Wine is a fickle beverage that can spoil easily, so storing it properly is important. Understanding how wine should be stored is also important when you are making a decision to purchase from a new store. If you are in a store that seems overly warm, or that has bottles that seem to have been sitting upright for a long time, understanding how a wine should be stored will help you make the decision of whether or not to make a purchase at that wine store.
The two main factors that can affect a wine and spoil it are temperature and storing position.
Wine Storage Rule #1: Store it in a cool, dry place at a temperature of 70 degrees or less.
Since wine is simply fermented grape juice, the juice can spoil easily if it is not stored at the proper temperature. Once the temperature reaches above 80, your wine can begin to “cook,” and if the wine sits there for too long, or crosses over 90 degrees, it will be ruined. An easy way to tell if a wine has been “boiled” by heat exposure is to smell it. If the wine smells of stewed fruit and raisins, it has probably turned due to heat.
As an example, think about a plastic bottle of apple juice. If you let that apple juice sit in your hot garage for more than a few days, the bottle will start to expand and, as the juice cooks, it will start taking on rancid qualities. Even though wine is stored in a glass bottle, which means you won’t see the bottle expanding from heat, the same thing that’s happening to the apple juice is happening to the wine. This is why temperature is so important.
Avoid keeping bottles near heat sources such as a radiator, and never store them in places that don’t have access to a cooling source, such as a garage or unventilated basem*nt. If you want to be on the safe side, just place your bottles in your fridge.
Wine Storage Rule #2:You should always store wine on its side, rather than upright.
You may think that because you’ve seen wine sold upright in stores, this is the correct way to store it, but unfortunately, it is not. That’s because while the cork does a lot to protect a wine from its frenemy oxygen, if the wine is upright, the liquid can’t stay in constant contact with the cork, which allows the seal on the bottle to loosen, and more oxygen to seep in and spoil the wine. Keeping the wine in constant contact with the cork maintains the seal and protects the wine. At home, you can ensure this through a tabletop wine rack or even a custom built wine cellar.
This is why if you enter a store that is not only warm, but also seems to have had the bottles they are selling sitting upright for a prolonged period of time, you could be stepping into a terrible combination. Instead of paying for a nice bottle of wine, you may be buying vinegar instead. If you notice this, simply back out of the shop slowly, and find a different place to purchase.
FAQs
The two main factors that can affect a wine and spoil it are temperature and storing position. Wine Storage Rule #1: Store it in a cool, dry place at a temperature of 70 degrees or less. Since wine is simply fermented grape juice, the juice can spoil easily if it is not stored at the proper temperature.
What are the three factors in storing wine? ›
Properly storing wine brings out the best flavor and fragrance of wine. There are three key factors that affect wine: temperature, humidity, and light.
Is it better to store wine flat or upright? ›
For casual drinkers, wine will likely still be good if stored upright over a short period of time, but for those who wish to control the aging process over a longer period of time, it's best to store wine horizontally.
How long will unopened wine last at room temperature? ›
Unopened wine can typically last about 6 months to a year if stored at room temperature. Room temperature conditions, especially if on the warmer side, can accelerate the aging process and potentially degrade the wine.
What is the most efficient way to store wine bottles? ›
It is generally accepted that the perfect conditions for storing wine long-term are those found in an underground cave: around 55°F (13°C) and between 70 and 90 percent relative humidity. Obviously, a dedicated wine cellar with controlled temperature and humidity is the best place to store wine for the long haul.
What angle should wine be stored at? ›
Wine bottles should always be stored either horizontally, at a 45º angle with the cork facing down, or somewhere in between. This will keep the wine in constant contact with the cork ensuring no air gets into the bottle.
Which of the following is not a best practice for the storage of wine? ›
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Wine should never be stored in a place that could become too hot (above 70°F) or too cold (below 45°). Extreme temperatures can damage the wine, affecting its flavor and quality.
Which of the following wine storage conditions are not ideal? ›
Heat is enemy number one for wine. Temperatures higher than 70° F will age a wine more quickly than is usually desirable. And if it gets much hotter, your wine may get “cooked,” resulting in flat aromas and flavors.
What are two key factors in storing wine properly? ›
Wine should be stored in dark and cool spaces with between 65% and 75% humidity levels for optimal preservation. Too much humidity can cause labels to peel off the bottles, which is the last thing any wine collector wants to happen - as it can decrease the value of the bottle.
Why do you lay wine on its side? ›
This prevents oxidation and ensures that the wine's taste has been preserved. When stored upright, the cork is only exposed to air, which means that it's likely to dry out over time. Wines that are placed on their side, on the other hand, means that the wine is in contact with the cork, helping to keep it moist.
Turning the wine upside down or on its' side ensures the cork remains moist and will not dry out and crack, allowing oxygen into the bottle. Oxygen is necessary for winemaking but can be an enemy of preserving wine if it oxidizes the wine and changes the taste.
Where is the best place to store wine in a house? ›
For everyday wine, the how-to for storage is simple. “Ideally, you would put it in a dark space with a bit of humidity to it and that is of a relatively cool temperature,” says Cabrales. Leaving a bottle on the counter at room temperature will do the trick. Even a closet or pantry works.
What temperature ruins wine? ›
But wine is best stored between 53–57˚F when intended for aging, and temperatures can range from the mid-40s to mid-60s for service, depending on the wine. Once you creep past 70˚F, wine falls into the danger zone, and is in peril of irreparable damage.
How can you tell if wine has gone bad? ›
A cloudy wine probably has developed some bacterial activity and isn't ideal to drink. If your wine has changed color, it likely has been exposed to too much oxygen or light and is going to taste worse for the wear. Red wines may lose their vivid and rich color when they go bad.
How to tell if unopened wine is bad? ›
How to Tell if Your Unopened Wine Has Gone Bad
- Odour: A suspicious smell is one of the most obvious ways to tell if your wine has expired. ...
- Taste: Take a very small sip of your wine. ...
- Bubbles: If you see small bubbles in your non-sparkling wine, it's an indication of second fermentation.
Although you shouldn't store your wine in the fridge long term, do keep any opened bottles in the refrigerator. Cold slows bacteria down, so keeping open bottles at lower temps means it will be okay to drink for a little bit longer.
Is there a way to keep wine fresh after opening? ›
Store the open bottle upright in the fridge
And don't worry if you don't have a wine fridge. A regular refrigerator offers a colder temperature that will keep the wine fresher for longer.
Should wine be kept in the fridge? ›
Keep your wine in the fridge
But you shouldn't be afraid of storing opened red wine in the fridge. Cooler temperatures slow down chemical processes, including oxidation. A re-closed bottle of red or white wine in the fridge can stay relatively fresh for up to five days.
Should you refrigerate a bottle of wine? ›
According to sommelier and Bon Appétit contributor André Hueston Mack, “All wines that have been opened should be recorked and put back in the refrigerator.” No matter the type of wine, store it in a cool and dark place—this will slow down any breakdown in the wine and limit its exposure to oxygen, heat, and light.
