One of the great joys of wine is being able to select a bottle of wine
from your own cellar, perhaps one that you've been storing for some
years, draw the cork and enjoy it with friends. You can marvel at the
changes brought on by maturity and, as a bonus, you can brag about the
price you paid and congratulate yourself on picking up such a bargain!
However, wine is an ever-changing thing and how it is stored will
directly affect how quickly and how well it ages!
Storing wine is very simple ...
It requires a constant temperature, humidity, darkness, stillness and a
well-ventilated and clean environment.
Insulation
The first essential is to create a storage environment that provides
the basics of stable temperature, no light and no vibration.
In general terms 4" (100mm) of polystyrene is the equivalent to 3 ft (1
meter) of ground. So if you're trying to decide between an above ground
construction and an underground cavern, you must be prepared to dig
deep for the latter.
Your cupboard, indoor space or your outdoor construction must be well
shaded, well insulated and with the minimum of air movement in and out.
Temperature
The objective is to provide stored wines with a constant temperature of
between 50°F and 59°F (10°C - 15°C.
Seasonal changes in temperature will not harm your wine, although
fluctuations greater than one degree a week should be avoided.
Wines subjected to temperatures over 77°F (25°C) are in grave danger
of rapid deterioration.
Wines stored in less than ideal conditions will age at speeds quite
different to those envisaged by winemakers when they offer suggested
storage times. A hygro thermometer will provide you with accurate
information as to both the temperature and humidity ranges within your
cellar.
A well-constructed above ground cellar or a well dug underground cellar
will require the minimum of additional temperature control although
your climate or the position of your cellar may necessitate the use of
a cooling device that will provide complete temperature stability.
Another alternative is a temperature controlled wine cabinet. Some of
these can hold up to 800 bottles but note that some manufacturers'
suggested bottle capacity can be misleading and the racks may be
smaller than you require. Champagne bottles are larger than Riesling
bottles!
Regard assembled wine as your best cooling block. A high density of
wine bottles will reduce wine temperature fluctuations.
Consider keeping your long-term wines in a professional storage
facility if your cellar cannot conform to the optimum temperature
ranges.
Humidity
A dry atmosphere is an enemy of the natural cork seal. A natural cork
is compressed and forced into the bottle as a 100% natural seal.
Low humidity combined with a defective cork results in the wine moving
out of the bottle (increasing ullage) and air naturally moving into the
bottle.
Moderate humidity is important to keep the cork in good resilient
condition and prevent it shrinking. Screw capped bottles do not require
humidity.
Excessive humidity will not harm the wine but can cause the labels to
go moldy. The ideal humidity for your cellar is 70%, however anywhere
between 50-80% is acceptable.
Darkness
Light will prematurely age a bottle of wine. Clear bottles are most
susceptible to this problem, but ultraviolet light will penetrate even
dark colored glass.
Ultraviolet light will damage wine by causing the degradation of the
otherwise stable organic compounds, especially the tannins found in
wine. These organic compounds contribute to the aroma, flavor and
structure of the wine. Without them your wine would appear flat and
thin.
So exposure to ultraviolet light results in unfavorable and
irreversible changes in your wine.
Sparkling wines require extra care as they are more sensitive to light
than other wines.
Lay it down!
Store your wine bottles horizontally so the wine is in contact with the
cork. This will keep the cork wet. If the cork dries out and shrinks it
will let air get to your wine. Store it with the label facing up. This
will help in three ways:
You can easily see what the wine is. You don't need to disturb the
bottle to see what you've got in your cellar.
The sediment will form on the opposite side to the label and make it
easier to see.
The label is less likely to suffer damage. If you're storing wine as an
investment, a damaged label will reduce the value.
Follow the tips above and you'll be on your way to creating a cellar
where your wine will age to perfection and a cellar that will be the
envy of your friends!
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