How to Store Wine for Aging? 5 Key Conditions

How do you age the wine? This question could evoke the image of a vast subway cellar, full of old barrels and bottles covered with dust. Of course, you don't need your own cave to store the wine effectively.

Any space can provide the ideal storage for storing and aging your wine as long as it maintains the following 5 conditions: 

• Constant temperatures of 55° to 60°F
• 60 to 70% humidity
• Darkness
• Clean air
• Minimal vibration or movement

If you do not have a space that offers these conditions, you may consider purchasing a refrigerated cabinet to store your wine. Keep in mind that there are important differences between wine coolers and refrigerated wine cabinets. Most importantly, refrigerators handle only temperature, while cabinets handle all of the conditions listed below for proper long-term storage.

 

Condition #1: Constant temperatures between 55°-60° Fahrenheit

Chemical reactions do not only happen in laboratories, they should happen silently inside wine bottles, if everything goes well. The taste of a fine wine matures thanks to these long-term reactions. Over time, the tannins (the compounds that give the wine a dry or astringent taste and feel) interact with other compounds and can become the sediment that accumulates at the bottom of the bottle.

Although the aging process affects the wine in many different ways, it should increase its complexity and reduce the strong and simple grape flavor that the wine usually has when it is freshly bottled. This biochemical wine development is what the lovers of wine mean when they talk about a vintage that "improves with the aging process of wine".

However, the aging process of the wine can occur as intended only when the collection is kept at an optimal temperature with minimal fluctuations.

The recommended temperature range for wine aging is between 55°F and 60°F. Any change in temperature should be gradual. Rapid and drastic temperature fluctuations can disrupt the wine aging process and damage the taste of the wine.

 

Condition #2: 60-70% humidity

Although it is more difficult to control than temperature, humidity (the percentage of moisture in the air) plays a vital role in making wines age gracefully. Less than ideal humidity conditions can have a detrimental impact on wine, even when kept at the right condition and temperature.

When humidity levels are too low, corks dry out and shrink. Once the cork dries and becomes brittle, air will filter into the bottle and oxidize the wine, spoiling its flavor and aroma. In addition, wine can leak from the bottle, enhancing ullage (the air between the bottom of the cork and the liquid line of a wine), a sure sign of not proper storage conditions.

Insufficient humidity not only from the outside of the bottle, but also from the inside can cause the corks to become brittle. The need to maintain adequate internal humidity is the reason why bottles should always be stored sideways: the wine is kept in contact with the cork, keeping it moist.

When conditions are too humid, over 70% humidity, mold can start to grow and risk turning your wine cabinet or cellar into an unwittingly large terrarium.

 

Condition #3: Dark

 

There is a good reason why wine cellars are dark: sunlight is a threat to your wine collection. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate wine bottles. Just as direct sunlight also can negatively impact your skin, it can also drastically damage fine wines.

If you leave fresh fruit in the sun for too long, it turns brown and is damaged. Do not let UV rays impact the taste of your wines in a similar way.

 

Condition #4: Clean air

The wine literally breathes through the cork. This limited air flow contributes to the gradual chemical reactions that occur inside the bottle. For this reason, wineries and the space around wine cabinets must have clean air, free of strong odors.

When the air is not clean and fresh, odors could leak through the cork into the bottle and ruin the taste and aroma of your wine.

 

Condition #5: Minimal vibration or movement

It is important to minimize the movement of wine bottles while storing and aging them. Vibrations or excessive movement can disrupt the delicate processes that take place over time inside a bottle of wine.

Fixed storage shelves, unlike sliding shelves, are better equipped to minimize movement when accessing bottles in your collection. Also, take care when placing your wine near a washing machine or any other similar source of vibration.

 

Maintaining ideal storage conditions

 

In some cases, a cellar, garage or closet will provide the conditions described above for storing and aging your wine. If you do not have a space that meets these conditions, wine refrigerated cabinets, which come in many shapes and sizes, can control all the factors necessary for proper wine storage.

Cabinets equipped with refrigeration units can create the desired temperature range, maintain the recommended humidity levels and provide a clean airflow. UV-resistant tinted glass and fixed shelves in solidly built cabinets can also ensure darkness and minimal vibration.

Storing your lovely wine needs some planning and effort. You also need to take and control into account the 5 variables that we’ve listed in order to ensure that your wines enhance with age. In addition, at the end, you’ll be rewarded with a collection of mature, rich wines so as to enjoy, compare and appreciate.

 

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