Fine Wine Racks

The taste of wine changes over the period. It is therefore vital to store the wines by keeping proper control over the temperature, light, humidity and vibrations to produce the desirable changes.

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.