The way wine is stored directly affects its taste, aroma, and longevity, as it is an evolving drink that should be treated as such. Improper storage can lead to spoilage or lower quality, even with expensive bottles.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 7 wine storage tips every wine lover and collector should know.
Key Takeaways
- Keep your wine at a stable and consistent temperature of 13°C (55°F) to preserve its flavour and aroma.
- Store bottles horizontally if sealed with natural corks. This helps to prevent oxidation, saves space, and manages sediment movement.
- Protect your wine from light and vibrations, as these two factors can degrade your wine’s flavor profile and disrupt the wine-aging process.
- Know what to drink and what to store for long-term use. You can leave full-bodied reds and some white wines for ageing. Utilize tracking apps to simplify this process.
7 Wine Storage Tips for Longevity
Here are some practical wine storage tips that will keep your collection for long periods.
1. Keep wine at a consistent temperature.
Temperature is such an important factor in wine storage and is capable of maintaining a bottle’s quality or diminishing it completely. Wine is susceptible to temperature fluctuations and is best stored at a temperature of approximately 13 °C (55°F). In temperatures above 21°C, wine will age too quickly and lose all the complexities in flavour and aroma.
In temperatures below 7°C, the wine aging process slows down, causing corks to dry out and increasing oxidation levels, which can ruin the flavor. Inconsistent temperatures can cause the wine to expand and contract, pushing the cork out and increasing oxygen levels. A wine cooler is the perfect tool to ensure that your wine is at the optimum temperature, as they are created specifically for storing wine. If you don’t have a wine cellar, a wine cooler is your next best option.
2. Store bottles on their side
It’s essential to keep the corks constantly hydrated by the wine, which prevents them from drying out. This is especially vital for red wine bottles with natural corks. Placing wine bottles on their side prevents the cork from drying out, which can lead to premature oxidation.
Lying wine bottles on their sides makes it easier to organise access to the collection. Still, it also helps to prevent sediments from settling near the bottle neck, especially for older bottles. If you have wine bottles with synthetic corks or screw caps, you don’t need to store them horizontally, although it is a good way to save space for more bottles.
3. Keep them away from light.
Ultraviolet light (UV light) can degrade wine over time by reacting with chemical compounds that contribute to its flavor and aroma. Sunlight is most detrimental to wine, and even fluorescent light can damage it over a prolonged period of exposure.
This is why many wines are packed in dark coloured bottles to reduce the amount that passes through and offer basic UV protection. It is best to store wine in dark areas, such as a wine cabinet, basement, or a wine cooler with UV-resistant glass. If you display your wine in your kitchen or living room, always use a low-watt LED light or place the bottles behind dark glasses to reduce exposure to light.
4. Maintain consistent humidity
Humidity is often an overlooked factor in wine storage, but it is crucial for wines intended to be stored long-term, especially those in bottles with natural corks. The ideal humidity level for wines is 60-70%. Anything below 50% results in dry corks, which may crack and lead to air infiltration. Excessive humidity, within the range of 80%, can lead to mold growth on the corks. However, this typically doesn’t have much effect on the wines.
If your storage area is too dry, you can use a humidifier to stabilize things, or place a bowl of water nearby. For damp storage areas, use a dehumidifier to maintain a dry environment. A hygrometer is a simple and inexpensive tool that can help you monitor humidity levels and take action where necessary.
5. Avoid vibrations and movements.
Your wine bottles should always be left undisturbed and in a steady position. Frequent movements or vibrations from machinery or just daily foot movements can disrupt the delicate chemical process needed to age the wine properly.
Excessive movement may stir up sediments in the wine, which can affect its smoothness. It can also lead to an acceleration of the chemical process, resulting in poorly aged wine with an undefined taste. Such wines can seem fake, but they may simply have failed to age properly, thus dulling the wine’s flavor profile.
Ensure that your wines are kept away from washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and gym appliances. If you are using a wine fridge, it’s wise to choose a no-vibration model designed specifically for long-term wine storage.
6. Choose the right storage location.
Contrary to some opinions, the kitchen is not the best place to store wine. It consists of excessive movement and vibration, exposure to UV light, and can often experience fluctuating temperatures, which are detrimental to the wine-aging process. This is also true for laundry rooms, which can be too humid, as well as garages.
The ideal storage spaces will be cool and dark, away from strong odours like spices or detergents, quiet and undisturbed. A closet, a basement, or a specially designed cabinet is ideal for short-term wine aging. However, for serious wine collectors, a wine cellar or climate-controlled wine fridge is the best option.
7. Know which wines to drink soon and which to age.
A lot of people think that every wine should be aged. However, approximately 90% of wines should be consumed within 1 to 5 years of bottling. The best wines suitable for aging include full-bodied reds, such as Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as some white wines, like Chardonnay, and fortified wines, like Madeira or Sherry.
These wines have more acidity, sugar, and tannin content, which helps them develop a richer and more complex taste over time. While you’re waiting for these wines to age, you can enjoy light wines like a Pinot Noir, a Sauvignon Blanc, and some rosès and sparkling wines.
You can use wine tracking apps to know which wines should be aged and which should not. Labelling your bottles with ‘drink by’ dates can help you manage your collection more effectively.
Wrapping Up
Wine is fragile, shaped by its production and its ageing process, and can be easily disrupted by careless storage. Wine storage is not only for high-end collectors, but also for anyone who wants to enjoy wine at its best. By paying careful attention to temperature, light and vibration exposure, you can preserve the flavour and elegance of the wine.
You can find your favorite wines on Lickquor.ng, the best alcohol delivery service in Lagos. You can also have your purchase delivered to your doorstep. Don’t waste any more time. Start your wine storage journey today.
