How to store and conserve wine at home

At some point we have all opened a bottle of wine with the idea of quietly enjoying it, but the next day, or sometime later, we have noticed a difference in the wine, something has changed: it has less bouquet, the taste has lost its intensity and the general experience is disappointing. To avoid this, it is important to know how to conserve wine, whether closed bottles or ones we have already opened.

Key factors to conserving wine

Wine is a delicate, living product that is sensitive to the environment. Its main enemies are oxygen, light, temperature and movement. Avoiding them is essential to conserve its quality. 

For example, did you know that wine should be stored at a stable temperature? It deteriorates quickly with sudden changes. The ideal temperature range is between 5 and 17 degrees, depending on the type of wine. Humidity, on the other hand, also plays a part: moderate levels, between 50% and 70% avoid the corks drying out and letting air in. Direct light, particularly sunlight, degrades the flavours, and therefore the general recommendation is to store wine in dark places or with little light. Finally, but no less important, the position of the bottles is fundamental: closed bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist thereby preventing oxygen from entering. 

How to store wine depending on the type

Not all wines require the same storage conditions:

• Young red wines store best in cool places, although the extreme cold of fridges should be avoided. 
• Crianza, reserva or gran reserva aged red wines need to be stored at a stable temperature, ideally between 15 and 17 degrees.
• Young white and rosé wines can be stored in the fridge for a few days, always closed and in the horizontal position. 
• Sparkling wines, such as cava or champagne, require cold to maintain their bubbles, approximately 7 degrees.
• Sweet and fortified wines withstand time better thanks to their alcohol and sugar content, and can even last for weeks or months in the fridge.

Knowing how to store wine depending on the type will make sure that you will be able to enjoy your wine at its best.

Keys to choose the ideal place for storing wine at home

You don't need to have a professional wine cellar. A suitable corner in your home can make all the difference: a cool place with a stable temperature and out of direct light where there are no sudden changes of temperature or constant movement. Avoid the fridge door where the temperature often changes and the bottles move every time the door is opened.

For bottles that are to be aged it is worth investing in a wine chiller or climate-controlled cupboard to guarantee that the wine ages in optimum conditions, keeping its bouquet and flavour.

When is the best time to drink wine after opening it

How long does opened wine last? You should know that how long wine lasts after opening the bottle depends on the type of wine:

• Sparkling wine: 24-36 hours; using a specific stopper to keep the gas in.
• White and rosé wine: 2-3 days in the fridge, with a stopper on and stored upright.
• Young red wine: 4-5 days, also in the fridge. You should take it out of the fridge a while before drinking so it reaches the right temperature.
• Aged wines: 2-3 days, avoiding any sudden temperature changes.
• Fortified and sweet wines can be kept for several weeks depending on the variety and how it is stored.

Bear this in mind to enjoy your wine at its best!

Tips to keep opened wine in perfect condition

Keeping opened wine in good condition is not difficult if you follow some basic tips: close the bottle properly with the cork or a specific stopper, keep the bottle upright (now is the time to do so to avoid a larger area coming into contact with the air, and therefore preventing oxidation), and avoid sudden temperature changes. There are also other systems to keep wine, such as vacuum pumps or devices that slow down deterioration of the wine and help preserve its properties for longer.

Ideal drinking temperature

To enjoy each bottle of wine at its best, it is important to serve wine at the right temperature. Sparkling wine should be served very cold, at around 7 degrees; sweet white wine at 8 degrees; young red wine chilled, at around 9 degrees and rosé or dry white wine at 10 degrees. As for crianza or barrel aged red wine, the ideal serving temperature is between 14 and 18 degrees, whereas fortified wine should preferably be served at around 20 degrees. 

With these tips you will be able to store and conserve opened bottles of wine and keep each bottle at its best. Each glass of wine will then be a full experience and you will be able to enjoy its bouquet, taste and personality. Cheers!