The art of wine storage: how to look after your collection?

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If a wine is to retain its taste and aromatic qualities over a long period of time, it must be stored properly. However, the question arises as to what the optimum conditions are. There are many factors that affect how a beverage tastes and smells. Above all, optimum temperature and humidity must be taken care of, and the same applies to light. 

Basic rules of wine storage: temperature, humidity, light

A very important issue with wine is that it is stored at the right temperature. It should not be subject to large fluctuations, as this affects the taste qualities of the alcohol. The optimum storage temperature for wine is considered to be between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius. You will be able to count on serving it easily and ensuring the right conditions for maturation. It is also worth noting from the outset that the type of liquor matters, as red wines should age in a warmer environment than white, rosé and sparkling wines. 

The former retain their properties best at 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. White wines, on the other hand, are recommended to be kept chilled between 10 and 12 degrees. Rosé wines, on the other hand, taste best when aged at 9 to 10 degrees. The coldest temperature should be for sparkling wines, i.e. between 6 and 9 degrees Celsius. The correct ambient humidity is also important, i.e. between 60 and 75%. Alcohol does not like light, it is completely unnecessary and accelerates its ageing process. 

What are the best ways to store bottles of wine?

It is true that wines should not be exposed to varying temperatures, and the same can be said for draughts. It is necessary to ensure constant ambient conditions in the place where the wines are stored. It is also important to ensure that fresh air is available, as unventilated, stuffy rooms lead to adverse changes in the the taste qualities of the wine. 

Care must also be taken to ensure that the cork does not dry out, which is associated with oxidation of the wine. You even have to reckon with the fact that the beverage may spoil, which would obviously be a huge loss. If it is not possible to store the wine in a windowless room, it remains to cover it. Otherwise there will be a precipitation of sulphur in the wine when exposed to light. 

Storing wine for years to come: Key success factors

Remember not to expose the wine to sunlight, this also applies to artificial lighting. It is best to place the bottles in a shaded area, a room that is used less frequently. The air in it must not be too dry, too much humidity will not work either. Many people do not even realise that ambient conditions affect the condition of the cork, i.e. indirectly the the taste of the wine itself and its shelf life. 

It is also very important to move the bottles as little as possible. Vibrations have an adverse effect on the beverage, so shaking it is something undesirable. It will also be important to bottle cap always remained immersed in the wine. This therefore requires proper bottle stacking, i.e. investing in the right shelves and racks. 

Wine investment: How to protect and enjoy your collection?

Some people think that a fridge is a good place to store wine, but in practice it is quite different. If you want to chill the alcohol to be served, this is fine. However, it will not be optimal for long-term storage. The temperature in the fridge is too low and the door is frequently opened and closed. This results in temperature fluctuations, shocks and vibrations. This unfortunately has an adverse effect on the maturing alcohol, but the problems do not end there. 

It is also important to remember that the cork absorbs odours from food that has been placed in the fridge. Unfortunately, this will not remain indifferent to the taste of wine, so it is definitely better to put the bottles in the pantry or cellar. Only after opening The liquor can be stored in the fridge, but should not remain there for more than a few days. In the case of investment wine, you can think about using the services of professional companies that store alcohol. They provide optimal conditions and you can also count on wine insurance. 

From cellar to pantry: Choose the right place to store your wine

The cellar and pantry are great places to store wine. The cellar has ideal conditions, the microclimate is conducive to the gradual maturation of alcohol. If someone cannot afford such a solution, an alternative would be a wine cellar, i.e. a special wine cooler. It becomes possible to set a specific temperature in the individual chambers, allowing it to be adapted to specific types of alcohol. 

Shock absorbers, which protect the wine bottles from vibrations, become another convenience. Tinted glass is also an advantage, so that the contents of the wine cellar are duly protected from sunlight and artificial light. There are also garden wine cellars for sale, which are excellently insulated and ensure optimum air humidity and a constant temperature.