A producer of wine after fermentation and the yeasts are removed, stores them in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels depending on the type of wine. Storing in oak barrel add wood tannins and flavor of the oak to the wine. While these add to the richness of the red wine, it could subdue the subtle flavor of certain types of white wine. Therefore the wines are to be stored in the proper cases depending on the type of wine.

A bottle bought from a local store requires great attention to retain the taste of the wine. Some of the basic wine storage tips are mentioned below:

1 Wines tastes best when kept around 55 degree Fahrenheit. A too cold a temperature slows the aging process of the wine while too warm a temperature makes the wine soupy and causes it to oxidize. Though a ten degree variation does not harm the wine, frequent and rapid changes can cause severe damage to its flavor.

2 Though most of the modern bottles are covered with UV filters, light exposure should be kept lower. Constant contact with the sunlight or artificial light can create adverse impact to the aroma of the wine.

3 The bottles should be placed on its side as it keeps the cork moist. Keeping the cork damp prevents it from shrinking and from harmful microbes.

4 Wine should not be subjected to vibrations as it can change the taste caused by the breakage of elements inside it.

5 A connoisseur of wine must check the humidity on the wine storage area to relish the taste. Humidity around 70% is ideal for the retention of the flavor of the wine.

6 The wine left over after the opening of the bottle must be closed tightly with the cork to reduce oxidization and refrigerated.

7 Having a nitrogen wine storage unit can help to store for a longer period as injecting nitrogen into the bottle leaves the properties of the wine intact.

8 Storing for the right period is also highly important to have the optimal flavor. Red wines are aged for longer periods than white wines. While a low priced Merlot can be aged for 3-4 years, a high quality Merlot tastes good if placed for 5-12 years. Similarly a Chardonnay must be consumed within five years and a Shiraz within 3-5 years.

In short, storing at the right conditions for the right time can add or kill the taste of the wine.

Best ways for storing red wine

This article tries to pin point some of the basic steps to be followed for a connoisseur of wine to preserve its flavor.

Before opening the bottle

Proper care must be taken to store the wine away from the light as exposure to sunlight or artificial light and heat causes the wine to age prematurely and oxidizes it. Similarly if wine is kept in too humid a room, mold and mildew might get formed on the bottle. A room that is not humid enough causes the cork to dry up, resulting in the entry of air into the bottle leading to oxidization and premature ageing of the wine. It is therefore, vital to store the wine at the right temperature. Keeping the wines stored in the colored bottles at a constant temperature ranging from 68 to 73 degree Fahrenheit and a humidity around 70% is ideal.

The bottle should be placed on their sides as leaving them upright causes the cork to dry up, eventually letting the air in, thus spoiling the wine. Keeping it sideways also helps in the easy detection of the formation of sediments that might have formed over the period.

The best place to store the wine is the cellar as it can avoid the contact from direct sunlight and retain the temperature. However, if the wine is to be aged for more than a year, refrigeration is a must in most parts of the world on account of the variations in the temperature.

Care should be taken to avoid unnecessary movements of the bottle as it has a negative impact on the wine.

After opening

Right before the opening of the bottle, the temperature should be adjusted in accordance to the type of red wine. For example, a blush or rose should be kept at 46-57 degree Fahrenheit, light red wine at 55 and deep red wines at 59-66 F. Once opened, keep it closed tight with the cork and place the bottle in a dark place. While normal red wines can retain the taste for a couple of days, a port wine can resist degradation for 3-5 days.

In short, red wine tastes best only if it is stored at the right temperature.

This is to demonstrate that each item has its own storage place that often extends its lifeline and adds aesthetic value wherever applicable. This is the true with wine bottles. If you enjoy your wine, if you truly appreciate the value of this wonderful beverage, then you have to be able to store it appropriately – just like it deserves. This is why a home wine rack is important.

How Many Bottles Of Wine Does It Take To Require A Wine Rack?

Having a set number of bottles of wine is not necessary when deciding to buy a wine rack. Any number would do – you can store a single bottle on a home wine rack, and you could store a full case of wine. The key point is not how many bottles of wine but how well to store them. Many people who are proud of their wine collection take the next step and purchase a home wine rack which is beautiful so they can showcase their wine bottles. You could do this as well.

What Type Of Material Should A Wine Rack Be Made Of?

Whether you purchase a wood or metal rack is a matter of choice. It makes no difference to the wine what material it is made of as long as the wine is stored on its side as well as if it looks beautiful to you. If you are one of those people who prefer not to broadcast that you are a wine collector, you can always have the home wine rack placed inside a cabinet or any other such place.

Though installing the home wine rack in the kitchen is very convenient, this is not a very good idea. Kitchens often get warmer than other areas of the house and this heat may warm the wine and threaten to spoil the wine. The most beneficial place to store wine would be in a cellar or in a place where sufficient air flow does not allow the temperature to rise too much.

Many experts suggest opting for a smaller decorative home Wine Rack to display your love for this wonderful elixir and storing the rest of your wine in a Wine Cellar.

Technorati Tags: home wine rack