4 Tips for Storing Wine

There is no perfect wine storage conditions out there. Many people argue that ideal storage conditions can help to prolong the lifespan of the wine and make it taste better. However, many of the wines we buy from the supermarket are meant to be drunk straight away and not kept. Many people have the understanding that placing wine in direct sunlight will cause them to turn into vinegar. However, this isn't true. Storing wine in direct sunlight and heat will make them age faster and peak way faster than intended. For those who have no intention of opening that expensive bottle of wine you have purchased, think about how people used to store them in the past. Wines were stored in caves and the conditions inside were dark, cool and still.



Keeping the temperature cool and humid

One of the worst enemies of wine is heat. If the temperature goes above 21°C, it will cause unwanted effects like premature aging and loss of flavours. The most ideal temperature will be between 7°C to 18°C. Try to keep the temperature constant throughout storage without much fluctuations as that may cause negative effects on the quality of the wine when consumed. Humidity also plays an important role in the storage of wine. A high humidity level prevents external oxygen from entering the bottle, thus preventing oxidation of the wine. Try to keep the humidity levels between 65% to 75%.

Keeping them in the dark

Many of the wine bottles have UV filters incorporated into them. However, these do not guarantee 100% UV protection. Prolonged exposure to the sun will cause them to age prematurely, altering the taste of the wine significantly. White wines are the most sensitive to heat and light. If exposure to sunlight is unavoidable, try to cover the wine bottle up with something such as a piece of cloth to minimise exposure.

Do not keep moving it

One of the most favourite place to store wine in the refrigerator is the top shelve. However, it is also the place with the most movements due to the constant opening and closing of the refrigerator door. The constant vibrations will agitate the wine and will prevent any sediments from settling down at the bottom of the wine.

Keep them by themselves

We love durians and tend to buy quite a few packets of them and keep in the refrigerator. Bear in mind that wine "breathes" and thus should not be kept with anything with a strong smell such as durians. The strong smell can penetrate through the wooden cork and into the wine itself, altering the taste and flavour. You can always purchase a charcoal absorber and place inside the refrigerator to trap any undesired odours too.

Storing wine should never be a daunting task and can be a breeze if you know the basics and the rationale behind each action. Make the effort to store the wine properly even if you plan to consume them real quick.