Tips For Storing Your Wine To Preserve Its Quality And Taste

If you have invested in some good quality wine from our Great Missenden shop, then naturally you will want to store it properly to maintain its condition. Wine is sensitive to its environment and there are a lot of misunderstandings around the best way to store it. Here’s what you need to know, from vintage vinos to a crisp bottle of bubbly.

Set the right temperature

Wine is adversely affected by too much heat or cold, so the ideal temperature is between 10 to 13°C. Too warm and the wine could age too quickly, impairing the flavour and structure. On the other hand if it is too cold, the flavours and aromas will not have a chance to fully develop. 

Wine also requires a stable temperature, because sudden fluctuations can cause it to expand and contract, which triggers the oxidation process. Therefore the kitchen is not an ideal place to store wine; the fridge will be too cold, while a cupboard may be too warm or subject to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, such as when you are cooking.

 Ideally, store bottles in a temperature controlled-wine fridge, or a dedicated wine cellar. However, a utility room or simply a store cupboard away from hot pipes or radiators will help. Remember that most wines will require briefly chilling before serving, depending on the colour and type of wine. 

Position

Wine bottles with corks should be stored horizontally to prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking or crumbling. Screw cap bottles or those with synthetic corks can be stored vertically or horizontally, but a wine rack that has horizontal storage will save space and make accessing the wine easier. 

The wine should also be positioned away from appliances and sound systems that could cause vibrations, because movement unsettles the sediment and this can affect the taste and structure. Avoid unnecessary movements with a dedicated space to store the wine. 

Light levels

Wine can be damaged by strong artificial light and sunlight, as this can affect the temperature and upset the chemical composition of the wine. Ideally, wine should be stored in a dark place. 

Storing open wine

If you don’t finish the whole bottle of wine in one sitting, it’s fine to replace the cork or cap and store it in the fridge for a few days. However, after a certain amount of time it will begin to oxidise, which can affect the aroma and create a sharp unpleasant taste. Remember to let red wine reach room temperature before drinking it. 

Richer types of white wine, such as oaked Chardonnays, can oxidise faster, so if you drink this regularly, you may want to invest in a vacuum stopper that removes the oxygen from the bottle and helps to keep the contents fresher for longer.