For those who know, wine is more than just a drink!
Wine is an experience, a passion, and, for many, an investment. Whether you're an occasional sipper or an avid collector, understanding how to store wine properly is crucial. Proper storage ensures that every bottle reaches its full potential when you decide to open it.
Why do you need to learn how to store wine
Wine is a living, evolving entity; it’s made up of complex chemical compounds that change over time. Factors like temperature, humidity, light, and positioning can influence the taste, aroma, and longevity of a bottle. If you don’t store wine properly, it could lead to oxidation, cork drying, or even spoilage.
However, if you know the right techniques, you can preserve and enhance the qualities of your wine. Here are the factors you need to keep in mind:
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Temperature - Temperature is arguably the most critical factor in wine storage and the ideal storage temperature for most wines is between 12°C and 15°C. Extreme heat can cook the wine, causing it to age prematurely and lose its subtle flavours, while freezing temperatures can expand the liquid, potentially pushing the cork out. The best place to store wine is in a consistent temperature, because frequent temperature fluctuations can cause the liquid to expand and contract, leading to seepage or oxygen exposure. If you can, invest in a wine fridge or a temperature-controlled cellar; but if you can’t, find a place in your home, where controlling the temperature is possible, such as a cool, dark cupboard.
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Humidity - Humidity also plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the cork and it ideally, it should range between 50% and 70%. If the environment is too dry, the cork can shrink, allowing air to seep in and spoil the wine. On the other hand, excessive humidity can lead to mould growth on the label or cork. A wine rack placed in a slightly humid area, such as a basement, can often provide the perfect conditions.
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Light – Did you know that UV light is a silent killer for wine? Exposure to sunlight or fluorescent light can degrade the wine’s flavour and aroma by accelerating chemical reactions. This is one of the main reasons why wine bottles are made of dark glass; imagine sunscreen for wine! Storing wine in a dark place or investing in UV-resistant wine racks is one of the easiest ways out.
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Position – You would think how you keep your bottles would hardly be of importance, but one of the golden rules of wine storage is to store bottles horizontally, particularly those sealed with corks. This is the best way to store wine, because this position keeps the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and shrinking. A dry cork can allow oxygen to enter the bottle, ruining the wine. This is why, wine racks are designed to hold bottles horizontally; they provide a stable and space-efficient way to store bottles, while keeping them organised. If you’re a fan of screw-cap wines, horizontal storage isn’t as critical, but it’s still a good habit to maintain consistency.
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Vibration and stability – As mentioned before, frequent vibrations can disturb the natural ageing process of wine by disrupting the sediment in the bottle. This is why, it is suggested that you avoid storing wine in areas prone to constant movement, like on top of a fridge or near heavy machinery. A sturdy wine rack is a perfect solution to keep bottles stable and undisturbed and if you are looking for a really good one, you will find it at Innoteck.
The best way to store wine? Pick a wine rack at Innoteck!
Given that wine racks come in a variety of styles, materials and sizes, making the right choice is important. Your choice will be dependent on your collection and the space you have at hand. Take into consideration:
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Material – While wooden racks are classics, metal and stainless-steel racks can offer a modern touch and durability.
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Design - Some wine racks are designed for countertop use, while others are freestanding or wall-mounted and your choice can be based on the space you have.
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Capacity – Factor in the number of bottles you have or you plan to pick and then choose a rack that will accommodate all and maybe some more!
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Ventilation – You also need to pick a wine rack that allows for proper air circulation around the bottles, because you need to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.
Proper wine storage is both an art and a science and investing in a quality wine rack is a practical and stylish way to achieve this. Whether you’re storing a few bottles or an entire cellar, the tips and tricks shared here will help you enjoy your wine at its absolute best.
So, the next time you uncork a bottle, you can sip with confidence, knowing it has been stored just right.
Cheers to great wine and even better storage!
