| Step 1: How long are you storing your wine | | | | surrounding temperature; the ideal |
| for? | | | | temperature is roughly 55 degrees Fahrenheit |
| | | | (12°C). Bottles should be kept out of |
| The first decision to make is how long you | | | | drafts and any temperature change should be |
| are planning to store your wine for. | | | | very gradual. |
| Generally short term storage means 3 to 6 | | | | |
| months and should be your cheaper, less | | | | Additionally light can negatively impact on a |
| cherished wines, where as long term can mean | | | | wine, which is why some wine bottles are made |
| decades and should be reserved for your | | | | of coloured glass. Wine must be kept out of |
| quality, precious wines. | | | | direct sun light, since too much light can |
| | | | react with proteins in wine, forming a haze |
| Step 2: Correct storage conditions | | | | and bad aromas to pollute its' flavour. |
| | | | |
| Whether it's short or long term storage the | | | | For long term storage, the correct |
| same rules apply, firstly and most crucially | | | | atmospheric conditions are required. Humidity |
| the bottles should be laid horizontally | | | | has to be very high, approximately 70% or |
| instead of upright, this ensures the cork | | | | more, in order to stop the cork drying out |
| remains moist, to stop it drying out. | | | | and to reduce the chance of wine evaporating. |
| | | | Also when storing long term, consider the |
| It is essential to keep the wines in a | | | | wines surroundings, ensure there are no other |
| vibration free environment so they can not | | | | foods or liquids that could be absorbed into |
| move about, therefore on top of electrical | | | | the wine itself. Substances with strong |
| appliances or a place subject to external | | | | aromas for example fuel or vinegar must be |
| forces (i.e. from a subway) should be | | | | kept elsewhere! |
| avoided. | | | | |
| | | | Step 3: Enjoy… |
| Places to avoid for wine storage that are all | | | | |
| too common in a family home are; above | | | | When the time comes to pop the cork and |
| electrical appliances, under a window, beside | | | | savour all your hard work, drink responsibly |
| a radiator or in a greenhouse or | | | | but do try to finish bottles within a few |
| conservatory. These places are not ideal and | | | | days of opening, since as soon as the wine is |
| could potential spoil an unopened bottle of | | | | exposed to air it starts mixing with oxygen. |
| wine. | | | | This is known as oxidation, which also alters |
| | | | the essence of the wine. |
| Wine can be greatly affected by its | | | | |