A Guide To Storing Your Wine

Assam News · November 3, 2009

No matter what type of wine you love; white, red, pink or sparkling, as a wine enthusiast and collector you must know how to store your wine. Simply putting your favorite bottle of wine above the fridge and forgetting about it for a year is not gonna work. It could drastically alter the taste, then, when you come to enjoy it at that special occasion, the wine might not be as favorable as you hoped. So, pay extra attention while storing wine.

Wine Storage

Despite wines being a perishable commodity, properly caring for and storing your wine can actually improve its’ aroma, flavour, texture and complexity over time. Here we are going to discuss the principles behind wine storage. Follow the principle and add the spice of wine to your lifestyle.

1. Storage duration:

The first decision to make is how long you are planning to store your wine for. Generally short term storage means 3 to 6 months and should be your cheaper, less cherished wines, where as long term can mean decades and should be reserved for your quality, precious wines.

2. Correct storage conditions:

Whether it’s short or long term storage the same rules apply, firstly and most crucially the bottles should be laid horizontally instead of upright, this ensures the cork remains moist, to stop it drying out. It is essential to keep the wines in a vibration free environment so they can not move about, therefore on top of electrical appliances or a place subject to external forces (i.e. from a subway) should be avoided.

3. Storage Temperature:

Storing wine at the correct temperature is one of the most important factors. Wine can be greatly affected by its surrounding temperature; the ideal temperature is roughly 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12°C). Bottles should be kept out of drafts and any temperature change should be very gradual.

4. Exposure to light:

Light can negatively impact on a wine, which is why some wine bottles are made of colored glass. Wine must be kept out of direct sun light, since too much light can react with proteins in wine, forming a haze and bad aromas to pollute its’ flavour.

5. Humidity:

For long term storage, the correct atmospheric conditions are required. Humidity has to be very high, approximately 70% or more, in order to stop the cork drying out and to reduce the chance of wine evaporating.

6. Ventivation:

Also when storing for a long term, consider the wines surroundings, ensure there are no other foods or liquids that could be absorbed into the wine itself. As extraneous smells can enter through the cork and contaminate the wine, substances with strong aromas for example fuel or vinegar must be kept elsewhere!

Correct wine storage is fundamental for any serious wine lover, enthusiast or even hobbyist. The most effective wine storage solution is in a wine cellar, since numerous bottles can be kept conveniently out of sight yet in the perfect conditions. After successfully storing your wine, time comes to pop the cork and enjoy the fruit of all your hard work. Drink responsibly but do try to finish bottles within a few days of opening. Because, as soon as the wine is exposed to air it starts mixing with oxygen and alters the essence of the wine.

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Category: Food and Drink | Tags: Food and Drinks, Lifestyle, Wine, Wine Storage