How to Store Wine–5 Important Pointers
Are you planning to start your own wine collection? Before you do, take note of the basic storage conditions for wine bottles. If you plan to drink the wine within twelve months from purchase, storing the bottles in a cool stable place, away from direct sunlight, will suffice. But if you are planning to start a wine collection and intend on keeping the wine for longer than a year, it is better to keep these following pointers in mind:
1. Store your wine in a place with high humidity since low humidity is detrimental to the chemistry of the wine. Low humidity can result in oxidation which, in turn, can produce undesirable “off-flavors”.
2. Make sure that the temperature of the storage area is between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the commonly accepted temperature range. The wine will age faster if stored in a higher temperature, leading to an undesirable reaction. A lower temperature, on the other hand, will prevent some desirable aging changes to occur. A stable temperature is also essential in keeping the wine in excellent condition. If temperature vacillations are too great, outside air can seep into the bottle thereby compromising the freshness of the wine. Make sure the temperature in the storage area does not fluctuate more than 5 degrees.
3. Keep the storage area dark. Light, especially direct sunlight, can result in premature aging and affect both taste and aroma. Many bottles now have UV filters that offer some protection but it is better to err on the safe side and keep the wines away from light.
4. Avoid moving the bottles unnecessarily and make sure there are no severe vibrations. Vibration disperses sediments, which may affect the clarity and flavor.
5. Store the bottles lying down to ensure that the cork is always moist. A moist cork will maintain its shape and keep the air out while a dried-out cork will shrink. If the cork shrinks too much, oxygen could enter the bottle and oxidize the wine. Once oxidization begins the flavor of the wine will be altered.
Keeping your wine collection in optimal condition requires a bit of preparation but the rewards will well be worth the effort.