Ideal conditions for storing wine at home
Wine is a delicate beverage that matures and develops its flavours over time,
provided that it is properly stored. Unlike most beverages,
wine needs specific conditions to retain its full flavour and aroma.
What are the ideal conditions for storing wine at home and what should you pay attention to?
Read our guide and find out how to create the perfect wine storage space.
The optimum storage temperature for wine depends on the type of liquor,
but there is a general rule that it should be between 10 and 15°C.
Excessive temperature fluctuations can accelerate the ageing process of the wine, which can affect its quality.
For red wines, storage at 12-15°C is recommended, white wines prefer a range of 8-12°C,
and sparkling wines and champagnes feel best at between 5 and 7°C.
The biggest threat to wine is a spike in temperature, which can lead to a loss of freshness and aroma.
Wine should be stored in a place where it will not be exposed to fluctuating temperature conditions,
such as the kitchen or near radiators.
2 Humidity – how to avoid and control it?
Another important factor is humidity, which in an ideal environment should be around 60-70%.
Too low a humidity causes the cork to dry out, leading to air infiltration into the bottle and oxidation of the wine.
Too much humidity, on the other hand, encourages mould growth, which can affect the condition of the labels and the cork itself.
A home humidifier or hygrometer is a great solution if you want precise humidity control.
At home, humidity is difficult to maintain at a stable level,
but it is worth avoiding very dry or very humid places, such as an attic or basement without proper protection.
3 Protection from light – why is it so important?
Light, especially sunlight, is the enemy of wine – its rays can lead to a photochemical process,
which causes so-called ‘light shock’ and accelerates the ageing of wine.
For this reason, most wines are stored in dark bottles, which protect the beverage to some extent.
Nevertheless, wine should be stored in a place that is completely shaded, preferably in a cellar or a special wine cabinet,
away from windows and out of direct sunlight.
If you do not have a dedicated place, you can follow a simple rule: wine should be stored in a dark and cool place,
such as in a lower cupboard in the kitchen or in a cupboard away from light sources.
4 Bottle position – cork always wet
We store wines in a horizontal position, which keeps the cork in constant contact with the liquor.
Why is this important? Because the moisture from the wine prevents the cork from drying out,
which could otherwise shrink and let air into the bottle,
which could lead to oxidation. Wines with a screw cap closure can be stored vertically,
but when it comes to classic bottles with cork – horizontal positioning is key.
- avoiding shocks and vibrations
Wine, like good food, does not like to be disturbed. Vibrations can disrupt the maturation process of wine,
especially if you store the wine for a long time.
Therefore, avoid places exposed to shocks, such as next to the washing machine, the fridge or in places
where something is constantly moving. Prolonged shaking can lead to a change in the structure of the wine and a loss of its flavour.
6 Wine refrigeration cabinet – is it worth it?
If you are serious about storing wine and have a larger collection,
it is worth considering buying a special wine cooler. Such units provide precise temperature and humidity control,
which is ideal for wines that need to mature for years.
Refrigerated cabinets come in a variety of sizes and can hold a few bottles as well as several hundred.
It is worth choosing a temperature-controlled model so that we can store both red,
It is advisable to choose a temperature-controlled model so that you can store both red and white wines in the right conditions for them.
7 Summary: Where to store wine at home?
If you do not have a cellar or a special refrigerator, the best solution is to choose a place at home,
which is cool, dark and dry, with as few temperature fluctuations as possible.
An alcove or cupboard in the coolest part of the house, for example, can be a good solution.
With these simple rules, we can significantly prolong the freshness of our wines and enjoy their full flavour and aroma.
Well-stored wine is a guarantee of a full, intense tasting experience.
So let’s create the ideal conditions to make every bottle opening an unforgettable experience!
Check out : How to choose the ideal wooden wine rack: a practical guide for wine lovers
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