Storing white wine – what you need to know
White wine is a beverage that is popular all over the world. Its delicate flavour,
its delicate flavour, the diversity of its aromas and its refreshing character,
make it an ideal accompaniment to meals or as a stand-alone beverage for special occasions.
However, in order to fully enjoy its taste, proper storage is important.
Here is what you need to know about storing white wine.
- the right storage temperature
White wine is best stored at a lower temperature than red wines,
to preserve its freshness and aromas. The ideal storage temperature is:
8-12°C – for light wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling,
12-14°C – for heavier wines such as Chardonnay or Viognier.
Avoid large fluctuations in temperature, as these can adversely affect the quality of the wine.
Light – the enemy of wine
Light, especially sunlight, can destroy the taste and aroma of wine.
UV rays accelerate chemical processes that can make wine flat or bitter.
Therefore, the best place to store white wine is in a darkened space, such as a cellar,
a special wine cabinet or a wine fridge with a darkened door.
- the position of the bottle matters
If you are storing white wine for a long period of time, keep the bottles in a horizontal position.
This will keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and letting air in.
Plastic corks or caps don’t need this treatment, but nevertheless storing bottles horizontally saves space. - air humidity
The optimum humidity in the room where you store white wine should be around 60-70%.
Air that is too dry can dry out the corks, increasing the risk of air entering the bottle,
and too high humidity can encourage mould growth on labels and packaging. - avoid shocks and vibrations
White wine, like other types of wine, is sensitive to vibrations.
Constant vibrations can disrupt the maturation process of the liquor and affect its taste.
Therefore, avoid storing wine near vibration-generating appliances,
such as washing machines or refrigerators without an anti-vibration system.
6 Storing an open bottle
What should you do with a bottle of white wine that you haven’t managed to drink to the end? Store it in the fridge,
and close tightly with a special vacuum cap or a simple screw cap.
In this way, the wine will retain its properties for 3-5 days. Light wines can lose their aroma more quickly,
so it is advisable to consume them within a few days of opening.
- specialised storage accessories
If you are passionate about wine, it is worth investing in specialised accessories such as:
Wine coolers – maintain optimum temperature and humidity,
Vacuum stoppers – extend the freshness of open wine,
Wine shelves or racks – help organise your bottle collection.
Summary
Proper storage of white wine is crucial to its taste and quality.
Maintaining the right temperature, protecting it from light, humidity and avoiding vibration are basic principles
which are worth observing. If you plan to store wine for a long time or enjoy its subtle aromas,
it is worth investing in the right conditions and accessories.
This will make every opened bottle of white wine a unique experience.
Cheers!
