In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to store your bottles of wine properly.
The preservation of wine bottles is an important subject for wine lovers. Poor storage can alter the quality and taste of the wine, which can be a major disappointment for those who have invested time and money in buying bottles of wine. Oeni' s Sommelier presents the 8 key tips for storing wine bottles properly.
1. Check temperature
Temperature is one of the most important factors in wine storage. The ideal storage temperature for wine is 12°C to 14°C. It is important to maintain a constant temperature to avoid fluctuations that can damage the wine.
If you don't have a wine cellar, you can store your bottles in a room in the house that isn't too hot or too cold, such as a cellar or closet. Avoid storing your wine bottles in a room exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators.
2. Control humidity
Humidity is also important for wine conservation. A humidity level of 70% is ideal for keeping corks in good condition. If humidity is too low, corks can dry out and crack, allowing air to enter the bottle and oxidize the wine. If humidity is too high, labels may deteriorate and paper may peel off.
If you store your wine bottles in a cellar or closet, it's important to maintain a constant humidity level by using a humidifier. If the humidity is too high, you can use silica gel sachets to absorb excess moisture.
3. Store cylinders horizontally
Most wine bottles are sealed with corks. Horizontal storage allows the wine to remain in contact with the cork, keeping the cork moist and flexible. If the cork dries out, it can contract and allow air to enter the bottle, causing the wine to oxidize.
4. Avoid vibrations
Vibration can stir up sediment in the wine bottle, disrupting the aging process. Vibrations can also cause corks to move, which can damage their seal.
To avoid vibrations, we recommend storing wine bottles in a place where there is no movement or vibration, such as a cellar or cupboard. Avoid storing wine bottles near noisy appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines.
5. Avoid direct sunlight
Direct sunlight can alter the quality of wine by accelerating the aging process and causing premature oxidation. Wine bottles should therefore be stored in a dark place away from direct sunlight.
If you don't have a wine cellar, you can store your bottles in a cupboard or cabinet that doesn't receive direct sunlight. If you need to store your wine bottles in a place where light is unavoidable, you can use protective covers to shield them from the light.
6. Avoid strong odours
Wine can absorb odors and flavors from surrounding foods and chemicals, which can alter the taste and quality of the wine. It is therefore important to avoid storing bottles of wine in areas where strong odors or chemicals are present.
Avoid storing your wine bottles near chemicals such as cleaning products or insecticides. Also avoid storing wine bottles in areas where odorous foods such as garlic or onions are present.
7. Keeping track of inventory with Oeni
It's important to keep track of your wine bottle inventory to avoid overstocking or losing bottles. You can use a manual tracking system or the Oeni app (available on iOS and Android) to keep track of inventory.
It's also important to note the purchase date and price of wine bottles, so you know how long to keep them and when to drink them.
8. Drink wines on time with Oeni
Most wines do not improve with age and should be consumed within a reasonable time. It is therefore important to drink your bottles of wine in good time to avoid letting them deteriorate.
How long wine can be kept depends on the type of wine, the quality of the wine and the storage conditions. In general, red wines can be kept from 2 to 10 years, while white and rosé wines should be consumed within 1 to 3 years of purchase.
Wine bottle storage is essential for maintaining the quality and taste of the wine. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your wine bottles are stored in the best possible condition. Keep track of inventory and drink wines in good time to avoid wasting money and letting bottles deteriorate.
