et’s Wine , Keep your cool

Living in a tropical paradise like Thailand has its perks, but when it comes to storing delicate wines, things can get a bit tricky. The scorching heat, sunlight and humidity can pose a threat to the flavor and integrity of your precious bottles. While not everyone can afford a temperature-controlled wine cellar, fear not! We’ve got some tips that will help you store your wine in the best possible conditions for short or medium-term, even without a fancy cellar. Plus, we have some great news to share about the availability of temperature-controlled storage facilities in Thailand. But more on that later! Now, let’s dive into the world of wine storage!

Find a Cool Spot:

In a hot country like Thailand, finding a cool spot for your wine is essential. Look for the coolest area in your home, such as a lower cupboard or a room with minimal sunlight exposure. Avoid places like the kitchen or near windows, where heat can easily seep in. Remember, your wine is like a vampire - it prefers a dark and cool environment.

The Fridge: Not Just for Food!

When you don’t have a dedicated wine cellar, your regular refrigerator can be your best friend. While it might not be ideal for long-term storage, it can provide a temporary refuge for your wines. Just make sure you keep them away from pungent foods like durian or fermented fish sauce. Try not to keep the wine in the fridge more than a few weeks. One of the primary concerns is the risk of the cork drying up. A prolonged exposure to the cold, dry environment of a refrigerator can cause them to lose moisture. As a result, the cork may shrink, allowing small amounts of air to enter the bottle. This can lead to oxidation and a potential deterioration in the wine’s quality over time.

Shield It from Sunlight:

Protecting your wine from direct sunlight is crucial. Sunlight can prematurely age your wine and degrade its delicate flavors. So, make sure to store your bottles away from windows or any areas exposed to direct sunlight. If you can’t find a dark corner, consider using blinds, curtains, or UV-blocking film on the windows to shield your wine from those harsh rays. You can also ask your local retailer to give you cardboard wine boxes (we always have a few lying around) or wooden boxes for more premium wines if you are lucky.

Embrace the Tilt:

When it comes to storing wine, a slight incline can make a big difference. Keeping your bottles at a slight angle, helps ensure that the wine stays in contact with the cork. This is beneficial for two reasons. Firstly, it helps keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and potentially allowing unwanted air to seep into the bottle. Secondly, when the wine is in contact with the cork, a natural exchange occurs. The wine and the cork establish a micro-oxygenation process, where the wine absorbs some of the cork’s compounds, and the cork absorbs some of the wine’s components. This exchange helps create a barrier that prevents or minimizes potential chemical interactions between the wine and the closure material. So, give your wine a gentle tilt and let gravity work its magic.

Ice, Ice, Baby!

If you’re in dire need of an instant cooling fix, ice can be your savior. Fill a bucket with ice and cold water, then immerse your bottles up to the neck. Voila! Some people even add salt to speed up the cooling process, but I personally keep salt for my pasta water. Do not hesitate to cool even the reds in Thailand because ambient temperature will be too high even for most red wines.

Thailand has recently witnessed a significant improvement in its wine storage infrastructure, with major importers recognizing the importance of maintaining a temperature-controlled supply chain. Italasia, a pioneering company in the wine industry, has taken this commitment to the next level by establishing a cutting-edge main warehouse in Bangkok. Meticulous

About the Author

Thierry Berno is the Branch Manager for Italasia Hua Hin. His love of wine began in South Korea, mentored by Kwak Dong Young, the first Korean recipient of the French BP sommelier, and legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire whose passion inspired him.

To learn more or to visit Italasia Hua Hin, call 063 535 2590, or email, br-huahin@italasiagroup.com.

temperature monitoring and top-notch storage conditions ensure that wine lovers throughout Thailand can enjoy their favorite bottles in optimal conditions, even if they don’t have a personal cellar. Moreover, Italasia’s smaller warehouses upcountry, equipped with round-the-clock air conditioners, also guarantee the preservation of precious bottles by maintaining a cool and controlled environment. Whether you’re in the bustling city or exploring the serene countryside, rest assured your wines are maintained in the best possible conditions, preserving their flavors and integrity.