If you are budding wine enthusiasts, you must be aware of the fact that wine storage comes with high maintenance. You see, once a wine is bottled, oxygen is its greatest enemy. If the wine is exposed to oxygen, it will lose its richness, spoiling the beautifully preserved concoction entirely. This is why storing wine with a series of precautions is incredibly important.
You see, if the cork dries out or shrinks in size, it will allow the oxygen to enter and spoil the wine. This is primarily why wine bottles are stored on their sides to prevent the cork from drying out. It is crucial to understand that there is always a very delicate balance to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle. In commercial venues, wine racks are stored in temperature-controlled cellars and rooms, with wedges designed to tilt the rack. This tilt allows an approved angle that keeps the wine preserved and less vulnerable to oxygen.
Today, we will elaborate on the importance of proper wine storage measures and how you can incorporate them.
The Risk of Temperature Fluctuation
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Temperature fluctuation is the highest risk to avoid to ensure the wine is safe and well-preserved. You see, in cold settings, the wine matures through a slow-developing process. On the other hand, warm temperatures speed up the maturing process as heat can trigger faster reactions.
The temperature that you choose for storing your wine is critical. You see, high temperatures can speed up the process of evolution. So, it is wise to ensure that the temperature never falls below 25°F. If the wine freezes, it will force the corks out, allowing oxygen to penetrate the bottle. On the other hand, temperatures that are 86 °F or above can impair the color, clarity, and richness of the wine, causing it to boil.
The ideal temperature for wine storage falls between 50 and 59°F; however, you can also store it between 59 and 68 °F. It can be helpful if you avoid dramatic temperature fluctuations, which why experts recommend investing in the best wine fridge, and you will quickly get rid of temperature issues. If you want to maintain a spacious cellar, consider investing in maximum and minimum thermometers to monitor the temperature carefully.
Lighting & Humidity
Wine does not fair well in heat and light. Strong lights can spoil the taste and texture of the wine if the bottles have been crafted with glass. Pale and clear glass wine bottles are adversely affected by strong lights, particularly in the case of sparkling wine. This is why we sell the majority of wine varieties in black bottles. And champagne is wrapped with light-proof cellophane or even a thick tissue paper.
Humidity is another factor that you need to be vigilant about. You see, if your wine storage has a dark, dry, and humid environment, it will cause the corks to dry out. Humidity can break through the seal, causing the corks to get excessively damp. While damp coal holes keep the wine in excellent condition, they are not ideal in a retail or commercial setting. Damp coal holes make it difficult to sell off the wine. It is also essential to ensure that your wine storage setting is devoid of all strong and foul smells, such as chemicals, detergents, paint, or other.
Creating The Right Environment
All wine enthusiasts dream of creating a spacious and dark wine cellar that is designed with enormous racks and wine placements. However, this cellar exists only in our fantasies, unless we have a million-dollar mansion and cash to burn. Then, you can create a massive room to stack your wine in its original cases. You can even set up a lovely little tasting corner with a variety of cheese, and a book for recording dates.
However, if your humble abode is an apartment or even a suburban home, you can strive towards a more pragmatic solution. It would help if you had a cold, dark, and slightly damp storage space to store up a few wine bottles. A wine fridge is an ideal investment to avoid temperature fluctuations. You see, most outdoor locations are damp, especially if your climate is wet and moist. Indoor areas, on the other hand, are too warm and humid.
For a budget-friendly project, you can create a DIY wine cellar within the space available. If you want to establish an extensive wine selection and walk-in in your attic or basement, you need insulation. It will help you carve out a territory or room that is specialized to the needs of your wine storage requirements.
Conclusion
Naturally, it is hard for many homeowners and families to make such a challenging and expensive commitment. Besides, if you want to store two dozen bottles or even less, a wine fridge is the ideal choice. You can also stock them up in an old fireplace or the space under the stairs. Just be sure to keep a bowl of water nearby on the ground to raise the humidity levels.
