Storing and Caring for Wine
In books one and three of my series, there’s a bit of character intrigue involving glasses of wine (Merlot and Shiraz respectively). Wine is mentioned as parts of scenes in book four, and book five currently has a wine cellar figuring prominently. Giving fiction the realism it deserves requires some non-fiction research. And so, about those glasses of wine …
Wine consumption is growing in popularity. With the number of wine delivery clubs and wineries increasing, more and more money going into wine as an investment: the wine industry is certainly maintaining. The current state of affairs in the U.S. probably has more of us reaching for a glass (or two) just to make everything less … ‘current state of affairs.’ Whether for hobby, investment, or plain old consumption, storing or caring for wine properly is key.
How wine is stored is extremely important. Stored right, it can lead to euphoria, while stored wrong, can lead to disappointment as fermentation runs amok. Oftentimes, drinking a bottle of improperly stored wine is much like drinking … vinegar.
Cool and Dry
Several core factors are involved with storing wine properly. Temperature, humidity, lighting, cleanliness of the storage area, the angles of the bottles stored, and any vibration of the bottles on the rack all impact successful wine care and storage. Temperature is most important: a consistent range around 50 degrees at all times is ideal. Lower temperatures help ‘age’ the wine. Any fluctuations in temperature should be minimal or occur slowly. As long as the temperature doesn’t go too high and/or fluctuates gradually, wines should be okay.
The proper level of humidity should be around 70% (within an acceptable range of 10 percent above or below that 70%). High humidity results in labels easily rotting or molding—which affects the wine’s value. Contrarily, with low humidity (around 50%), corks shrink and allow air into the wine—a big ‘no-no’ with wine connoisseurs.
Horizontal, Dark, and Still
The angle the wine is stored is important, too. When stored for the long term, if wine stays in contact with the cork during storage, the cork won’t dry out. Wine tilted such that it doesn’t stay in contact with the cork (backward or upright/vertical), leads to the cork drying out, and we’re back to the dreaded ‘no-no’ of air seeping into the wine. Upright storage is okay for short-term needs, when serving is imminent. Additionally, too much light can ruin any type of wine; it causes the wine to age prematurely. The less light the better; store wine in a dark location.
To prevent damage to the wine from sediment, store them in a location free of vibration. Wines stored in places with little to no vibration, allows ample time for sediment in the bottle to settle. Unsettled sediment(s) in wine ruins the taste.
And there we have it: cool, dry, horizontal (or slightly downward), dark, and still. Research to determine which (if any) types of wine require a particular ‘formula’ of conditions.
To protect the quality and investment of your wine, storage and care is primary. Wine isn’t hard to care for or store, it just takes the right conditions. Many enjoy the occasional glass of fine wine. Proper storage ensures the best taste. After all, you’re in the wine business, not the vinegar business.
Until the next blog, stay serif, stay safe, and read on (a glass of your preferred red, white, or rosé nearby, maybe).
P.S. Good wine is often paired with a good meal. Get more of the SFPB experience in my newsletter, where I discuss low-carb cooking and the food preferences of my characters.
