Whether you purchase wine as a collector, save for a special occasion or to get through the weekend, it is a must to know how to keep wine fresher longer. These simple steps can make a significant difference in taste and aroma. We will touch on the difference between storing red, white, rose' and sparkling! Let's get going on our way to having the perfect wines for your happier hour!
Choose the Right Wines to Store:
Not all wines are suitable for long-term storage. Typically, red wines, high quality whites and some sparkling wines are ideal candidates for aging. Check the label or ask your local wine store expert if you are unsure.
Find the Perfect Location:
So, if you don't have one of these storage cellars, let's just not use the garage! For long term storage, wines should be kept at a cool and constant temperature. Extreme cold or heat as well as significant changes in temperatures can damage your precious collection! Keep wines away from strong sunshine and bright artificial light. The light as well as the heat they both generate can cause wine to taste stale and old. If the wine is sealed with a cork then it should be stored on it's side. This ensures that the cork remains in contact with the wine and stays moist. If the cork dries out, it can let air into the bottle which will make your wine taste stale and old. Wines sealed with a screw cap can be store upright. Check out this site for more ideas and info! https://thewinecellarcompany.co.uk/
Pouring the perfect glass:
Serving the wine and perfect temperature and using the right glass can make your wine drinking experience that much more special. Typically white, rose' and sparkling wines are served chilled. Red wines are typically served lightly chilled or room temperature. All these are suggestions though, don't rule out that personal preferences are different. There is no wrong if that is how you like it! While waiting to refill your white, rose' or sparkling glass, keep the wine chilled until the bottle is finished. Use an insulated container or ice bucket. If you choose an ice bucket, remember to fill it with cold water as well as ice so it will work efficiently. For red wine coming out of the fridge, do not be tempted to heat wine. I mean by placing close to a heat source, as this can damage the flavors. Place in room where it will be served and allow the temperature to rise naturally. This generally takes 20-30 minutes so plan accordingly. Looking for fridge ideas?
So many options, here is one place to start! https://www.wineenthusiast.com/shop/wine-enthusiast-classic-wine-cellars/
Glassware matters... there are hundreds to choose, but which one?
One thing that all the best glasses have in common is that the bowl of the glass narrows at the rim. This allows the aromas of the wine to be concentrated in the glass. Red wine glasses are slightly larger than our white & rose' glasses. Sparkling wines are served in flutes or tulip shaped glasses. Whichever you prefer or choose, clean thoroughly and polish before use. Dirt and detergent residue can spoil the wine. And, no one wants a glass with greasy finger prints!
Serving wine to your happy guests:
After all this prep (that is not nearly as long as this blog may seem), your guests deserve a treat. Make sure when serving the wine, check the appearance for any haziness that may mean wine is faulty. Check for any bits floating (like cork, any other foreign objects, rewash the glass!). Check the aroma for smells of wet cardboard or vinegar. This would also be an indicator the wine is faulty. When all is ready, serve and enjoy!
Not that leftovers are common, but... if you have them:
Keeping the wine fresh after opening is super important for its longevity. Once opened the wine slowly starts to become stale when reacting to the air. Keeping a wine in the fridge with the cork or screw top on can help keep longer. This is good a few days or so. For longer there are some simple systems that can help. The Vacuum systems are able to remove the air from inside the bottle. Blanket systems pump a gas into the bottle which pushes the air out of the bottle. This gas will not harm the wine.
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