Storing Wine the Right Way

Too much or too little – this describes the amount of heat and light that it takes to destroy wine. While enthusiasts have cool, well-ventilated, dim cellars to store their favourite bottles, the average wine drinker only uses a refrigerator. This is good for keeping the drink cool and keeping it away from UV rays and fluorescent fixtures. However, constant opening and closing of the fridge door can let heat enter, causing temperature to fluctuate and damage the wine in return. The recommended temperature for storing wine range from 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much heat causes it to oxidise, while too much cold dries it up – in both cases, the wine gets ruined. Direct light exposure, on the other hand, causes it to age too quickly and prematurely, robbing it of the fullness of its taste. Red wine, however, handles higher temperatures better than the white and the sparkling types.

Wine rack

Once the bottle is opened, wine usually retain its rich taste and aroma for about 3 to 5 days. So in order to fully enjoy it, you have to consume it before five days. When storing, let the bottle of wine lie on its side rather than standing upright. This way, the liquid can keep the cork moistened, preventing it from drying up and letting air enter. Keep the bottle away from cheese, fruits and other kinds of food that develop moulds, or else those flavours might seep into the bottle as well. Of course, If you have a wine cellar or wine cabinet, then you do not have much to worry about as long as you keep the temperature constant and prevent it from exceeding acceptable limits.