8 Vital Tips For Controlling How Your Wine Changes by:Jessica Ackerman
People often say that change is the only constant in life
. It can be good, bad, or both good and bad. Like our lives themselves, wine undergoes changes. However, it is important to know which of them are positive, and which ones are negative. By controlling the changes that it experiences, we can ensure that it remains in its optimum state:
1. Place the bottles horizontally
By taking this action, the cork will remain moist. Thus, you can prevent the cork from shrinking and cracking. As a result, air will remain outside the bottle.
2. Minimize vibration that the bottles undergo
Vibration can harm the aging process. Thus, it is best to keep bottles stationary until it is time to be served.
3. Minimize how often and how fast the temperature changes
A natural, modest change in temperature (i.e. 10 degrees during a season) would not be problematic. However, be wary of quick and repeated temperature fluctuations.
4. Keep the humidity around the rack at roughly 70%
Why is this important? Too little humidity will cause the cork to dry out. Too much humidity will make it a breeding ground for mildew and mold. However, 70% humidity will keep a perfect amount of moisture in the cork. Thus, consider this matter with your bottles, such as those in wall mounted racks.
5. Keep in mind that bottle size matters
Although bottle size is a factor in the storage, it is a somewhat minor one. A large bottle has a closer air-to-liquid ratio, so this is a preferable choice. However, the situation changes after opening the bottle. If you do not intend to drink all of it within a couple of days, then you should transfer the rest to a smaller bottle.
6. Store at 50-55F (10-12 C)
Temperature is important. If the temperature is too low, the cork will shrink and then let too much air in. However, if the temperature is too high, then it will age too quickly and resulting in vinegar!
7. Understand that air can do damage
The good news is that air cannot penetrate glass, and a quality cork will minimize the amount of air that enters the bottle. Nonetheless, too much air can cause it to become less fresh and to oxidize. If it (such as that stored on wall mounted racks) ages too quickly, then you will have vinegar to drink.
8. Minimize the exposure to light
The good news is that today bottles tend to have excellent UV filters. However, some UV light can still enter the bottle and create light struck. This results in an unsavory smell. Choose incandescent bulbs rather than fluorescent bulbs, as the former type creates less UV light.
Change is part of life. However, when storing the spirit in racks, such as wrought iron wall hangings, control which changes its undergoes. Turning it to vinegar is a change for the worse!
About the author
Jessica Ackerman is the senior staff writer for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com - a unique wall art store specializing in wooden wall sculptures (
http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/wooden-wall-art.ht) and modern wall clocks (
http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/modern-wall-clocks.html).
Benefits Of Landscape Gardening by:Joanna Harris Interior Painting by:Joanna Harris Landscape Gardening by:Joanna Harris Handyman by:Joanna Harris Floor Laying by:Joanna Harris Central Gas Heating by:Joanna Harris Carpet Fitting by:Joanna Harris Affordable Branded Bedroom Furniture Range by:Keddy Smith Installing A Solar Power System by:Lee Maynard Wind Power Systems For Home Use by:Lee Maynard A Guide To Energy Efficiency At Home by:Lee Maynard Magnetic Power Generator - Free Energy For Life by:Michael Edwards How To Build Solar Panel: Steps 1-5 by:Michael Hickmon