Storing wine correctly is an art in itself. Optimal storage conditions and the right environment are crucial. Because only within the right four walls can it be ensured that the wine retains its quality and can develop ideally. However, not all wine lovers have the opportunity to own a suitable (wine) cellar. Especially in large cities, it often fails due to the lack of space. If there is a suitable room, the next hurdle is finding the right conditions. The wrong storage can lead to the wine becoming undrinkable.
Storing Wine Correctly: What Really Matters
Storing wine professionally is more than just a practical necessity - it's an opportunity to get the best out of every drop. But how exactly do the ideal storage conditions ensure that your wine gets even better over time?
Stable Temperatures: The Foundation of Wine Storage
Depending on the type of wine, a constant temperature of between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius is crucial. Why this precision? Temperature fluctuations can accelerate the aging process of the wine and lead to undesirable changes in taste. A stable environment guarantees that the wine can develop its full aroma without being disturbed by external influences.
Adequate Humidity: An Invisible Hero
A humidity of around 70 to 75 % is ideal to keep the cork elastic and tight. If the cork is dry, it could shrink and allow air to penetrate, causing the wine to oxidize. However, the humidity must not be too high either, as this could encourage mold. Modern wine storage systems often offer automated systems that maintain this balance effortlessly.
Correct Ventilation: A Key to Preserving Aroma
Adequate ventilation in the storage area plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and longevity of the wine. Why is this so important? Good air circulation prevents the accumulation of unpleasant odors and pollutants that can affect the taste of the wine. It also supports the effective regulation of humidity by reducing the formation of condensation and thus the risk of mold growth. Well-designed ventilation ensures that the air remains fresh and the natural maturing process of the wine can proceed undisturbed by external influences.
Protection From Light: Why Darkness Is Your Ally
Light, especially UV light, can trigger chemical reactions in your wine that damage its structure. The solution? Dark storage locations or UV-protected windows and doors that protect the wine from such influences.
Free From Vibrations: The Peace and Quiet Your Wine Deserves
Vibrations can disturb the wine and stir up the sediment, resulting in a less clear taste. The best storage is therefore one that guarantees peace and quiet. Vibrations from road traffic or household appliances should be kept far away.
Storing Wine Vertically or Horizontally: A Simple But Critical Detail
Why is it so important to store wine bottles horizontally? This position keeps the cork moist and swollen so that it seals the wine perfectly. A dry cork could lead to an exchange of air that would affect the wine.
Wine Storage: Cork Vs. Lid - What's the Difference?
The type of closure a wine bottle is fitted with has a significant impact on how it should be stored. While cork and screw caps both have their advantages, they require different storage strategies to preserve the quality of the wine.
Cork Stoppers: Tradition Meets Careful Care
Corks are traditionally the preferred closure for high-quality wines and are known for their ability to allow small amounts of oxygen to pass through. This "breathing" effect is crucial for the slow maturation of the wine, but requires special storage conditions. Wines with cork stoppers should always be stored horizontally to ensure that the cork remains moist through the wine. This prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking, which could lead to oxidation of the wine.
Screw Caps: Modern Technology for Easy Storage
Screw caps offer an efficient and less maintenance-intensive alternative. These closures do not require moisture to maintain their integrity and eliminate the risk of cork taint - a contamination that can affect the taste of the wine. Wines with screw caps can be stored vertically without worry, making them ideal for smaller spaces or less traditional storage methods.
Specific Storage Conditions for Different Types of Wine
Storing wine correctly plays a key role in preserving its quality and taste. Different types of wine differ in this respect. Red wine, white wine, rosé, champagne and ice wine each have specific requirements that must be observed in order to achieve the best result:
- Red wine is known for its robustness, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need careful storage. Ideally, red wine should be stored at a temperature of around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Too high a temperature can accelerate the aging process and lead to a loss of aroma and structure. Horizontal storage is also crucial to keep the cork moist and ensure airtightness.
- White wine generally prefers cooler storage conditions than red wine, ideally between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. This helps to preserve the wine's fresh and fruity aromas. White wines are often more sensitive to light and temperature fluctuations, so a dark and constant storage location is all the more important.
- Rosé wines combine the characteristics of red and white wines and should therefore be stored carefully. A temperature of around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius is ideal to preserve the light and often floral aromas. As with white wine, it is important to protect rosé from light and store it in an environment with little temperature fluctuation.
- Champagne and other sparkling wines require special attention. They should be stored in a cool place at around 10 degrees Celsius in order to preserve the fine perlage and aroma. They should always be stored horizontally in order to distribute the pressure evenly and preserve the moisture in the cork. It is also important that the storage location is vibration-free, as vibrations can affect the pressure inside the bottle.
- Ice wine, known for its intense sweetness and complex aromas, also requires special storage conditions. This wine should be stored at slightly cooler temperatures, ideally between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius, to preserve its delicate aromas. Storage in a dark, vibration-free room is crucial in order not to impair the fine structure and taste of the wine. Horizontal storage is also preferable here to ensure contact between the wine and the cork.
Professional Wine Storage at MyPlace: These Reasons Speak for It
Are you looking for a safe and optimal place to store your wine collection? MyPlace offers you professional wine storage specially designed to preserve your fine wines in ideal conditions. Find out why MyPlace is the perfect choice for your wine storage:
Perfectly Controlled Conditions
At MyPlace, nothing is left to chance. Our wine storage facilities maintain a very strictly controlled temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 70 to 75 % to ensure the perfect environment for maturing your wine. These constant conditions help to preserve the character and quality for years to come.
Accessible and Safe Locations
Our specialized wine warehouses are located in convenient locations in Vienna Wattgasse and Munich Sendling. These locations not only offer easy access, but are also equipped with state-of-the-art security measures. Access to the wine storage area is through an additional, demarcated door, which is double-secured using a pin pad and your regular pin – for maximum security of valuable collections.
Flexible Storage Sizes
Whether you only want to store a few bottles or have an extensive collection, MyPlace offers a variety of storage sizes to suit your needs. Choose between boxes and compartments ranging in size from 1 m3 to 7 m2. Each unit gives you the flexibility to customize your storage space as needed without compromising on security or storage conditions.
Simple and Transparent Rental Conditions
With MyPlace, there are no hidden fees or complicated rental conditions. Our rental contracts are clear and transparent, so you know exactly what to expect and how much it will cost. This makes the decision to store your wines with us simple and straightforward. The rental period is flexible and can start at any time. The rental prices are fixed and invoicing takes place every four weeks. The minimum rental period is 2 weeks, after which the contract can be individually adapted to your needs and terminated on a weekly basis.
Expert Support on Site
Another advantage of MyPlace is the constant presence of our trained staff. Our on-site employees are not only responsible for security and monitoring, but are also available to answer questions about optimal storage.
More Space at Home
And let's not forget the space savings. Instead of creating space for storage at home, you can simply and conveniently store your wine collection. This not only saves you space, but also the investment in expensive storage systems. Imagine how you could use that extra space!