality and value. Therefore, by following the dos and don’ts of wine storage, you can keep your wine safe and delicious.
Remember, it is important to maintain the ideal environment, stabilize temperature and humidity, and protect your precious bottles from unwanted light sources. Enjoy your wine and let it evolve to its fullest potential.
Did this article help you? If so, take a look at some of our other blog posts for more informative reads.
