Storing

Elsewhere on this site you can read about wine racks and their importance when it comes to storing wine. Here we will provide storing wine tips which concentrate on the physical conditions you need to have in place and the factors you need to control for optimum wine storage.

So you have been purchasing the best wine that you is available and that you can afford, and having made a significant investment it is understandable that you want to go about storing it in the best possible way. Storing wine the correct way is extremely important both to avoid ruining it, and also to have it available in good condition when you are ready to drink it.

Here are some considerations if storing wine in the best possible way is your goal.

If you can put these few things in place you will avoid ruining your precious wine stock.

Storing Wine Tip 1: Proper hygiene of the storage area

Many people overlook this vital factor which can seriously affect wine quality when in storage. The area where the wine is stored must be kept very clean with no grime or dirt present. In addition, make sure the storage place is well ventilated. Wine storage areas which are dirty and have poor air flow will have a detrimental affect on the quality of your wine. Even something as simple as a clean label will enhance your overall enjoyment of the wine.

Storing Wine Tip 2: Lighting

Light is known to have a significant impact on the chemical properties of wine, especially promoting premature aging of wine. A darkened or gloomy place is ideal, and an electric light which is only used when you come to deliver or collect wine is the perfect situation. Remember that if wine stored in a place where there is an excess of light, your wine stands a good chance of being spoilt.

Storing Wine Tip 3: Angle of the bottle

It is probably well known that wine should always be stored horizontally rather than upright. By storing wine in a horizontal position, the cork will not dry out. If the cork dries out, then air can prematurely come in contact with the wine and ruin it.

Storing Wine Tip 4: Vibration

It is best for wine to be always stored in a vibration free environment. Continual vibration can cause any sediment inside the bottle to be dislodged which may have a negative effect on the maturation process.

Storing Wine Tip 5: Humidity

The acceptable level for storing wine is about 70 percent of humidity. If the humidity is higher than this in your storage area the label can be destroyed and if the humidity is significant lower, the process of oxidation will speed up and most likely ruin your wine.

Storing Wine Tip 6: Temperature

Your wine storage area should be held at an optimum temperature between forty five and fifty degrees Fahrenheit (between ten and thirteen degrees Celsius). If the temperature is significantly lower than this then the natural aging process of the wine will be slowed, and a higher temperature will speed up the aging. Neither of these scenarios is desired so pay close attention to the temperature of your wine storage area.

All of these storing wine tips need to be kept in balance if you want to maintain a proper wine storage area. This is important as taste and bouquet will be maintained and enhanced, and you will be able to easily read your wine label!