As a wine enthusiast, you know that properly storing your wine is key to preserving its flavor and quality. Brix Wine Storage wants you to be well-informed so you can continue to enjoy your favorite wines for as long as possible. Properly storing your wine can save you a lot of money and time as your wine collection expands, so it is important to consider why this is so important. Not only does it protect your investment, but it also ensures you can enjoy the best possible flavors and aromas when you finally uncork a bottle. Brix Wine Storage is here to help you find the perfect wine storage solution for your needs.
Temperature Control
If you want to keep your wine fresh and flavorful, then you have to make sure your wine is stored at the appropriate temperature. Keeping your wine at a consistent temperature helps prevent oxidation and spoilage, and ensures that your wine will remain at its peak flavor. The ideal temperature is between 45-65°F, and it’s important to avoid repetitively cooling your wine and then leaving it out as this can cause the wine to age quickly.
Protection From Light
Light can have a negative effect on the flavor of the wine. Ultraviolet light can cause the wine to become “light-struck”, which results in a skunky, unpleasant aroma and flavor. Pay attention to the type of light used in your home wine cellar, as this can cause the wine to become light-struck as well. To avoid this, find wine storage that is away from direct sunlight and bright light sources.
White and red wine can be affected by light. But the lighter the wine the easier it is to be affected by this exposure. When purchasing wine storage look at LED lighting that is dimmable. It won’t completely protect wine from light but it’s the best option.
Proper Humidity
Humidity is another factor to consider when storing your wine. Too much humidity can cause the cork to swell, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle and spoil the wine. On the other hand, too little humidity can cause the cork to dry out, allowing oxygen to enter and spoil the wine as well.
Finding an area that will give you the best humidity for your wine can be challenging. Ideally, if you have a home wine cellar make sure the wine is stored at a humidity level of 65-70%. To resolve any potential problems with humidity you can install a vapor barrier in your home wine cellar to prevent condensation.
Storing Horizontally
Do you wonder why people always store their wine horizontally? Keeping wine bottles on their sides keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out. If a cork were to dry out it can cause air to get into the bottle and cause oxidation.
Oxidation affects the taste and color of both red and white wine. It’s important to have effective wine storage in your home so the wine maintains its high quality. Home wine cellars or wine racks are perfect options for storing wine bottles horizontally.
Learning how to properly store your wine collection is an ongoing process of trial and error. If you're a wine aficionado, Brix Wine Storage encourages you to consider four important factors when purchasing a home wine cellar - such as temperature, humidity, light, and storage. Our team is here to provide more information about our product line, so don't hesitate to contact us today!