Storing Wine
The ideal place to store wine is dark, damp, well insulated, cool and free of vibration. No wonder the cellar of a country estate has always been considered the best spot to stash bottles. Here is a little more explanation of the factors that make for effective wine storage, and ways to incorporate them into 21st century living quarters.
The Specifics of Temperature
First, understand how temperature affects wine. White wines are in general more delicate than red, and suffer more from variations in temperature during storage, and from the temperature creeping too high. A white wine stored where the temperature exceeds 70 degrees should be consumed within a year or two of purchase. In general, higher temperatures make wine age more quickly, but as long as the temperature does not exceed 70 degree F, the quality of the wine will not be affected. As far as temperature variations go, quick temperature changes do more damage than gradual shifts.
The ideal temperature for storing wine is a constant 55 degrees F. At this temperature (as long as other factors like humidity and safety from vibration are met) wine will age so slowly you can pass it on in your will. To keep wines safe for 10 years, store them at 65 degrees F, perhaps inching up to 68 degrees, but no higher. If the temperature stays below 65 degrees F, the wine can last more than 10 years.
How Humidity Affects Wine
Historically people used cellars for wine storage because in addition to remaining cool even in summer, they were damp. Humidity above 50% is needed to maintain stored wine. Low humidity can damage a wine as much as high temperature. Wine bottles should always be stored on their sides, to prevent the corks from drying out, but at 40% humidity even side lying bottles will develop dry corks. Then the bottle’s seal is compromised, and the wine will likely deteriorate.
Another problem, though not as serious, results from too much humidity. At over 75% humidity, labels become moldy and break down. The wine inside is undamaged, but the bottle won’t make a good impression at a dinner party. Ideal humidity is 70% – 75%.
Where To Store Wine
Where in your home is this ideal spot with 70% humidity and a constant temperature of 65 degrees F or lower? Wine needs to be out of sunlight, which will for sure cause temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Wine bottles look so attractive many people fall prey to the temptation to place them in a rack somewhere visible in the house, but unless the room receives very little sun, this is not the best idea. Top cabinets are not a good choice because heat rises, and the top of the refrigerator is a particularly bad spot. Many companies sell furniture to store wine, furniture that is designed to be a part of the décor. If you are going this route, the best choice is a piece that places the wine low, and is made of solid wood rather than wrought iron or some other metal. This will shield the bottles from sun, and provide insulation. Place it in the darkest spot available.
The perfect solution of course is a cabinet specially designed for temperature controlled wine storage. Such cabinets can be installed inside kitchen cabinetry or freestanding, although they require a power source, and this is a limitation in where they can be placed. A wine cabinet like this combines optimal storage conditions with convenience: when dinner is ready, an appropriate bottle is right at hand. Of course, it is also the most expensive alternative, with purchase and installation costs and ongoing electricity demands.
A basement or cellar offers cool temperatures, humidity and insulation. If you have a space like this available, all you need to do is outfit an area with racks or shelves. Without a basement, a closet provides good storage. It protects from light, and gives insulation from temperature changes. The best choice is a closet with a north facing wall, as this will get the least sun. Even better is a closet with no walls touching the exterior of the house. Sometimes hall closets, or closets under staircases fit this bill.
Final Thoughts
After choosing and organizing your ideal personal wine storage, keep a few things in mind. Wines age differently. Remember that whites are most fragile, and plan their storage accordingly. And not all reds are created equal. Reds produced from vintages that are more rich, concentrated and full bodied age better than light bodied reds. Rich reds also withstand vibration better. Quick notes will help you keep a growing collection in order. Something like, “Rich red, local winery 2004” will tell you this bottle stands up to storage better than “Light bodied red, The Wine Shop September 2003.” Storing and maintaining your own collection of wine bottles for personal use, holidays and gifts is an ongoing source of pleasure. There is always something new to learn about wine, from how to store it to how best to enjoy it.