Any person with even a hint of wine knowledge will know that the atmosphere in which wine is stored has a direct effect on its taste, aroma and quality. Wine is a fragile liquid, and if not stored in the right conditions, it can spoil quickly.
If you have an extensive wine collection or even just a few bottles that you are saving for a special occasion, then continue reading as we outline the basics of storing wine at home.
Bottle Location and Conditions
The place where you choose to store your wine is one of the most significant factors affecting its quality. Many people will automatically place their bottles in the kitchen or dining room – the areas where we naturally eat and drink. However, these rooms typically get a fair amount of natural light, and the kitchen becomes particularly humid when people are cooking inside it. Both of these elements cause temperature fluctuations, which are known to spoil wine.
In an ideal scenario, your wine bottles would be kept in a dimly lit, cool, dry area, which is not susceptible to extreme temperature changes and frequent vibrations. The basement tends to be the room that best adheres to these factors, as it is underground and cooler than rooms on the upper levels.
Of course, many of us are not blessed with a basement, so it is wise to consider the most suitable place in your house to protect your wine.
Bottle Angle
Many of us will be used to placing a new bottle of wine upright on a kitchen counter or inside the door of the fridge, especially if the plan is to consume it within the next few days. However, keeping your bottles upright may cause the cork to dry out quickly, letting oxygen enter and ruin the wine.
Instead, bottles should be stored horizontally, allowing the cork to remain moist and prevent spoilage. This is the core reason why wine racking and cellars are built in such a way that wine bottles are kept on their sides.
Bottle Temperature
The average room temperature is generally too warm for storing wine, which is why wine enthusiasts often insist on having a cellar or basement cooler installed within their home. This enables the air to cool gradually and helps to keep the air humid, both of which are necessary to ensure optimal wine temperatures and prevent the cork from drying out.
Experts will typically advise against purchasing dedicated wine fridges, as the electricity used to power them can produce heat, while the motion of opening and closing the fridge may cause vibrations.
Bottle Storage
Investing in the correct type of storage, such as fitted wine racks, is important, particularly if you collect bottles for future consumption or investment.
When purchasing a wine storage solution, you should take into consideration the material used. Oak or Pine Wooden racks are the most popular, as they are durable, particularly in the face of humidity, whereas other types of material may produce mildew or crack. The thickness of the wood and overall quality of the rack are also critical because it needs to be strong enough to handle a significant amount of weight. Poplar, cedar and fir are cheap woods and should be avoided since they have a distinct smell that can interfere with the wine’s aroma.
Moreover, metal storage may be preferable in households prone to dampness. Metal racks are more mobile than wooden racks and can also add a contemporary feel to the home.
Above all, investing in high-quality wine storage, installed by professionals, is the best way to care for your precious bottles. If in doubt, speak to an expert, who can guide you in the right direction.