The conservation and aging of wine
Including extensive control of temperature and humidity in a cellar, it is necessary to observe in all five important rules:
Rule #1
The temperature
Did you know that the ideal temperature for aging wine is 12 ° C? A higher temperature will cause a bottle to age too quickly and a low temperature will simply slow down its aging. The wine becomes brittle with age, it is better not to keep it at less than 10 ° C and not more more than 14 ° C, except for the service where one must generally lower the temperature of a white wine or effervescent and chamfer A red wine.
Rule #2
Humidity
In a cellar, it is usually necessary to maintain a relative humidity level of between 55% and 75%. When ambient humidity falls below 40%, the cap may dry and the breathing between the outside and the inside of the bottle will no longer be adequate. The wine can therefore flow and oxidize more. Beyond 80%, molds can affect labels and produce bad odors. It is therefore important to have adequate ventilation. And then, a little cleaning once or twice a year does not do any harm at all, just be delicate.
Rule #3
Absence of vibration
Vibrations are very harmful for the good aging of a wine. If the particles rise and remain suspended in the wine, they will not be able to form an essential deposit for ripening, which will also cause premature oxidation of the wine.
Rule #4
Absence of light
Wines are aging in dark glass bottles for a reason! This glass helps to block some of the light containing UV rays that are very damaging to wine. In the long term, these rays will affect the wine particles by causing early oxidation and damaging the tannins.
Rule #5
Absence of odors
Since there is a gas exchange between the inside and the outside of the bottle, odours can also infiltrate and change the taste of the wine. This is why wooden supports made of the Redwood or Mahogany are generally used. Wood types that are almost odourless and resistant to moisture, prevent the spread of mold and its odours. In the case of a refrigerated cellar, it is necessary to have a charcoal filter integrated in the casing of the appliance.