Storing Bottled Wine
Tips for Storing Bottled Wine
The saying "the cellar makes the wine" really highlights how crucial the right storage conditions are for maintaining the quality of your wine. Here's what you need to create the ideal cellar:
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Temperature Control: Keep your cellar's temperature steady between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). It's important that this temperature doesn't fluctuate much over the day or throughout the year.
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Humidity Management: Aim to maintain humidity levels in the range of 50% to 70%. This balance is key to preserving both the wine and the cork.
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Pest Control: Make sure your cellar is free from insects and rodents. Spiders can stay, though – they're actually helpful in controlling other unwanted pests.
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Safe Materials: When building or maintaining your cellar, avoid using wood that's been treated with chemicals. These can potentially harm the wine.
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Odor Control: Your cellar should be free from strong smells. Avoid storing items like paint or cleaning products in the same space, as their odors can seep into the wine.
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Bottle Positioning: Lay your wine bottles horizontally. This keeps the wine in contact with the cork, which is important for keeping the cork moist and maintaining its ability to seal the bottle effectively.