Storage Facts You Should Know to Protect Your Prized Wine Collection
Building up a wine collection can be quite a fun hobby, however, it can all go to waste if you aren’t storing your wine properly. There are many things that you have to consider, and the type of wine matters as well when it comes to storage. If you aren’t able to store your bottles properly, you will find them aging poorly over time and losing their flavors. At the same time, a bottle of wine that is properly stored will age beautifully and continue to enhance itself. Here are some storage facts that you should know for keeping your prized wine collection safe.
The Temperature Matters
The most important thing you have to consider when storing wines is the temperature of the room they are in. if the room is too cold or too warm, the wine will spoil. What is the ideal temperature? Typically it is recommended that wine is stored at around 55 Fahrenheit or 13 celsius.
White wines are able to be kept at temperatures a little lower, and red wines can at slightly higher temperatures. What if you aren’t able to have a room at that temperature? The experts at Wine Cellar HQ state that there are plenty of wine storage devices you can use to help regulate temperature. They are like mini-fridges but instead dedicated to ensuring that your wine stays fresh. If you can’t get the right environment for your wine in your home, make sure that you’ve picked up something that can keep them at the right temperature.
Always Store Corked Wine Horizontally
While this doesn’t matter with wines that are capped, all corked bottles need to be stored horizontally. What is the reason for that? If the cork begins to dry out, it can allow some seepage which will allow air into the wine. This is something that you have to avoid, especially if you want to age the wine for a little. Storing the wine horizontally ensures that the cork stays moist, therefore keeping everything sealed properly.
Close Opened Bottles Of Wine
If you have opened a bottle of wine and don’t plan on finishing it, you have to store it correctly. If stored properly, wine can last for another three to five days, depending on what is in it. Capped bottles are once again not an issue as it is very easy to seal them. Corked wines on the other hand are a whole other beast.
If you want to reseal it with a cork, grab some wax paper and place it around the cork. It will help guide the cork back in to create a new seal. Another option is to look into rubber stoppers. This will create a tight seal that is great for a bottle of wine that has already been opened. You have to do whatever you can to keep as much air out of the wine as possible. The more air that gets in, the quicker the wine will spoil.
Store Wine Away From Light
You might not know this, but UV rays from the sun can damage the wine’s flavors and aromas. Wine experts recommend that you store your wine in a dark place in your home that has no windows. Once again, this is the best for ensuring that your flavors are where they should be.
Keep Sources of Vibrations Away
When storing wine, you should make it a point to keep it away from anything that can disturb it. Things like washing machines for example can vibrate the bottle, disturbing the sediments in the wine. This will affect the aging process and will not allow the wine to fully mature. Try to pick a room in your home with thicker walls.
Proper Humidity Levels
This once again pertains to wine that is corked. Low humidity rooms can once again dry out the cork. Even if the other side of the cork is kept moist by the wine, the outside will slowly dry and crack, allowing air to continually seep inward until it breaks the seal. An area that is too humid will result in labels peeling off, which takes away from the display. Find a cellar with a humidity level between 60 and 68 for optimal storage.
These are all important tips that you need to know when it comes to storing wine. Remember with wine, the taste is the most important thing. Find wine bottles that you enjoy, regardless of how cheap or expensive they are, and show them off to your family and friends. It is a great hobby to get into and it is one that is rich in both culture and history. What is your favorite bottle of wine to drink?
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