What is the best way to store red wines?

Did you know that the way you store red wine can significantly impact its taste and quality? Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of wine, we’ve compiled 5 tips to help you store red wine at its best.

1. Temperature is Key

The temperature at which you store red wine directly affects how quickly it matures and how its flavors develop. Storing wine in an environment that’s too warm can lead to oxidation, causing the wine to age too quickly and potentially develop a flat, musty taste. On the other hand, an environment that’s too cold can slow down flavor development, making the wine less complex and expressive.

We recommend storing red wine at a temperature between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius to ensure its aroma and taste are at their finest.

2. Avoid Fluctuations

   Temperature fluctuations can also damage wine by causing the liquid in the bottle to expand and contract. This can increase pressure inside the bottle, potentially moving the cork and exposing the wine to oxygen. The result is accelerated oxidation, which can cause the wine to lose its flavor and change its character quickly.

   Finding a stable environment to store red wine, such as a cellar or, for true enthusiasts, a wine fridge, is therefore crucial.

3. Horizontal Storage

   Storing red wine bottles horizontally has two key benefits. First, it keeps the cork moist, which is essential to prevent it from drying out and shrinking, as this could allow air to enter the bottle. On the other hand, screw caps don’t require horizontal storage, as they are not affected by cork dryness.

   Second, horizontal storage minimizes the risk of sedimentation. When red wine is stored upright, sediment in the bottle can accumulate at the bottom of the cork, potentially affecting the wine’s flavor when poured.

4. Away from Vibrations

   Vibrations, even those caused by everyday activities like opening and closing doors or passing trucks, can disrupt the structure of red wine. This disturbance may accelerate the aging process or release undesirable aromas and flavors in the wine. To avoid this, it’s important to store red wine in a location free from vibrations, such as a specially designed wine rack or a stable shelf.

5. Dark Environment

   Light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can negatively affect the structure of red wine, leading to unwanted aromas and flavors and causing the wine to age prematurely. For this reason, it’s essential to store red wine in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.

   An ideal storage location would be a cellar, attic, or a specialized wine cabinet with UV protection. These environments help minimize the impact of light and preserve the wine's quality over time.

Did You Know?

The way you store red wine can ensure that every bottle reaches its full potential, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, well-aged wine on any occasion.

Why Store a Great Bottle of Wine?

“Why store a great bottle of wine instead of drinking it right away?” you may wonder. There are several reasons to consider:

• Flavor Development: Red wines tend to improve with age, as their flavors deepen and refine over time when stored under the right conditions.
• Investment Potential: A good red wine can increase in value, especially if it’s from a renowned producer or an exceptional vintage.
• Special Occasions: A fine bottle of red wine can be saved for milestones, such as a birthday or an anniversary (perfect for making up for the one you forgot last year). However, we take no responsibility for any complications caused by bringing “just” a bottle of wine as a peace offering!

So, the next time you open a bottle of red wine, you’ll know how to store it properly to preserve its flavor and quality.

Looking for Age-Worthy Red Wines?

Here are three exceptional options to add to your wine cellar:

1. Vagabondo Rosso IGT Bio 2010 - Lombardy

Start with the Vagabondo Rosso IGT Bio by Marcel Zanolari, a classic family-run Valtellina winery in Bianzone, spread across 12 hectares of alpine soil. This organic 2010 vintage pairs perfectly with game meat and features notes of plums and honey. The grapes are hand-picked and dried in the vineyard, then fermented in amphora tanks made of clay and cement, giving the wine a unique flavor. This fermentation, alternated with steel tanks, takes 6–7 years. Allow it to breathe for two hours before serving, ideally paired with stews or game dishes.

2. Syrah IGT Terre Siciliane - Sicily

Next, try the Mediterranean Syrah IGT Terre Siciliane from Sicily, crafted by Arini, a small family-run winery established in 1952 by Giuseppe Arini and his father, Giacomo. Produced using traditional methods, including extended maceration at controlled temperatures, this wine represents a historic house deeply rooted in the production of Marsala DOC. With a strong focus on family values, Arini remains modest in size, allowing them to personally oversee every step of the winemaking process and deliver products they genuinely love.

3. ‘Sorèl’ IGT Rosso 2015  - Lombardy

Finally, finish with ‘Sorèl’ IGT Rosso 2015, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Lombardy made for Nera Vini. This unique wine originates from a carefully selected harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in vineyards planted in Teglio in 1984, at an altitude of 600 meters. The harvest begins no earlier than St. Martin’s Day (November 11) each year. Having earned several awards, this wine is a must-try—and you can find details about these accolades on our website!

Now that you know how to store red wine and have some inspiration for age-worthy bottles, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying delicious, well-aged red wines for any occasion.

Whether you’re a wine lover looking for new discoveries or a connoisseur expanding your collection, proper storage is the key to preserving red wine’s full flavor and character.

So, grab your corkscrew, open a bottle, and indulge your senses in the rich aromas and complex flavors of a well-aged red wine. With the right storage, every sip is guaranteed to be a delight for your taste buds.

Cheers to great moments, amazing wines, and discovering new favorites with ONWINE!