How to store opened red wine?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “How to store opened red wine?” with an in-depth analysis of how to store unopened wine. Moreover, we will also discuss at what temperature you should serve red wine.
How to store opened red wine?
An unsealed bottle of red wine survives for 3-5 days if stored properly. Recorking an open wine quickly and tightly is the key to increasing its shelf life and preserving its inherent quality. Place wax paper around the cork and slide it back into its original position to recork the wine.
Place wax paper around the cork and slide it back into its original position to recork the wine. The wax will keep any stray pieces from falling into the bottle by helping the cork fit into the top. A rubber wine stopper can establish a tight seal if recorking isn’t an option. For example, if the cork is broken or has been thrown. A tight seal can be achieved with a rubber wine stopper.
How to store unopened wine?
If you intend to keep the wine for a long time, you must pay attention to storage conditions. Following are some of the methods to store red wine properly:
Store red wine at the Correct Temperature
The most important factor affecting the quality of stored wine is most likely the temperature. Wine will be spoiled if it is exposed to very hot or cold conditions.
The best temperature for long-term or short-term wine storage is roughly 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), but this varies by wine. Consult the manufacturer for temperature recommendations for specific wines.
Should be stored horizontally
If your wine bottles contain corks, place them in a wine rack horizontally. Keeping wine on its side keeps the cork moist, which is essential for long-term storage because a dry cork can cause seepage and premature aging.
While keeping screw-top wine bottles on their sides isn’t required, horizontal storage is a cost-effective solution for storing your wines for optimal room and accessibility.
Protect from light and vibration
Keep your wine in the dark as much as possible, whether you’re storing it for months, weeks, or days. UV rays from direct sunlight can impair the flavours and smell of wine.
Wines should also be kept away from sources of vibration, such as your washer and dryer, gym, or entertainment system. Bottle vibrations can unsettle sediments, disrupting the delicate process that allows the wine to age well.
Humidity
Keep your wine at the right humidity level. Extremes in humidity in your wine cellar or storage room will diminish the life of your wine. Labels can peel off if the humidity is too high, making them harder to show or sell, while lower humidity can cause corks to dry up, leaving the wine open to the ravages of oxygen. The humidity level in your wine cellar should be between 60 and 68 percent.
Wine fridge
Wine should be kept in a wine fridge rather than a regular refrigerator. A wine refrigerator (also known as a wine cooler) is a fantastic solution if you don’t have a wine storage room that is continuously cool, dark, and moist.
A wine fridge retains wine between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 15 degrees Celsius) and at the right humidity. It’s also a good idea to keep your wine in a separate wine fridge to avoid cross-contamination from food aromas.
Serve at the right temperature
Wine should be served at the correct temperature. Allow time for a stored bottle to come up (or down) to the right serving temperature before serving it to other wine lovers. This guarantees that the fragrance and flavour of the wine are fully expressed.
Red wine should be served slightly cold, between 58 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 19 degrees Celsius). The exact temperature is dictated by the wine’s age, with older wines holding better at 61-65 degrees Fahrenheit and younger wines at the cooler end of the scale. Reds with greater tannins should be served at a higher temperature than lighter reds, which can be chilled to 55 degrees.
Why shouldn’t you store your wine below 25 F?
Wine should never be kept below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius), as this might cause it to freeze, or over 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), as this can speed up the aging process and destroy volatile chemicals.
Why should you maintain your wine temperature consistently?
Keep your red wine storage temperature as consistent as possible. Temperature changes can cause the cork to expand and contract, enabling the wine to spoil.
Other FAQs about Wine that you may be interested in.
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Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question “How to store opened red wine?” with an in-depth analysis of how to store unopened wine. Moreover, we have also discussed at what temperature you should serve red wine.
