from the vine
put a cork in it
Wine lovers know that storing wine is very important. Whether you buy wines by the occasion or short term, and especially if you plan to invest in wines that you want to age and mature, consider some simple principles to select proper wine storage conditions.
Storing wines for the short haul: These are wines you plan to consume within six months, or bottles you’ve purchased for immediate enjoyment. Until you’re ready to open a bottle, it’s best to store it in conditions similar to those required for long-term storage.
There are several methods for prolonging the life of open table wines. One such method is the gas system. Using a cylinder of compressed nitrogen or argon you flood the bottle with the inert gas, removing the potentially damaging oxygen without chemically interacting with it. Stay away from carbon dioxide, as it will mix in with the wine.
Vacu Vin came on the market a few years ago as another means of protecting opened wine. This method uses rubber bottle stoppers that create a vacuum along with a hand pump that comes with the system. However, many have complained that wines stored with this method seem stripped of aromas and flavors.
My all time favorite way of storing open wine is by decanting. In other words, decant the remaining wine into a half bottle (375ml capacity) and replace the cork. This works well and it’s natural. Remember though, all these methods can only slow the degradation of wine, so plan to consume the remainder as soon as possible.
Long term storage: Wines that you want to keep for more than six months, and that you want to mature and become supple and velvety, will require several conditions.
Store all wine horizontally so that the cork stays moist. The location must be free of vibration, away from strong odor, away from light (UV rays can cause your delicate wines to smell and taste of wet cardboard, a condition referred to as “light struck”), and at a low stable temperature. 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended along with 70 percent humidity or higher. The high humidity protects the cork from drying out, thereby minimizing evaporation.
You must remember, not all wines are made to take the long haul. It is best that you find a knowledgeable wine consultant who will help you select the best wines for the short- term and long-term storage.
Ideal Conditions for Storing Wine
- Temperature controlled wine cellars
- Low lighting conditions
- No strong odor
- Location free of vibration
- Horizontal storage
Samuel Black is a wine consultant. He does educational classes, special events, and private wine parties, wine and food preparations, and lectures on wine
