Wine Bottle Storage
Basics of Wine Bottle Storage
Do you enjoy wine? Many people love this beverage because of its soothing flavors that make any party a special occasion. Wine also complements many dishes quite impeccably, making this drink a must-have for connoisseurs and gourmands alike. But besides knowing what to pair your wines with, you should also know the right methods of wine bottle storage.
In the olden days, wines were precious commodities, and they had to be stored in dark caves or huge wine cellars to maintain their flavor. This trend for wine bottle storage has not changed much over the centuries, as the optimum conditions for keeping wine properly remain the same. In general, you want your wines to be in a place that is dark, humid, and cool.
First of all, there is a reason why wines are stored in dark-colored bottles, and that is to keep UV light from penetrating the glass and quickly aging the liquid. In this same regard, wine cellars are intended to have as little light as possible. This helps preserve the flavor of the wine. Secondly, an appropriate amount of humidity or air moisture is needed, so that the corks will not dry out, and the wine inside will not easily oxidize. Just like the conditions in caves or basements, the air temperature must be cool, as warm temperatures encourage the growth of bacteria, fungi, and also affect the taste of stored wine.
Remember to always keep your wines stored lying down. This keeps the cork moist, making it seal the wine more tightly, locking in the flavors. If the cork dries out, it can allow oxygen to enter the bottle. At the same time, avoid agitating or moving around the bottles constantly. Keeping bottles still will help sediments settle on the bottom, so they won’t get poured out into your glass.
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