Wine is a living product that continues to evolve after it is bottled. Storage can make the difference between an extraordinary drinking experience and a disappointing one. Understanding how to properly store wine is crucial to maintaining its flavor, aroma, and overall quality.
Continue reading to learn the essential principles of wine storage, focusing on why maintaining a consistent temperature, storing bottles horizontally, and avoiding light, vibrations, and heat are key to protecting your investment (and your enjoyment).
Maintain a Consistent Temperature
One of the most critical factors in proper wine storage is temperature control. Ideally, wine should be stored at a consistent 55°F (13°C), however any temperature between 45°F and 65°F is generally safe if you avoid fluctuations. Consistency is key because temperature swings cause the liquid inside the bottle to expand and contract, which can push the cork outward and let air in. This oxidation can spoil the wine and ruin its delicate balance of flavors.
Temperatures that are too cold (i.e., the temperature in a regular refrigerator) can dry out the cork, allowing unwanted oxygen into the bottle. Wine can also freeze if left in temperatures below 25°F, which can push the cork out completely. This will not necessarily damage the wine, but it will force you to consume or dispose of the wine promptly upon thawing. When buying wine online, avoid shipping during months with night temperatures dipping below freezing.
On the other hand, extreme heat is especially dangerous for wine. If wine gets too warm, it accelerates aging and can “cook” the wine, resulting in flat, lifeless flavors. Temperatures above 80°F can also cause corks to dislodge, especially during transit. In these temperatures, it is not recommended to ship wine via ground transportation. Either wait for temperatures to cool or choose a temperature controlled courier to protect your investment.
Once the wine is home, consider investing in a wine fridge or creating a cool, consistent storage space to safeguard your bottles for the long term.
Store Wine Bottles Horizontally to Keep Corks Moist
If your wine has a traditional cork closure (as opposed to a screw cap), it is important to store the bottle horizontally. Keeping wine in contact with the cork ensures that the cork stays moist, which preserves its elasticity and sealing power.
A dried-out cork can shrink. This allows air to seep into the bottle and spoil the wine.
Depending on your storage space, horizontal storage might also maximize space and make it possible to store multiple bottles in a small area. This tends to be especially helpful when storing bottles of different shapes and heights. Wine racks designed for horizontal storage are easy to find and come in styles that fit every budget and aesthetic.
Protect Wine from Light Exposure
Light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, is an enemy of wine. UV rays can prematurely age wine and degrade its delicate compounds, leading to muted flavors and off-putting aromas. That is why many wines are bottled in dark-colored glass. However, the color of the glass is not full protection.
Ideally, wine should be stored in a dark location and away from direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting. If you do not have a windowless storage room, a closet with a consistently cool temperature will work well in a pinch. You might also consider using UV-filtering glass on your wine cellar or wine fridge doors. Truthfully, even incandescent bulbs should be minimized in your wine storage area to prevent unnecessary exposure.
Minimize Vibrations
It might sound a bit extreme, but minimizing vibrations is another important part of wine storage. Constant movement or even small, frequent vibrations can disturb the sediment that naturally forms in wine as it ages. This can lead to a gritty texture and disrupt the delicate chemical balance inside the bottle.
Vibrations can also accelerate the aging process in undesirable ways because they can lead to a loss of flavor complexity. The cork is also put in jeopardy from the movement, which threatens the introduction of too much oxygen into the bottle.
It is best to store wine away from heavy appliances, busy walkways, or anything that causes regular shaking or movement. One of the worst places to store wine is in a laundry room due to the consistent, strong vibrations as well as temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Avoid Heat Sources
Heat is one of wine’s greatest threats. As mentioned earlier, elevated temperatures can “cook” a wine, leading to stewed fruit flavors and dull aromas. Beyond general room temperature, avoid storing wine on top of the refrigerator or near kitchen ovens, radiators, or any other appliances that emit heat. Uninsulated garages are also a storage area to be avoided as they can become extremely hot in summer months.
To truly protect your investment, also give consideration to small, localized heat sources such as a particularly warm corner of a room or direct sunlight hitting a cabinet. If wine is stored in these locations, consistent exposure to heat can gradually ruin a bottle. Keep your wine in a stable, cool environment.
Proper wine storage does not require a professional cellar, but it does require attention to temperature, cork health, light, vibration, and heat. By following these simple guidelines, you will help ensure that every bottle you open offers the flavors and experience the winemaker intended. Cheers!