Proper
wine storage Upright, downright happy all the time — BY LINDY PETERSEN —
WHETHER YOU’RE A COLLECTOR of fine wines or an amateur wine enthusiast, the question of storing wine is of the utmost important. The issue seems to become further complicated, when seeking the proper preservation of both red wine and white wine. While it’s generally agreed that a temperature of 55°F is optimal for both reds and whites, serving the wines is a different matter. Below we’ll look at the best qualities to look for in establishing your own system for wine storage.
Maintain a proper atmosphere There’s no question that climate plays a key component in ensuring your wines will retain their flavor and aroma, whenever you choose to serve them. A climate-controlled storage unit is probably the best choice because even a dark basement can get humid or frigid, and neither extreme is healthy for your wines. The ideal is to keep wine temperatures below 70°F, but no lower than 45°F, though, as mentioned above, 55°F creates the preferred environment. Avoid sudden shifts in the temperature Even where you may have a climatecontrolled device for your wine storage needs, a sudden rise or drop can cause severe damage to your wines. Cooking the flavor is one danger with an abrupt exposure to hotter climates, but a drop can be equally disastrous. Climate extremes can cause the liquid to expand and contract excessively, which can force the cork out of the neck or cause seeping. Keep your wines in the dark Additionally, both red wine and white wine can be affected by too much exposure to sunlight. The sun’s UV rays are especially
harmful, causing the wine to age prematurely. This is why most wine bottles are made from colored glass, deflecting the sun’s harmful rays in much the same way sunglasses protect our eyes.
Upright or set on its side? Today, many wine producers opt for more modern forms of wine-bottle closures, such as screw-on caps or plastic corks. If this is the case with your preferred wine brands, by all means, stand them upright. There’s no reason to worry about preservation in these instances. However, traditional corks require greater care. Wine bottles of this type are set down on their sides to ensure the wine stays flush against the cork to keep it wet. In cases of long-term storage, a dried-out cork can result in the cork cracking or becoming dislodged. This method of storage can also be used to conserve space and store more bottles in a confined area. Shaking the contents There’s a long-held belief that allowing wine to be shaken, even moderately so, can have a negative impact on the quality of the wine. Though this belief is without evidence to back up the claims, many wine collectors remain meticulous about ensuring their wines experience a calm and peaceful existence. Certainly, much older wines may be unsettled by moderate vibrations, creating an unsavory texture and flavor by stirring up the sediment. Otherwise, most wines don’t need to be handled with that much care. Overall, keeping your wines in a moderately controlled climate and ensuring the corks remain moist and healthy goes a long way to preserving the flavor of each wine. Proper care is important, whether you serve your wines shortly after the purchase or prefer to age fine wines over time.
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