How do you store wine?

The Golden Rules

Did you know that after bottling, wine still changes? Aging in the bottle involves further maturation of the product, until it reaches its maximum aromatic and sensorial qualities. Hence the reason for our question: how do you store wine?

Tips for proper wine storage

The room temperature where wine is stored must be constant. Fluctuations risk altering the quality of the product, while temperatures that are too high or too low can compromise its aging in the bottle.
Store wine in an environment with a humidity level between 60 and 80% to avoid mold forming on the corks or, conversely, the wine undergoing oxidation.
Keep the wine out of the light, so as not to trigger oxidation, which alters the wine. A dark or dimly lit environment, or a thick wooden or cardboard box, will protect the glass from the effects of light.
Create a ventilated environment, as wine absorbs odors, risking the alteration of its aromas and flavors.

How to store wine: horizontally or vertically

All bottles should be stored in a horizontal or slightly tilted position. This way the wine will always wet the cork, keeping it moist and elastic and making it fit well to the bottle neck. This simple trick will prevent air getting in and avoids any oxidation of the wine. For bottles with synthetic stoppers, however, this is not a problem.
For wines aging over prolonged periods, remember to put the bottle upright the day before you drink it so that any sediment settles at the bottom.

Storing wine without a cellar

If you don’t have a cellar, make sure the room where you keep your wine has a temperature between 10°C and 16°C. The ideal storage temperature is 10-12°C for white wines and 12-15°C for red wines. Do not store bottles in the loft or attic space, or in the kitchen as temperature variations are more frequent in these rooms, which can negatively affect wine storage.

Now that we have clarified how to best store wine, you can think about creating a small cellar of fine bottles to open on special occasions. With our fine wines at La Civiltà del Bere, we are happy to give you the best advice and help you design your very personal selection.