5 tips for storing wine (even if you don’t have an underground cellar)
This article originally appeared on Delicious, view the article here.
From perfecting the climate-controlled temperature, to setting up a self-regulating humidity control, here are 5 tips for storing wine just like an oenophile. This article is brought to you by Vintec.
When it comes to wine, whether it be a bold red or a crisp white, how you store it is almost (almost) as important as drinking it. There are a range of factors that can influence, and even change, the way wine tastes simply based on how it’s put away. So what are the golden rules when it comes to stashing your fine drops? We’ve got five that we swear by.
1) Nail that storage temperature
First, keep it cool – the general rule of thumb is between 12ºC and 14ºC. A consistent temp not only stops wine from prematurely ageing, but also retains the colour, and seals in the flavours and aromas. No cellar? No problem. Wine fridges are a godsend, allowing for a natural, steady maturing process, while locking in flavours and freshness.
2) Keep that humidity under control
Control the humidity and you’ll reap the juicy rewards. Preserve your wine, and prevent it from oxidising, evaporating or leaking by keeping humidity levels above 50 per cent. The ultimate solution for this, of course, a wine fridge or cabinet offering self-regulating controls that help you to balance the moisture in the air.
3) Find the best spot
We cannot emphasise this enough: never ever place wine bottles near a window or door with direct sunlight. Red wine loses its tint, and whites become yellowy-golden, plus they age faster. Always store wine in a cool dark place, or in a trusty wine fridge or cabinet.
4) Ensure that air flows
Where cabinets really trump cellars is their ability to circulate the air. Stagnant air flow means wines are at risk of developing mould on labels and corks, and can be affected by external odours (think damp). Cabinets help to protect the integrity of both the bottle and the flavour, so keep that O2 and CO2 whooshing around for the best taste, and overall enjoyment.
5) Stay still
Another lesser-known storage fact is that vibrations can affect your tipples. Whether it prematurely deteriorates the wine, it increases sedimentation, or the wine becomes disjointed and segmented, movement in and around your bottles is a big no-no. Securely store them, whether that be using a cabinet, or an extremely steady rack (but our vote goes to that all-in-one nifty cabinet).
After some pairing recommendations to really whet the appetite? We don’t blame you. Here are our top tips for pairing wine and cheese (with some recipes to boot):
- Fresh, soft cheeses go well with a fruity or floral wine – like sauvignon blanc or chenin blanc. Team your wine with this beetroot-stained salmon sprinkled with feta horseradish dressing.
- Bloomy cheeses – like brie – delight in pairing up with a robust shiraz or strong chardonnay. For a lighter lunch, match your wine with this ham, brie and wholegrain mustard frittata.
- Hard cheeses – including aged cheddar – also shine in the company of shiraz or cabernet. Throw together this creamy mushroom and cheddar bake and enjoy it with a glass of robust red.
- For the punchier cheeses, like a blue, opt for a dessert or fortified wine. These types of wine will perfectly complement a dish like this blue cheese, prosciutto and rocket bruschetta.
This article is brought to you by Vintec.
