Wine is something that you should taste, appreciate, and enjoy. Connoisseurs usually swirl the wine around the mouth and smell it. Even if you don’t, you probably know that it’s a delicious beverage to have with your food and can make it take on an elegance like never before.
In fact, wine can be a great way to enjoy social gatherings and bring out the taste of your food. Still, you need to make sure that you’re storing wine properly.
Storing Bottles of Wine Unopened
Many people prefer to store their bottles of wine without opening them. Those who don’t know much about this beverage may wonder why. Of course, some wines have to be aged a specific amount of time to make them taste better. For example, Pinot Noir must be aged at least 10 years, while red Cabernet Sauvignon needs 10 to 20 years.
Some people may want to start a wine collection with unopened bottles. Have you ever seen a dusty bottle of premium wine? This is often the best way to store uncorked bottles in the long term. Generally, you put the bottles on their sides in a special rack that ensures they don’t get knocked about.
Premium wines are often saved for many years. You may have a special wine from your wedding that you keep on hand for anniversaries. Birthdays are also a great reason to preserve wine. If you enjoy this beverage, you are sure to get plenty of it on holidays and birthdays. This way, you can keep it for a rainy day and have overstock.
Tips for Storing Unopened Bottles of Wine
You should always store your wine at the right temperature. It can spoil if it’s unsuitably cold or warm. For long- and short-term storage, you should keep the wine about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but this does vary. If you store the wine too warm, you’re likely to speed up the aging process.
It’s also essential that you protect the wine from UV rays and vibrations. You want the wine in the dark whenever possible. The sun’s rays could damage the aromas and flavors. Vibrations from the washer, exercise equipment, and stereo can shake up the sediment, which can cause a change in the delicate balance of aging.
Consider storing unopened bottles horizontally. When the wine is on its side, you don’t have to worry about a dried-out cork. This can lead to premature aging and seepage. It’s also highly efficient for easy access and maximum spacing, even if the wine bottle uses a screw top.
The right humidity is also essential. Extreme humidity in the wine cellar impacts the longevity of the beverage. With lower levels of humidity, the corks are likely to dry out. This allows oxygen to get inside. Higher humidity levels cause the labels to peel away from the bottle, so you can’t display or sell them. Keep humidity around 60 or 68 percent.
Since wine storage is so important, many people choose to buy a wine fridge. Sometimes, it’s called a wine cooler, and this works well if you don’t have a space in your home or basement that is moist, dark, and cool all of the time. The wine refrigerator can keep red or white wine at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much warmer than a traditional fridge.
Storing Opened Bottles of Wine
Whether you choose local wines or international wines, you may not be able to finish a full bottle in one sitting. Because wine is designed to be sipped and enjoyed, you shouldn’t force yourself to drink it all. However, you don’t have to waste it, either. Generally, opened wine goes bad quickly because of improper temperatures. It stays open too long, the light gets to it, or it’s exposed to oxygen.
You should pay close attention to the type of wine you have before you choose to store it opened. Some leftover wines require a specific method of storage when opened. For example, sparkling wine isn’t going to do well if you use a vacuum pump. Organic wines are going to be much more sensitive to temperature because it contains fewer chemicals. Also, Pinot Noir ends up going bad faster than other types. To offset that, you may want a wine stopper.
Tips for Storing Opened Wine Bottles
Even if you plan to finish the bottle, make sure that your cork it after each pour. This protects it from getting too much oxygen. Since you have open bottles of wine at room temperature, you may consider putting them in the refrigerator until you are ready for another glass. Not only does this keep the wine fresh, but it also keeps it chilled, which is likely to taste better.
Once you are done with the bottle for the night, you should store it upright. Even if you recork it, the seal has been broken. You don’t want to risk your opened red wines leaking all over the place. Consider putting them in a cool, dark place, such as a wine fridge or your regular refrigerator. White wines fare better when they stay cool. Wine preservers are also available, such as champagne stoppers, inert gas preservers, and vacuum pumps.
Final Thoughts
Affordable wines can taste just as good as the finer wines. However, most people find that storing it correctly is the best way to preserve and enjoy it. These tips can help you keep your wine tasting delicious, whether you wait to enjoy it or can’t finish the bottle. We talk a lot about various wines, tools, and the like. Learn more about how to drink, store, and enjoy your wine with dinner and as a way to relax.
