Some people simply enjoy drinking an occasional glass of wine with a nice dinner, but to others wine collecting is a serious hobby. Actually, wine collecting is a lucrative hobby for some – did you know fine bottles can fetch over $1000? Of course, other collectors are simply passionate about wine and love having a collection to choose from when they are in the mood for glass.
If you are interested in starting a wine collection, there is a lot to learn. First, one of the most common misconceptions is that all wines taste better with aging. In fact, cheaper wines are meant to be consumed within six month to one year. The more expensive wines are designed to mature over time and are best when aged. It can be very frustrating to the amateur trying to start on a budget. There is considerable expense involved, not just in the bottles of the wine, but proper storage as well.
For wines that will be consumed within a year or so, you don’t really need to worry so much, but if you intend to collect bottles to age, it’s best to consider a special storage space. Sizes can vary from a small wine cabinet all the way to a full wine cellar. There are commercial refrigerators available specially designed for wine storage. Large units have two temperature chambers so that some remain at room temperature and others are chilled. The other variables, which are discussed below, may also be controlled by commercial refrigerators.
Wines continue to change over time. It’s important to ensure your wine changes for the better and avoid conditions that can lead to undesirable changes. There are four main conditions that need to be controlled for proper wine storage: air, temperature, light, and humidity. It’s best to have consistent conditions, although keeping those surroundings at desired levels is best to ensure wine matures properly.
1. Temperature. Temperature is perhaps the most critical factor in proper storage. Ideal temperatures are between 45 55 F, but can range from just above freezing to almost seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Going to the extremes can cause problems. If stored too cold, the cork may shrink, letting in air, but if the temperature is too warm the wine may age faster than it should. What ever temperature you choose – keep it consistent. Recurring temperature changes can be detrimental. Fluctuations over a season of 5 10 degrees are acceptable, but avoid frequent and rapid changes.
2. Humidity. Another factor that can impact the cork is humidity. If humidity is too low the cork can dry out, while high levels of humidity encourages growth of micro organisms. Strive for 70 humidity to keep the cork properly moistened. However, make sure to keep air circulating to discourage mold.
3. Air. With all bottles of wine, there is a portion of the bottle that is void of wine and is filled with air. This air space, known as ullage, is required to ensure proper aging. The key is making sure no additional air enters the bottle. Since glass is impermeable to air, it all comes down to the cork. For this reason it’s best to store bottles horizontally to keep air exchange to a minimum. By storing the bottle horizontally, the cork remains moist thereby preventing cracking or shrinking that may admit additional air.
4. Light. While colored bottles do a good job shielding wine from light sources, its best to store your wine in dark conditions. Failure to do so may result in a condition known as light struck which results in an unpleasant aroma.
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