Where and how to store these bottles?
When preserved correctly, wine can last for decades, even centuries, growing in value and quality. The opposite is also true; poor storage can spoil even the greatest wines in the world.
Underneath you will find some tips how to store your bottles properly;
Store Wine Bottles Vertically or Horizontally?
For bottles with corks, be sure to store your wine horizontally (preferable in a wine rack). Keeping wine on its side helps keep the cork moist, which is crucial for long-term storage, as a dried out cork can cause seepage and premature aging. For bottles with a screw top, it’s not necessary to keep these bottles this way however to store all bottles together this will be as well an efficient way to store your wines because you can use the space efficient and you have easy access.
Protect Wine from Light and Vibration?
Keep your wine in the dark as much as possible, whether they are stored for months, weeks, or days. The aromas and flavors in the wine can be damaged (UV rays from direct sunlight ) if you put the bottles in sunlight. Also bear in mind that vibrations can have a negative effect on aging wine so
keep wine bottles away from sources of vibration (kitchen appliances, stereo system, etc.). Such vibration can disrupt the aging process might be disturbing sediments in the bottle.
Storing Wine and Humidity?
To high and to low humidity can also impact the aging of wine. A too low humidity level can cause a drying out of the cork, resulting in leaving the wine vulnerable to the effects of oxygen. The other extreme is also possible. A too high humidity level can loosen the labels, making the bottles difficult to display or sell. If you have a humidity level between 58 and 72 percent you will be fine.
Storing Wine and Temperature?
Probably the most important factor which can influence the wine is probably the right temperature. If the temperature is too high or too low, you can be sure that is will affect your wine. To protect your purchase and let it age properly a temperature of around 12˚C is ideal however it can also vary from wine to wine. For temperature recommendations about specific wines, consult your supplier.
Wine (all wine without any acceptation) should never be kept below 0°C or above 20°C (in order to prevent an acceleration of the aging process).
Also very important is that the temperature should be kept as stable as possible. Temperature fluctuations can cause the cork to expand and contract (to allow wine to seep out or even air to seep in.
Can wine to be stored in a normal refrigerator?
If you don’t have a specific area where you can store your wines properly, it is not preferable to store wines in a normal refrigerator.
Such appliance is normally very cold (between 4-6˚C) and is also very dry.
A Wine store climate cabinet is a perfect place for storing wine. You are able to set the temperature between 10-14˚C and at the proper humidity.
Also storing your wine away from other products will help to prevent cross-contamination from for instance food odors. In case this might appear, most storage cabinets are provided with a active charcoal filter (which absorbs musty odors so that it has no effect on the cork/wine).