It is all in the handling and storage techniques. A few people know about this; the way the wine is handled and stored has every bit as much to do with its taste as does the way it is made. Because wine is categorized under food items, it needs proper storage in order to maintain its quality. Are you a serious wine connoisseur and wondering how to handle or store your wine? Then read these expert tips, they will help you make your wine bottle taste better always:
Humidity
Ideally, the storage humidity levels should be between 50 and 70%. It should not be lower or higher than this. There is a good reason for this; you will prevent cork shrinkage. If the cork shrinks, oxygen will be allowed to leech into the wine, thus causing oxidation or conversion of wine into its acidic form. Ever tasted wine and found that it is bitter? This is as a result of failed corking.
Wine storage temperature
The most crucial thing to proper wine storage is how to maintain the optimal temperature. And you also want to avoid wild temperatures. It is recommended that the wine be stored from 400 to 650F. Usually, the optimal temperature will depend on the age and how long the wine will be stored. If for instance the wine bottle is to be opened within a year or two, warmer temperatures such as 650F will speed up the development of bottle bouquet. And a higher temperature than this can double up the rate of chemical reactions. So, if you are looking to store your wine for a longer term, it is recommended that the bottle be stored in cooler temperatures. Even the white whines which are usually consumed sooner than other kinds of wines can really benefit from cooler storage.
Wine storage angle
Wine corks work wonders when it comes to preserving the wine. But after about ten years in the wine bottle, the cork can deteriorate due to the effects of storage temperature or humidity. Did you know that warmer temperatures and excessively humid storage can cause growth of mold? This can attack the cork as well as the label. And insufficient humidity can see the cork drying or crumbling, in which case it needs a replacement. The wine bottle should be stored on its side. This way, the cork will remain wet, something that helps in minimizing the transmission of air through the cork into your wine. Don’t store the bottles upright, this will cause the drying of the cork and when the air passes through the cork, chemical reactions will occur thus spoiling the wine. Wine racks which come in different configurations of side angled holders can help you greatly if you are looking to store your wine for longer periods.
Lighting and darkness
Ever wondered why wines sometimes do have an unpleasant aroma? This could be as a result of ultra-violet light causing oxidizations of the tannins. And while dark colored bottles help in shielding the wine from sunlight, they too can allow UV light to penetrate through. It is important to ensure that the wine is stored in dark conditions in order to keep it from spoiling. If possible, put the cellar lights on a timer, so even if you forget to turn off the lights in the cellar, the timer won’t “forget”, thus keeping your wine safe.
Vibration
Of course you want your wine to last for longer term, so the wall anchored wooden racks are a great option for this course. They will dampen any micro-vibration and eliminate any sways in the racks. Woods such as mahogany, redwood and non-aromatic cedar are the best options for your racking system as they respond well to the cool or moist environment of a wine cellar. And they don’t impart negative odor that could be absorbed into the bottle as your wine ages. Wooden racks also help in preventing the vintage label from tearing or damage.
Ullage
This is the unfilled air space at the top of your bottle wine between the wine and the cork. Usually, a short distance will suggest that older wine has been properly stored or it is simply a newer wine. So, if it is a greater distance, then it is likely that there is some depletion in the wine due to improper storage. You should note that some ullage can still occur naturally even when the wine is stored properly. This could be due to longer storage periods and because the cork is a permeable material. When you spot a large ullage gap, don’t consume the wine because it has potentially been spoiled.
At Rosehill Wine Cellars, we offer quality wine cabinets, wine racks, wine cooling units and wine accessories at affordable rates. If you are looking for a way to make your wine last for longer term and still taste better, then contact us today.
