Many people all over the world love to collect things. It could be anything from musical instruments to postage stamps. Wine is also something that many people love to keep. It’s common for them to store special bottles for future occasions, and to treasure their most expensive purchases.
If a person wants their beverage to be kept at optimum quality, they will need to steward it well. If it is stored badly the flavors and aromas will be impaired. In the worst-case scenario, a person could end up with a bottle of vinegar. Perhaps you have recently started collecting wine, and are wondering what are the best ways to store it. If that’s the case, this article will provide you with some essential hints and tips.
Consider Wine Coolers
Many people buy these specialist appliances to help preserve their wine. If you want to show off your collection, choose one with optional LED lighting. There are different models you can choose from, depending on your individual needs. You may want a small standalone version or an under-counter model. Single zone units aren’t the only choice, either. It’s even possible to buy dual temperature coolers. One section is devoted to storing the wine, whilst the other maintains a temperature suitable for serving it.
When it comes to getting information and equipment for wine storage, the internet is a great place to go. According to the specialists at WineCellarHQ, people are actively seeking best sellers, free shipping deals, and customer reviews. They also want to read related articles on everything from underground ventilation to cooling unit requirements.
Maintain A Stable Temperature
Room temperatures naturally change day and night, and also with the weather and different seasons. If you have heating units and electric dryers etc. they will also affect the room temperature. These fluctuations are not good for wine as it compromises the integrity of the cork. When the sealing becomes less effective, the air gets in. This creates oxidation which speeds up wine’s natural aging process. In turn, the aromas and flavors of your drinks will be impaired.
Your wine storage room should have its temperature regulated by a thermostat. Most wine needs to be kept at around 55 degrees F (13 degrees C) but check your bottles’ individual specifications. Wine benefits when there are humidity levels between 60 and 85%. Anything higher could generate mold on the label and the external part of the cork.
Avoid Sunlight
First of all, light generates heat. White and sparkling wines are particularly susceptible to UV light. This is why many wine bottles are green rather than transparent. Unfortunately, this will not fully protect your drinks, however. In order to fully preserve the smell and taste, protect your wine bottles from sunlight by using shutters, blinds, or curtains over the windows. If you have a wine cellar, better still.
Electric light bulbs won’t pose any problems because the heat they generate is minimal.
Avoid Vibrations
No specialist wine collector will ever keep their wine on top of a normal fridge. This is because of the heat generating from the back of the unit, and the levels of vibration. Washing machines, electric dryers, music players: all create a movement that can adversely affect your wine. Whether you have your wine delivered or if you buy it from the shops, it’s important that bottle movement is minimized.
The sediment in your wine bottles needs to be kept undisturbed while it naturally ages. If the bottles are shaken up, they will move around and ultimately reduce the quality of the flavor and smell.
Keep The Bottles Horizontal
For screw-top wine bottles, you can ignore this section. If you have corks, they need to stay in contact with the wine inside the bottles. This helps keep them moist. In turn, there will be less degradation of the cork and less chance for air to get in. That’s why wine racks don’t store bottles upright. Your white wines will be most vulnerable to oxidation. This is because red wines contain extra ingredients that help reduce the process.
Wherever you store your wine, keep it away from strong odors. This is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t keep it in a normal fridge. Cellars full of paint can be unsuitable too. Wine breathes through the corks, which means that smells can get in and affect the flavor.
Hopefully, you now feel more confident about storing your precious beverages. When they are looked after well, both you and your friends will be able to enjoy the benefits for many years to come.
