Nowadays, more and more people have come to appreciate wines. Pairing wines with food is now becoming increasingly popular. An increasing number of people are now collecting wines not just to appreciate them and pair them with foods but also as an investment.
As wines are perishable and very sensitive to its environment, it is very important to store wine in its optimum condition in a proper storage facility like a wine cooler refrigerator or wine cellar.
And just as enjoying wine is a multi-sensory experience; involving taste, smell, color and feel as you partake in that expensive French Bordeaux; storing wines have multiple aspects to consider, ensuring that your wine will evolve to its full potential instead of turning to vinegar by the time you get around to opening it!
The essence of proper wine storage is to keep the wines in its optimal conditions and when properly managed, there’s no better feeling than turning your young, vibrant wine into a mature classic for you to enjoy.
Here are some POINTERS for Wine Collectors or those who are just starting out, about the basics you should know about wine storage:
Temperature
There are many great wine collections that have been damaged by instability in temperature and moisture. Of all the storage factors that will adversely affect your wine, fluctuating temperature is the most damaging. The ideal temperature range is between 45° F and 65° F, with optimal wine storage right around 55°F.
For storing red wines, 50-55ºF or 10-16ºC while for white wines, they can be stored at lower ranges at 45ºF. So, make sure to have consistent temperatures, as dramatic fluctuations in temperature will damage the wine and the cork.
High temperature (>65ºF) can cause the wine to age prematurely; thus, losing its flavor and balance. When chilled too cold, the wine freezes and expands, pushing out and damaging the cork, which will allow more oxygen to be exposed to the wine, reducing the wine's delicate but complex flavor and aromas.
Proper Lighting
Wines when exposed to strong, direct sunlight or incandescent light can have an adverse reaction, negatively affecting the flavor of the wine significantly and resulting in premature aging or even spoilage. This is because the sun’s UV rays can degrade and prematurely age wine. That’s why wine bottles and most wine coolers are being tinted with dark colored glass, most with UV filters incorporated, to allow very little light to get to the wine.
But, take note that this does not necessarily offer full UV protection. So, store your wines in dark, cellar-like conditions like in wine cellars, or wine refrigerator or cooler.
Position of Wine Bottles in the Storage
Remember to always keep your wine either horizontally, at a 45º angle with the cork facing down or somewhere in between. Storing in this position will keep the wine in constant contact with the cork ensuring the cork will stay moist and not dry out. Thereby, this will minimize the probability of the cork cracking or shrinking and enabling air into the bottle, which will oxidize the wine and spoil the wine’s aromas, flavors and color.
How to Pick the Right Wine Storage for your Wine
Depending on the size of your collection, you can store your wine in a wine refrigerator, turn your basement / spare room into a wine cellar, or buy other wine cooler options. No matter what your choice is, just be sure to set and monitor the temperature, humidity, and aging period.
Humidity
The wine’s ideal humidity level is between 60% - 70%. A higher humidity level tends to create mildew or mold on the cork as well as spot and damaged your labels, negatively affecting the market value of fine wine.
On the other hand, low humidity can cause corks to dry out and crack, allowing more air into the bottle, leading to rapid spoilage. So, make sure to maintain humidity level range to keep the corks from drying out while preventing the formation of unwanted mold.
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