All wines lose their qualities and flavour over time. Storing it correctly is key to enjoying it for longer and a wine cooler can be essential to succeed. However, we are going to show you some ways to store your wine properly and which methods are the most appropriate.
Tips for storing wine effectively at home
Wine is a living element, and that means it begins to transform from the very moment it is bottled. In fact, part of the charm and taste of wine lies in these chemical reactions, but they are also the cause of deterioration.
The best way to store wine is to follow these basic tips:
- The ideal temperature needs to be constant and between 50° F and 60° F. The temperature fluctuations can spoil it.
- Humidity for storing wine is between 60-80 %. In this way, the cork does not dry out and the air does not enter, which is the main cause of premature oxidation.
- Do not store wine in a well-lit area, as exposure to natural or artificial light can trigger chemical reactions and spoil it.
- Avoid exposing the wine to strong odours: it can alter its taste.
- Wine should be stored horizontally so the cork remains moist, preventing it from drying out.
- Once the bottle is open, keep the wine in the refrigerator and try to avoid any contact with air. Use the cork of the original bottle or other cork from a smaller bottle, for instance.
Alternatives to store wine without a cellar
The best way to store wine is to recreate the same conditions you find in a cellar. Unfortunately, you cannot always have such a nice space with such specific characteristics.
If you have a room at home with the previously described temperature, without significant fluctuation and with the correct humidity, you can use it to store wine. In this case, you will just need a piece of furniture to keep bottles horizontally and be careful with lighting.
You can also use the refrigerator if you can maintain a constant and correct temperature. The main problem with using the fridge to store wine is light exposure, and it is also subject to temperature variations every time you open it. With no-frost refrigerators, humidity conditions are good enough for wine.
An affordable alternative for every home to store wine in the best conditions is to use a wine cooler.
What is a wine cooler and how does it work?
A wine cooler is a home appliance specifically designed for storing wine. Typically used domestically, it is created to store wines perfectly within the home environment.
The wine cooler keeps the ideal humidity, temperature, and light conditions for wine. That means that wine remains in constant optimal conditions and is protected from elements that could alter flavour.
Also, there are many varieties available to suit capacities, needs, and aesthetics, to blend with the style of the rest of your home appliances.
Benefits of a wine cooler at home
A wine cooler is much more than a place to store wine. It has a lot of features that makes it perfect for wine lovers:
- In a wine cooler, the shelf design maintains the wine horizontally, and the cork is always in contact with the liquid, keeping it moist. Except for the sparkling wines, as they need to be stored upright because the gas keeps the wine away from external air.
- The internal humidity is under control all the time, and it is between 60-75 %. This ensures that the cork does not dry out, preventing air from entering the bottle, as we said before, and also prevents the growth of mould that could alter and spoil the wine.
- A wine cooler adapts temperature to the types of wine. While the average temperature is usually around 57° F, each type of wine may have different temperature requirements.
- Most of the wine coolers have an activated charcoal filter, an essential component to prevent wine from odour contamination, a common problem for wine.
- The wine cooler compressor does not produce vibrations, keeping the bottles still. This is essential for preserving flavour intact.
- The airflow is constant and uniform because this air circulation is crucial to keeping all the wine’s characteristics.
- Wine coolers add UV protection systems because direct exposure to sunlight accelerates oxidation. Anyway, it is recommended to place the wine cooler away from any direct light source.
All these features make wine coolers an excellent choice for preserving a collection of wines, whether you have a few bottles or a large collection. This provides a great way to enjoy your wine anytime.