How to Properly Store Wine

Properly storing wine is crucial. You must remember that wine matures after bottling. Through ideal storage, wine can age gracefully, becoming even more valuable and acquiring a distinct, pleasant taste. But how can you adequately store wine bottles in your cellar? There are some simple rules to follow if you want to get the most out of the aging process. We want to provide you with some advice on this matter, explaining how to properly store wine bottles in your cellar and ensure the best possible maturation of this beverage.

Store Wine in the Dark

Remember, as recommended by ItalianWinelover, to store wine in the dark. This is a fundamental precaution because light or sunlight can damage wine, subjecting it to degradation and oxidation.

These effects occur due to the high heat generated by exposure to light. Additionally, ultraviolet rays can impart an unpleasant odor to the wine, which also harms its quality.

It is crucial, therefore, to store wine in dark environments to preserve its organoleptic properties.

Position Bottles Horizontally

Another rule to follow is to store wine bottles horizontally. This position promotes contact between the cork and the wine, preventing any risk of oxidation.

Furthermore, the horizontal position ensures that the cork remains moist and retains its ideal elasticity. Lastly, the horizontal position helps eliminate air and prevents the potential growth of bacteria. The ideal position is achieved by tilting the bottle at a 5-degree angle.

Maintain Stable Temperature

Ideally, try to maintain a constant storage temperature for wine. For red wines, consider a temperature range between 12 and 15°C (54-59°F), and for white wines, between 10 and 12°C (50-54°F). Avoid temperatures lower than these ranges, as they can lead to the formation of small crystals. If you store wine at temperatures above 18°C (64°F), you accelerate the aging process, potentially causing deterioration.

Maintain 70% Humidity

Another crucial factor for wine storage is humidity, which should remain stable between 60% and 80%. Therefore, the ideal humidity level hovers around 70%. In general, the wine storage environment should not be too humid or too dry.

Excessive humidity can lead to mold and fungi formation, while excessive dryness can result in cork alterations, allowing wine to come into contact with air and oxidize.

Protect Wine from Strong Odors

It is also essential to store wine in a well-ventilated environment to protect it from exposure to strong odors. Wine, when exposed to strong odors, can become tainted. Additionally, contact with paints, exhaust fumes, or other odors, such as those produced by onions, cured meats, or truffles, can alter the wine's properties, making the aging process excessive.

Avoid Subjecting Wine to Strong Vibrations

Excessive vibrations can encourage the wine bottle to come into contact with the cork, exposing it to the risk of oxidation. Therefore, it is always advisable to position the bottles stably, ensuring they remain protected from strong vibrations.

Wine Pairings

Well-preserved wines can also be paired with excellent cheeses. The choice of pairing wine and cheese can enhance the gastronomic experience, as the flavors of the two can complement each other in surprising ways.

For instance, a robust red wine can marry perfectly with an aged and flavorful cheese, while a fresh and fruity white wine can serve as an ideal contrast to a creamy and delicate cheese. Experimenting with different combinations is a culinary pleasure in itself, and we recommend exploring Bell Italia with the numerous possibilities of wine and cheese pairing to discover your favorites.