How to store your wine correctly following 3 simple steps
Looking for the correct way to store your wine to avoid the frustration of getting rid of a perfectly good bottle of wine just because it hasn’t been stored properly?
Follow our expert tips to avoid disappointment when you finally open that bottle you’ve been saving.
Step #1: Store your wine in a dark space.
Avoid window sills, worktops, or anywhere that receives direct sunlight during the day. Try a closed cabinet, away from any appliances that heat up when in use (you’ll find out why later on), under the stairs, or even under your floorboards (if you can do this safely).
Why should you avoid storing your wines in an area of direct sunlight?
There is a belief that when light interacts with the amino acids found in wine, it can have a negative effect. This interaction may lead to the formation of undesirable compounds such as dimethyl disulphide (DMDS). This phenomenon, known as “light-strike”, can result in premature ageing of the wine, impacting its flavour and aroma.
Delicate white and sparkling wines are more susceptible to light strike than red wines. This is because red wines contain phenolic compounds that act as a protective barrier, reducing their vulnerability to light-induced reactions.
Store your wine on its side.
This keeps the wine in contact with the cork, minimalizing the risk of your wine becoming “corked”. If you store your wine in an upright position, the wine does not make contact with the cork. Consequently, the cork can dry out, leading to an unpleasant and musty odour in the wine. It is acceptable to store your wine upright for a brief period, which is why we can adopt this practice, as the wines are sold promptly. However, we advise against keeping bottles upright for more than a few weeks.
Store your wine somewhere with a constant temperature.
Changes in temperature can harm the ageing and chemical reactions occurring within your wine. Ideally, a mild and consistent temperature is optimal for preserving the quality of your wine. The optimal temperature to store your wine at is widely argued about but somewhere between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius tends to be the agreed-upon range.
It is advisable to avoid storing your wine in hot environments such as uninsulated sheds, garages, or near fireplaces. Additionally, placing wine on top of cabinets where it can be exposed to rising hot air should also be avoided. The reason is simple: excessive heat can compromise the integrity of the bottle’s seal, especially if it is sealed with a cork.
When exposed to hot air, the wine can expand, exerting pressure on the cork and potentially pushing it out. This leads to oxidation, which is detrimental to the freshness of the wine. Whether the bottle is sealed with a cork or a screw cap, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can “cook” the wine, resulting in a permanent and unpleasant sour taste. It is important to keep the wine stored in a cool environment, but not excessively cold.
To summarise the above. Keep your wine in a consistently cool environment, out of direct sunlight and on its side to make the most of your wine and avoid disappointment when you finally open up that bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
