Expert Tips for Preserving Your Wines

Proper wine storage is crucial for preserving the quality and enhancing the flavours of your favourite bottles, whether they be red, white, or rosé. Understanding key factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and bottle positioning can ensure that each glass you pour reflects the winemaker’s intent.

Temperature: The Cornerstone of Wine Storage

Maintaining a consistent temperature is paramount in wine storage. Fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially compromising the cork’s seal and leading to oxidation, of course very few wines come with a cork now, so this is definitely less of a concern. The ideal storage temperature for all wines is between 14ºC to 18ºC, but the real key is consistently throughout the year.

In Western Australia where summer temperatures can soar, it’s essential to avoid storing wine in areas prone to heat, such as uninsulated sheds, garages, or near heat-emitting appliances. Investing in a temperature-controlled wine fridge or dedicating a cool, stable environment in your home can safeguard your collection against temperature-related spoilage. If a wine fridge is not an option, then a dark closet can work well for short term storage. Ultimately you want to avoid any area that has large temperature fluctuations. EG, a Shed could get to 45c in the day and then by 4am could be 15c. These fluctuations in as little as 6 months will begin to damage your wines.

I have a whole section dedicated to serving the wine at the correct temperature HERE

Humidity: Preserving the Integrity of the Cork

Humidity plays a significant role in preventing the cork from drying out, which can lead to unwanted air seeping into the bottle and spoiling the wine. Aim for humidity levels between 50% to 70%.

In drier regions, maintaining appropriate humidity can be challenging. Simple solutions, such as placing a shallow dish of water near your wine storage area or using a humidifier, can help maintain the necessary moisture levels to keep corks from drying out. Of course, less and less bottles nowadays come with a cork, so it’s not a major problem.

Light Exposure: Keeping Wine in the Dark

Exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can adversely react with phenolic compounds in wine, leading to faults that affect its flavour and aroma. Light-bodied white wines are especially susceptible to light exposure. To mitigate this risk, wines are often packaged in tinted bottles that offer some protection. However, it’s still advisable to store all wines in a dark environment, away from direct sunlight or strong artificial lights.

Bottle Orientation: To Lie or to Stand?

Traditionally, bottles sealed with corks are stored lying on their sides. This position ensures that the wine remains in contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out and allowing oxygen to enter the bottle, which could lead to spoilage. However, for bottles with alternative closures, such as screw caps, this is less critical, and they can be stored upright without compromising the wine’s integrity.

Minimising Vibrations: Keeping Wine Still

While often overlooked, vibrations can disturb the sediment in wine, potentially affecting its ageing process and flavour development. It’s advisable to store wine in a location where it won’t be subject to constant movement or vibrations, such as away from household appliances like washing machines or areas with heavy foot traffic.

Storage Solutions: From Wine Fridges to Cellars

Depending on the size of your collection and your commitment to wine ageing, various storage solutions are available:

• Wine Fridges: These are ideal for maintaining precise temperature and humidity controls, especially useful in warmer climates like Western Australia. They come in various sizes, accommodating collections from a few bottles to several dozen.

• Wine Cellars: For larger collections, a dedicated wine cellar offers optimal conditions for long-term storage. Whether passive (naturally cooled) or active (climate-controlled), a cellar provides a stable environment that protects your wines from temperature fluctuations, light, and vibrations.

• Kitchen Racks: A common sight in many homes is the horizontal wine racks in a kitchen or living area. These are perfectly fine for short term storage but not advised to keep wine for more than 12 months due to temperature fluctuations, humidity and light control.

Western Australian Considerations

Western Australia’s unique climate necessitates particular attention to wine storage. Our hot summers and variable humidity levels can pose challenges, making climate-controlled storage solutions highly beneficial. Additionally, considering the local wine culture, investing in proper storage not only preserves your collection but also honours the craftsmanship of Western Australian winemakers.