▷ Wine conservation: how to keep bouquet and aromas intact?

Wine is a complex and refined drink that can delight your senses with a variety of delicious aromas. To best distinguish them it is important to keep the Bachus liqueur in the best conditions until the moment of tasting. Here are the conditions to be respected to store wine in perfect conditions!

Maintains a constant temperature

One of the most important factors when talking about wine storage is temperature. This can influence some particularities of the drink, from its delicate flavors to its long-term quality. A high temperature can accelerate the maturation of wine, but it can also lead to the loss of some aromas, affecting the taste of the drink.

Therefore, to fully enjoy the bouquet and characteristic aromas of the wine, it is recommended to store it in an environment that guarantees a constant temperature. Keep in mind, however, that this varies depending on the type of wine. More precisely, for red winesthe optimal temperature is usually between 12 and 14 degrees centigrade, while for white and rosé wines a temperature of 8-10 degrees centigrade is recommended.

If you have a small collection that includes a few bottles of wine, you can successfully keep them at the right temperature in a wine cooler. For larger collections, a well-insulated cellar will provide ideal conditions.

It guarantees an adequate level of humidity

Just as important as the temperature is the humidity level. This should be relatively constant, preferably around 75%. A storage environment that is too dry can have negative effects on the wine, leading to cracking and shrinkage of the cork. This allows air to enter the bottle and speed up the oxidation process of the wine, altering its taste and quality.

On the other hand, an environment that is too humid can also be harmful. In conditions of excessive humidity, mold can develop which can damage the cork. Additionally, wine labels can deteriorate in excessively humid conditions, which can make wines difficult to identify.

In cellars with tradition, as it is Gîrboiu winery, the wine is stored in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, so that you can fully enjoy the complex flavors of the most refined drinks!

Store wine in a dark place

The quality of wine can also be negatively influenced by other factors, such as light. Prolonged exposure of wine to ultraviolet radiation can change the flavor and color of wine, making it unpleasant to the taste.

This is why quality wine is preferable, such as Bacanta Șarba Barriquebe bottled in dark bottles and stored in a dark environment, such as a cellar or a cabinet specially designed for wine. If you don’t have access to such spaces, you can use cardboard boxes or covered bottle holders, which protect the wine from light.

There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. Wines for hot summer days, such as young whites or sparkling wines, can also be stored in transparent bottles and kept in the refrigerator for a short time.

Arrange the bottles horizontally

As mentioned before, it is important that the wine cork does not dry out, to guarantee the tightness of the container and prevent the drink from oxidizing. By placing the bottle in a horizontal position, the cork remains in permanent contact with the wine and maintains its humidity.

Additionally, placing wine bottles horizontally has other advantages. Wine, especially red wine, tends to develop natural deposits over time. In a bottle positioned horizontally, these deposits will accumulate on one side of the bottle, making it easier to decant the wine before serving. In this way the wine will have a purer and more pleasant taste.

Additionally, placing wine bottles horizontally is an effective way to optimize storage space. Bottles positioned in this way take up less space than those positioned vertically, which allows you to store a much larger number of bottles in the same place.

Make sure the space is well ventilated

Adequate room ventilation plays a crucial role in the long-term preservation of the quality of wine. A well-ventilated environment prevents the growth of mold and bacteria or the appearance of unpleasant odors.

To ensure adequate ventilation in the wine storage area, built-in ventilation systems or fans can be used. It is also important to maintain adequate distance between shelves and walls, but also between wine bottles, to allow air to circulate freely.

Storing wine before consumption

Even if the wine has been stored in optimal conditions for a long time or you purchased it from a prestigious winery, there are some important steps you need to follow before consuming it. First, store the wine in the refrigerator until it has reached the ideal temperature. Open the bottle carefully, using a quality corkscrew, and do not move it much if there is sediment on the walls.

If you opted for one collectible wine or with a complex structure, it is recommended to decant the drink. This process allows the wine to breathe and open up its flavors and is done at least 30 minutes before serving.

Choose the right glasses and make sure they are clean and dry so as not to alter the taste of the wine. Traditional wines are served in glasses with a larger bowl, to allow air to come into contact with the surface of the wine, while sparkling drinks are served in glasses with a smaller opening, which helps preserve the effervescence.

Therefore, wine storage is an art that requires attention to detail and compliance with specific conditions. Maintaining a constant temperature, an adequate level of humidity and storing in a dark place are essential conditions to ensure that each bottle gives a great tasting experience. Choose memorable wines from Crama Gîrboiu, strictly follow our storage recommendations and enjoy refined aromas that will delight your taste buds!