When you buy a new bottle of red wine, it is almost impossible to let it sit on your countertop and go to waste.
However, you may not know that red wine has very specific storage preferences so that you can keep your wine tasting fresh for as long as possible. If you store it the wrong way, you will notice a decline in flavor and quality.
So, what is the proper way of storing red wine? Today, we are going to look at the best way to store red wine so that you can drink your wine and appreciate it for as long as possible.
Keep on reading to learn more!
Temperature Matters
Temperature matters when discussing the proper way to store red wine. It should be kept at a constant cellar temperature of approximately 55°F (12°C) since fluctuations in temperature can cause the red wine to age prematurely.
When using a refrigerator, the temperature should not exceed 54°F as this will slow down the development. Similarly, a place that is too warm can also turn red wines sour and acidic much faster.
Keeping It Upright
Properly storing red wine is essential to preserving its desired flavor and complexity. Keeping it upright is the best course of action as this prevents the wine from venturing into the cork, which could cause drying and eventual oxidation, which would ruin the taste of the wine.
If it is necessary to lay it down, wrap the bottle in a cloth, as this will help keep the bottle from rusting and becoming hotter. Moreover, always keep the cork on the bottle, as it will help regulate the temperature, maintain flavor, and keep bacteria away.
Taking the right steps when storing red wine will ensure its flavor and complexity remain the same for a long time.
Properly Sealing the Bottle
Properly sealing the bottle is an important part of properly storing red wine. Ideally, the cork should be tightly sealed, so no air enters the bottle. This will help to maintain the wine’s flavor and prevent oxidation, which can affect its quality.
Furthermore, the bottle should not be stored on its side since this can cause the cork to dry out, potentially allowing air to enter the bottle.
Generally, properly sealing the bottle of red wine is essential to ensure long-term freshness.
Avoid Light Exposure
Heat and light are two of the primary threats to the longevity of red wine; hence, proper storage should include covering and limiting these two elements.
Red wines should be shielded from direct light, like an opaque and dark-colored cupboard or cellar, and should be insulated from heat and temperature fluctuations by being placed on a rack at a temperature of 15°C (59°F).
Maintain Humidity
Maintaining the humidity at that level is also important, as low humidity can cause the corks to dry out and collapse, allowing air to enter and oxidize the wine.
High humidity can also affect the cork and be a breeding ground for fungi and other organisms. Modern wine coolers with a humidity chamber can be a great option for wine storage, where they can maintain optimal humidity at all times.
Label and Age Your Bottles
Red wines should be often stored labeled up, allowing you to easily identify the vintage, region, or other information about the specific bottle.
When aging wine, you’ll want to make sure to record the date the bottle was opened, as well as the original bottle label.
This allows you to track the natural evolution of the wine and its taste profile over time. With a little time, care and knowledge, you can have a perfectly aged and delicious bottle of red wine.
Use the Right Containers
The container used to store red wine should have an airtight seal in order to keep the wine from oxygenation, which can cause the wine to break down quickly. The preferred containers for storing red wine are either glass bottles or stainless steel tanks.
Glass bottles are preferred because they provide a sturdy barrier and are better for preserving the quality of the wine. Stainless steel tanks are ideal for storing large volumes of red wine.
Whichever container is being used, the container mustn’t be filled all the way to the top to leave air space and prevent oxidation. With the right storage containers, red wine can be stored safely and still maintain its flavor.
Appropriate Lengths of Storage
An appropriate length of storage for most red wines is anywhere from two to five years, depending on the type and vintage.
Younger red wines should be consumed within two to three years of production, while more mature red wines may be able to last up to five years or even longer.
Prevent Oxidation
To avoid oxidation, you can also use these sparkling wine stoppers on partially full of bottles or use an inert gas to fill the headspace. Doing so will give you the best chance of preserving the aroma, color, and flavor of the bottle’s contents.
Choose the Best Way to Storing Red Wine Today
With these helpful tips in mind, you should have no problem properly storing red wine.
Saving red wine properly is simple and easy to do. Following these steps will ensure your wine provides its maximum flavor and gives you the optimal tasting experience.
Try following this proper way to store your red wines today and have a unique and enjoyable wine experience.
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