How to Store Wine Properly (At Home)

Unless you plan to drink these bottles of wine promptly, you should store them properly. Whether you are drinking an expensive, prestigious bottle or a store-bought cheaper wine, proper storage is essential for your wine not to go bad. Inappropriate storage can alter the quality and taste of the wine. If you do not have cellar (just like me) then here are some tips on how to properly store your wine at home.

But first, why is the storage of the wine so important?
Think of wine as something constantly evolving and changing. And since the most important factor that alters the wine is its environment, it is essential to ensure optimal an environmental.

Here are the 5 factors to control for storing wine properly.

1. Temperature
   Temperature is key in preserving wine. Temperature disruption can alter the wine, transforming the compounds that make the wine tasteful and fragrant to the complete opposite.
   If the temperature is too high, it might degrade the wine and initiate the process of maderization, which irreversibly changes the taste of the wine.
   If the temperature is too low, it could dry out the cork and allow oxygen inside the bottle. A low temperature can also expand the wine and pop the cork (especially if it freezes).
   All of this could turn your wine into…vinegar.
   The ideal temperature is around 11-14ºC /52-55ºF. NEVER below -4ºC /25ºF and NEVER above 20°C/68ºF (the absolute maximum could go up to 24ºC/75ºF, but it’s at the limit of spoiling the wine). An important factor is also to avoid too many variations in the temperature as it also negatively impacts the wine.
   
2. Humidity
   Humidity can also impact your wine’s longevity. Too dry, the cork might shrivel, allowing air to enter and start the oxidization process. Too humid, the labels could peel off and generate a perfect environment for mold to grow. The ideal level of humidity is between 60% to 70%.That will allow the cork to stay in place and prevent oxygen from entering
   
3. Position
   Store your bottle horizontally, preferably on a wine rack. Just as controlling for humidity, keeping the bottle on its side keeps the cork moist, preventing it from drying out, causing premature aging.
   This is, however, not necessary for screw-top wine bottles. Wine bottles should also be kept away from vibration (so keep away from appliances such as washers and dryers) as it cause the sediments to move. Such disruption changes the molecular structure of the wine, altering the taste. A bit like sparkling champagne losing its bubbles, it loses its appeal.
   
4. Light
   Keep your wine in the dark, as exposure to UV rays (sunlight) damages the flavor and aroma of the wine. That is because UV exposure alters the wine’s structure by breaking down tannins. Tannins have a protective role which is why white wine that contains less tannins “turn” quicker than red wines. When a wine is exposed for too long, it is said to be “light-struck” and causes the wine to smell awful. Think of it as protecting your wine from sunburn.
   
5. Odors
   Strong smells can enter the bottle through the cork, so be mindful of where you keep your wine.
   
   If you are passionate about your wine and intend to build a collection, remember that there might be variations from wine to wine. And in case you are serious about it but do not have appropriate storage space for optimal wine preservation, you can always invest in a wine fridge (which is not a regular fridge). Some of these fridges have become more affordable over the years. While it’s still an expense, sometimes wine is an investment that a wine fridge can protect.
   
   What about wine that is already open?
   
   If you have already open that bottle then:
   1. Keep airtight. A rubber wine seal will do if you can’t recork the bottle. If you want to take an extra step, you can buy a wine vacuum pump, which sucks the air out of an open bottle. While recorking a bottle can keep your wine from 3 to 5 days, a vacuum pump can keep it good for a good week. Remember: ensure no pieces of cork fall in the bottle when opening it.
   2. Keep in the fridge. Opposite to unopened bottles, opened wine should be kept in a refrigerator as it slows the deterioration of the wine. And yes, that also applies to red wines.
   3. Keep upright. This time again, the opposite counsel applies. No need to keep the bottle on its side; just keep them upright in your fridge.
   4. Keep away from sunlight. Yes, that is still an issue. So don’t leave your bottle on the kitchen counter; put it quickly in the fridge.
      

While now you know how to properly store opened and unopened bottles of wine, remember that not all wines can be aged, and some will, as all-natural products, go bad with time. Do research as to which bottles will go rancid first. I advise enjoying them before they do (drinking with moderation, obviously).