If you are a wine enthusiast who owns a number of different bottles and containers of wine, it can be extremely difficult to know how to properly store them so that they last as long as possible.
Wine is a prized commodity, and it only makes sense to make sure that you get the most out of the bottle when you take it out.
When wine is stored properly, the aging process can be slowed down and, in many cases, its quality will improve. When you purchase a bottle, it’s important that you know how to properly store it so that it doesn’t get damaged.
Also, it’s not just your storage and care processes that are important, but the manufacturer’s also.
Always make sure you purchase wines from reputable sellers, such as Usual Wines.
Here are a few ways to properly store your wine:
Ensure Proper Temperature
Temperature can affect a wine’s quality. The best temperature range for wines is generally 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) to about 58 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).
These temperatures will help wines to age slowly, prevent mold growth, retain the delicate flavors of the grapes, and prevent spoilage of the labels.
If the wine is stored at the right temperature, the flavor will remain intact; otherwise, the wine will deteriorate over time.
There are some wines that are best kept away from the heat and others that are best kept in rooms with warmer temperatures. White wines, such as Chardonnay, are usually best kept in cool areas.
However, some wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, are best kept in rooms with high humidity levels. This will help protect the wine from drying more quickly so that you can enjoy its flavors as soon as possible.
Protect It From Light
When you are storing your wine, you should keep it out of direct sunlight, which is also referred to as ‘exposure.’
You do not want to store your wine under direct sunlight for an extended period of time because this can really damage your wine over time.
Unfortunately, light can regroup the chemical compounds of the wine, thus making it bad. It will prematurely age, and the taste and aroma will definitely turn for the worse.
When you store your wine under direct sunlight, you will actually need to use UV light to kill the yeast living in the bottle, which could possibly shorten the life of the wine.
Another thing that can contribute to protection is the bottle. Basically, any kind of bottle should offer a satisfying amount of protection from light, but the darker the color is, the better.
Even though this could help, it’s advisable that you don’t take any risks and actually store your wine in a proper place—a dark environment that has a low and controlled environment.
Ensure Proper Humidity
Proper humidity levels are important because they allow the wine to breathe. Without proper airflow through the wine, the fermentation process will slow down and the flavor will become bitter or have an unpleasant smell.
Proper humidity is especially crucial to red wines. While the concentration of carbon dioxide in these wines is high, they are still susceptible to the effects of oxygen.
If red wines are stored in a humid environment, the higher concentration of CO2 in them will not cause any damage and will prevent the oxidation of some of the chemicals that can affect their flavor.
Learn About Proper Storage Solutions
There are many different wine storage methods out there that you can implement. But, no matter what you choose, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that all of your prized wines remain in great condition.
Here are some wine storage solutions you should look into:
Freestanding wine rack
This wine storage system certainly takes up a lot of room, but when you bookend it with a few small, clear plastic bottles (the kind you see in restaurants) and a large bottle holder for each one.
It really does not take up a lot of space either. However, because it is freestanding, you’ll need to have the right tools.
Wine Rack With Casters
This is much more convenient than freestanding racks since it can move from place to place.
However, it’s important to know that a wine rack with casters won’t usually be as secure as a freestanding rack, and may require drilling through solid objects in order to secure it.
If you plan to put a lot of expensive bottles on the rack, then you should consider purchasing the best type of wine rack possible.
Wine Rack With Stand
A wine rack stand allows you to put all of your wine bottles upright so that you can easily view them from all sides. They may also allow you to store a number of wine bottles on the same side.
However, you will need to make sure that the wine rack stand is stable enough to allow for the weight of all of your bottles.
Wine Rack With Glass Holder
Most wine glass holders are made of thick glass and can fit several bottles at a time.
Although this type of wine rack is the most expensive, it allows you to store as many bottles as you wish since it can accommodate a wider variety of glasses.
Many of you would never think of the importance of the cork and the way your wine is stored. It should always be laid down horizontally so the cork can be moist.
This is because if the cork dries out, it can cause seepage and premature aging.
Conclusion
Proper storage of wines is essential. It’s a way to protect and preserve their flavor and color, as well as helps reduce your chances of having a bad wine experience.
With the holidays approaching soon, wine parties are just around the corner.
Not only are they a great opportunity to celebrate the season, but they also give you the chances to share experiences and memories with friends and family.
If you have loved ones who are wine enthusiasts, they’ll surely appreciate gifts such as books about wine storage, wooden wine racks, and other wine care essentials.