Wine preservation, a crucial subject for wine lovers or professionals who want to learn more about it. To help you, we are going to present you tips and our advice according to our 20+ years of experience in the field of wine. Here’s all you need to know about Wine preservation.
Best Ways of Wine Preservation
There are many ways to preserve wine, from the easy but limited solution to the best techniques; it depends on the need.
Many factors affect the preservation of wine, such as temperature, light, humidity, etc. The best solution is a combination of all these factors, but not all of them meet all these criteria.
To stop spoiling wine or drinking wines that have already been opened, discover these preservation techniques.
Bottle Stoppers
Bottle caps are the basic, easy-to-use solution. What’s in it for you? They block oxygen from opening up in the bottle, preventing the wine from altering its taste.
At best, it preserves wine quality for a few days longer (1 or 2 days max). This solution blocks oxygen but does not remove the oxygen already present in the bottle. It’s a temporary solution that’s better than nothing but far from very effective.
On the other hand, the price is right and it’s the least expensive solution.
Vacuums & Pumps
Fortunately, there is a solution that combines these two things to prevent oxidation.
Vacuums and pumps will eliminate air inside the bottle and block oxygen from coming in; these devices enable it to maintain its aromas and flavors longer after opening. Practical and easy to use, vacuums offer an effective solution for extending wine’s shelf life.
It allows the wine to be kept for a few days longer. It’s very simple to use.
The price is a little bit more expensive than bottle stoppers.
Nitrogen & Argon
Bottle caps, vacuum cleaners, and pumps are temporary solutions with their limitations. Chemists have worked on the subject and found a solution to preserve wine quality for several weeks.
The enemy of wine is air because, in contact with oxygen, the wine’s tannins and acids will decompose and degrade its aromas, impacting its taste.
To counter these effects and prevent wine spoilage, chemistry has come into play to help the wine industry. One technique involves the use of gas: nitrogen or argon.
Why? Because argon is heavier than oxygen, this will form a protective layer for the wine. Nitrogen can also serve a similar function even if Argon is better because it is heavier.
With these gases, you increase the life expectancy of your bottle by several weeks.
The WineEmotion Wine Preservation Systems
There exists a very sophisticated solution for wine storage, our wine preservation system. With high technology, it mixes the different criteria for long-term wine care:
- Maintaining wine freshness with a silent cooling system
- Using argon to prevent wine spoilage
- Colored RGB Lighting Display for Each Bottle
- Design and elegant wine system
- Easy to use
- Suitable for multiple bottles
Our wine preservation systems are the best on the market. They protect wine, showcase your finest wines, and prevent losses.
Best Temperature for Wine Preservation & Storage
Each wine has its own specific characteristics, and they are not all stored in the same way.
Here are the temperature rules to know before tasting a wine :
Importance of Proper Wine Preservation
Wine is a living element that needs to be understood to be cared for. Preserving wine also means respecting a noble dish and preserving your investment. It would be a shame to spoil a meal with your guests because you don’t know how to preserve your wine or to waste your money.
To preserve flavors, aromas, and overall quality, avoid the common mistakes that kill your wine :
- Improper Storage Temperatures : refer to the table above to avoid temperature errors
- Inadequate humidity level : Maintaining the right level of humidity is crucial because it plays a vital role in preserving the integrity of the cork and, consequently, the wine itself. Cork is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. If the humidity is too low, the cork can dry out, shrink, and lose its elasticity. When the cork loses its elasticity, it may allow air to seep into the wine bottle, leading to oxidation. Low humidity can cause the cork to become brittle, making it more prone to breakage when opening the bottle. On the other hand, excessively high humidity can contribute to mold growth on the cork, which may affect the wine if the mold comes into contact with it. Moldy corks can introduce off-flavors and compromise the overall quality of the wine. The recommended humidity range for wine storage is generally between 50% and 80%. This ensures that the cork remains in optimal condition.
- Exposure to Light and UV Radiation: UV radiation has the potential to break down and alter the molecular structure of organic compounds present in wine, leading to a phenomenon known as “lightstruck” or “lightstrike.” This reaction can result in the development of unpleasant aromas and flavors, commonly described as reminiscent of wet cardboard or skunk. Wine bottles are traditionally made of colored glass to act as a barrier against UV light. However, prolonged exposure to light, even in low levels, can still cause damage over time. It is crucial to store wine bottles in a dark environment or in wine storage units with minimal light exposure. Wine cellars or cabinets with controlled lighting conditions are ideal for preserving the integrity of the wine. With the new UV-protected glass door in our wine preservation system, don’t worry; your wine is in good hands
Questions / Answers About Wine Preservation
How do you preserve a wine bottle after opening ?
Re-corking or Use a Wine Stopper: If the wine has a cork, replace it securely after pouring. Make sure the cork is clean and free from any debris that could contaminate the wine.
Store Upright: Store the opened bottle upright in the refrigerator. This minimizes the surface area of wine exposed to oxygen, slowing down the oxidation process.
Limit Exposure to Air
Temperature Control: Keep the wine at a cool, consistent temperature. Avoid significant temperature fluctuations, as they can expedite the aging process.
Finish the Bottle Soon
Or the best is to use the WineEmotion Wine Preservation systems.
What is the best way to keep wine fresh ?
Close the bottle as best you can and put it in the fridge, as a low temperature will slow down oxidation. Make sure there are no strong odors in the fridge.
What makes wine go bad after opening ?
In general, a wine that has gone bad or spoiled is easily identifiable; here are the signs to indicate a wine has spoiled:
- Leakage: If you notice wine stains or seepage around the cork or the bottle’s neck, air has entered and spoiled the wine.
- Color Changes: White wines tend to darken with age, and red wines might develop a brownish tint. Significant color changes may suggest oxidation or spoilage.
- Sediment: While sediment in older red wines is normal, excessive sediment or cloudiness in a young wine could be a sign of spoilage.
- Smell: cork taint or Vinegar Odor
Lastly, you can also taste it to get a feel for the taste of the wine.
What is the best refrigeration temperature for red wines ?
The ideal refrigeration temperature for red wines is typically slightly cooler than room temperature, but not as cold as the standard refrigerator temperature for perishable foods. The recommended temperature range for storing red wines in a refrigerator is between 55°F (13°C) and 65°F (18°C).