It is important to consider how you will store wine. Wine is a natural, perishable food product. Left exposed to heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and humidity, all types of wine can spoil. When properly stored, wines not only maintain their quality but many actually improve in aroma, flavor, and complexity as they mature. Store wine well and you will be amply rewarded.
Wine will store well at temperatures between 7–18 °C provided any temperature variation is gradual. For long term aging a constant temperature of 13 °C works best. Rapid changes in temperature can result in air passing the cork as the liquid expands and contracts, this can cause the wine to age prematurely.
There are many theories about humidity and wine storage, in general it’s thought that a humid rather than a very dry atmosphere is preferable as this prevents the organic material of the cork from contracting, which may lead to leaks and premature aging.
Three tips to Store Wine
Temperature:
Ideally, this should be stable at about 54-57°F (12-14°C), all year round. If the temperature is too high, the wine will age much more rapidly.
Humidity:
The ambient humidity should be constant throughout the year, at about 70-80%. Drier conditions may dry out the corks and higher humidity may damage both corks and labels.
Light:
This should be as subdued as possible, and neon lights are best avoided.
