I love wine and wine tasting. More often than not, when visiting a winery with yummy and reasonably priced wine, I end up buying a case of wine it (it's cheaper this way). And then comes the question of storing it. Of course, it would be great to have a wine fridge or a wine cellars, but for most of us it's not attainable. So, here are some best practices for preserving wine:
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Keep wine bottles horizontal: Wine bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out, which can lead to air getting into the bottle and spoiling the wine.
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Avoid exposing wine to light: Wine should be stored in a dark place, as exposure to light can cause wine to develop off flavors and aromas.
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Minimize exposure to oxygen: Oxygen can cause wine to oxidize and spoil, so it's important to minimize exposure to air. This can be done by storing wine bottles in airtight containers or by using wine preservation systems that remove oxygen from the bottle.
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Maintain humidity levels: Wine should be stored in an area with moderate humidity levels, ideally around 70%. This can help prevent corks from drying out and ensure that wine labels remain intact.
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Avoid storing wine near strong odors: Wine can absorb odors from its surroundings, so it's important to store it away from strong-smelling items such as cleaning products, perfumes, or spices.
- And the hardest one of the all... store wine in a cool, dark place: Wine should be stored in an area that is cool, dark, and free from vibration. A temperature of around 55°F (12°C) is ideal for most wines, although some may require slightly cooler or warmer storage conditions.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your wine is preserved properly and retains its quality over time. It's also worth noting that not all wines are meant to be aged and some are best consumed within a few years of purchase, so it's important to know which wines are suitable for long-term storage and which are best consumed young (post on that is coming - stay tuned!)