Being a natural fruit-based product, wine is subject to a change in quality over any period of time. Proper wine storage can ensure that environmental factors do not negatively impact on the quality of a good wine. Controlling the amount of air, light, humidity and temperature is essential in cellaring and storing wine so that it develops complexity rather than being destroyed.
When wine comes in contact with air it can quickly spoil the quality of contents of the bottle and it should therefore be stored in a way that contact with outside air is avoided. Air is known to oxidize wine and reduce its freshness and appeal. This will quickly make the wine taste like vinegar and can destroy a good bottle of wine.
The best way to keep air locked out of a bottle is by using an adequate cork or a stelvin cap as the glass bottles themselves are not permeable to air. The cork should always be kept moist to ensure that the only air in the bottle is what entered the bottle at bottling time.
Always store corked wine bottles in a horizontal position so that the cork will remain in contact with the wine and will not dry out and therefore let air into the bottle.
Another important factor when storing wine is to ensure that the humidity in the room or cellar is at the right level to ensure that the cork does not shrink. If the humidity is too high the bottle labels will develop mold. The ideal level for humidity when storing wine is 70% but anywhere between 50% and 80% is acceptable, although at the higher levels you can expect some mold to form on the outside of the bottles.
If you find that a little wine is left in a bottle after opening it, the remains should be transferred to a smaller bottle until consumed.
Your wine should also be stored in a room where it will experience no vibration or movement. In addition, the bottles should be moved as little as possible until they are ready to be served. Excessive movement or vibration is known to destroy the quality of the wine and should therefore be avoided or kept to an absolute minimum.
When storing wine, temperature is another environmental aspect that should always be considered. Temperature should range from about 12 to 15 degrees C to ensure that the wine ages slowly and develops complexity. A wine cellar should be designed and built to maintain the required temperature and that is the reason most wine lovers build a wine cellar for storage. However, a wine cabinet can also be used where there is not the space to built a wine cellar.
Temperature fluctuations need to be avoided in a wine cellar as a wide range in temperature over a short period of time can cause the wine to lose its freshness and appeal and speed up the aging process. Wine should always be stored in darkness. Many wine makers today use ultra violet filters on their bottles to ensure that light is kept away from the wine. With too much light, like too warm a temperature, the wine could acquire an unpleasant taste and age prematurely.
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