How to store wine ?

We explore this topic in this episodeof EXTRA BRUT, oureducational web series about wine, with food and wine critic Nicolas Rieffel. The goal: to answer in record time all the questions you've ever asked yourself about wine...

Answers provided by the "Chasseurs de Lune" (Moon Hunters), members and employees of the Bestheim wine cellar.

THE IDEAL WINE CELLAR

The perfect wine cellar should be underground, at a constant temperature of 12°C, humid, and have a clay floor. If these conditions are difficult to achieve in an apartment or new house, there are now a growing number of insulation materials, air conditioners, and optimized bottle racks available to help you store your wine in the best possible conditions.

THE HUMIDITY OF YOUR WINE CELLAR

This is the main factor in the proper aging of your wine. If your cellar is not humid enough, this can have irreparable consequences for your bottles. The corks will dry out, the wine will evaporate, and the levels will drop. If the temperature in the cellar is too high, these phenomena will be accentuated. So remember, it is better to have a cellar that is too humid than too dry.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE FOR A WINE CELLAR?

The higher the temperature in a cellar, the faster the wine will evolve. A gradual rise in temperature, such as in spring or summer, will not cause irreparable damage (up to 18°C), but significant temperature shocks will damage the wine. Diffuse and gradual heat will allow the wine to age and develop normally.

THE DARKNESS OF THE WINE CELLAR

Light is the enemy of wine, especially white wine! It can cause what is known as "light taste," which dilutes the aromas. Ban neon lights from cellars and make sure that darkness reigns supreme.

HOW LONG CAN WINE BE KEPT?

How can you tell if a wine is ready to drink now or in a few years? Bear in mind that a wine's lifespan depends mainly on how it is stored, as well as its initial potential. Three degrees make all the difference: a wine will age much faster in a cellar at 15°C and slightly dry than in a damp cellar at 12°C. It is therefore important to assess the quality of your cellar and regularly check the condition of the bottles you store there. There is no age limit for wine, and some bottles that are over a hundred years old are still incredibly youthful. It is also a matter of personal taste: some people like wines that develop tertiary aromas from long aging, while others prefer them when they are still fruity.

Storing wine in the right conditions gives it every chance to reveal its complexity and finesse over time. Whether you have a traditional cellar or modern equipment in your home, a few simple rules make all the difference: a stable temperature, sufficient humidity, total darkness, and above all... a little patience! By regularly checking your bottles and adapting your storage space to your needs, you can transform each bottle into a promise of future enjoyment.