Wine Cellars: 3 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Collection
Jim Hofman
If you're a wine collector, chances are you've had to store some of your collection for an extended period. Most wine lovers with large collections own specialty storage solutions, whether it is multiple wine racks or refrigerators designed for wine storage. Still others feel that storing wine in a basement is sufficient.
A few years ago at a dinner party, we served a bottle of wine from one of our favorite New Mexico wineries, regaling our friends with how much we enjoyed it at the tasting room. To our disappoinment, the wine tasted well below expectations when opened and served. Only later did we learn that we'd stored the wine improperly, which accounted for the off taste.
Humidity
While I hate humidity, a stored bottle of wine requires moderately high humidity to maintain its taste. We stored our wine in a very dry area of our home, which accounted for the uneven taste of the bottle of white we served our guests. If you're storing wine, aim for 50% to 70% humidity levels. Wine cellars have humidity controls built in, so if a wine cellar is your storage choice, you'll be fine.
Hot And Cold
You'll also want to be careful about temperature levels which will affect your wine's taste. Store wine at 55 to 57 degrees. Both excess heat and cold are enemies to wine. If you own or are considering a wine cellar, look for a model that has specific temperature controls and air circulating fans to maintain ideal conditions.
The Less Light The Better
Your wine cellar or wine storage solution should be dimly lit, because excessive light exposure will negatively affect wine. This is especially true for wine in clear bottles, but even a dark colored bottle will be affected. White wines in particular will suffer from too much light exposure, particularly sunlight.
Other Factors
Your wine cellar should be isolated from vibration as much as possible. Believe it or not, excess vibration is another element that will tamper with the taste of your wine. Wherever you store your wine, keep it as free from vibration as possible.
The keys to proper wine storage are optimal temperature, humidity, and low light conditions. As you become more interested in wine, you'll find that attention to these details will enhance the wine's taste and your ultimate enjoyment of your purchase. Cheers!
Jim Hofman is an author specializing in http://winetrailsusa.com/ wine travel and the enjoyment of wine. For more practical tips on wine storage solutions, be sure to visit Jim's recommended resource website devoted to wine accessories and http://wine101.info/ wine cellars.
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