31 Dec Storage Factors That Affect Wines

There’s nothing more important to the health, taste, and longevity of your wine than proper storage. And with the proliferation of wine cellars in Toronto, it’s vital that homeowners understand what measures need to be taken to maintain a high-quality wine collection. Knowing these basic principles will help you get the best value out of your wine collection.

Temperature

In a city like Toronto, where temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the year, finding ways to maintain a stable temperature in your wine cellar is imperative to the condition of your wine. If the room is too warm, it will speed the aging process and you risk having your wine become “cooked” or “stewed.” If it’s too cold, the aromas may be lost and the wine could possibly freeze. Colder temperatures may also cause the cork to be pushed out, which could expose your wine to too much oxygen. The ideal temperature for a wine cellar is between 10 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius (50 degrees to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Light

Wine must not be exposed to high volumes of light, as this can age the wine much faster and cause a chemical reaction that ruins the flavours and aromas. Also, avoid storing your wine in direct sunlight or using incandescent lighting that could negatively affect your wine. Instead, consider lightbulbs with UV-protective coating to help prevent any premature development in your collection.

Bottle Orientation

Too much unnecessary movement or vibrations can change the chemistry of your wine, which is why the placement of your bottles is so important. Laying a wine bottle on its side allows for at least 50% of the cork to be submerged, and it helps to keep the cork moist. Alternately, you can also store your bottles angled upwards or downwards (no more than 10 degrees) to help keep the cork from drying out.

Humidity

Humidity is another thing that helps the cork of your wine bottle remain moist and prevents the wine from oxidizing. Ideal humidity levels for wine cellars fall anywhere between 65% and 75%. Keep in mind that storing your wine in a cellar with higher-than-recommended humidity levels could cause the wine to develop mold or mildew. It could also ruin the label, which would severely decrease the value of the bottle.

If your wine is stored correctly, you can ensure that your collection lasts longer and can be enjoyed to the fullest. For any avid collector, it’s important to consider installing a wine cellar that meets all of the recommended conditions and allows you to organize your collection for optimal usage.

At Papro Wine Cellars and Consulting, we know everything it takes to turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary wine cellars that will protect and preserve your wine’s quality. We have 20 years of construction experience and nearly a decade dedicated specifically to building custom wine cellars. We know how to identify the right location for the cellar within your home, and we specialize in creating environments that are conducive to storing quality wines. For more information, contact us today.