Optimum storage conditions for your heritage wine cellar

Temperature 

Keeping wine at the right temperature is crucial to preserving its organoleptic qualities and ensuring optimal aging. Inadequate temperature can alter the wine's aromas, structure and complexity, compromising the taste experience. Ideally, wine should be stored between 11 and 13°C for red wines, and between 8 and 12°C for white and rosé wines. This temperature range preserves the balance of flavors and avoids any potential damage caused by excessive heat variations. It is also essential to avoid extreme temperatures, as excessive heat can cause premature oxidation of the wine, while too low a temperature can slow down its evolution and alter its texture. On the other hand, slight seasonal temperature fluctuations of around 12 to 20°C pose absolutely no problem for wine conservation. The key is to ensure that these temperature variations are neither too great nor too sudden. In fact, a small amplitude of temperature variation can slightly accelerate the wine's ageing process, compared to storage at a stable temperature of 12 or 13°C. It's important to note that these small variations contribute to the complexity and evolution of the wine's aromas over time, adding an extra dimension to its character. The key is to avoid extreme temperature variations that could damage the quality of the wine. A wine cellar, professional storage or a storage cabinet equipped with a temperature control system is therefore a wise investment for any wine lover wishing to preserve the quality and value of his or her collection.

Humidity

Another important factor in wine preservation is the percentage of humidity in the air (hygrometry), which is essential for preserving the quality and integrity of the bottles. Adequate relative humidity, generally recommended between 70% and 80%, plays a crucial role in maintaining the tightness of corks and preserving the condition of labels. Too dry an environment can cause corks to dry out, leading to air leaks and premature oxidation of the wine. In addition, insufficient humidity can damage labels, making bottle identification difficult and affecting their aesthetic value. Conversely, excessive humidity can encourage the growth of mold and other undesirable micro-organisms on bottles and labels. Maintaining the right level of humidity is therefore essential to preserve the quality, value and appearance of your wine collection. Using a humidity control system, ensuring light aeration or using devices such as humidifiers can help maintain an optimal environment for aging and preserving wine.

Darkness

Darkness is of the utmost importance in guaranteeing wine quality and optimal aging. Light, especially ultraviolet light, can have a detrimental effect on wine, altering its taste and accelerating premature aging. When wine is exposed to light, the aromatic compounds and pigments present in the wine can degrade, resulting in a loss of flavor, aroma and color. Tinted bottles may offer some protection against UV rays, but prolonged exposure to direct light can still have damaging consequences. Adequate darkness ensures that the organoleptic characteristics of the wine are preserved, enabling an optimal tasting experience when you decide to enjoy a bottle from your collection.

The final factors: stability and storage conditions

Excessive vibration can disrupt the wine's maturation process by stirring up suspended particles, which can lead to a deterioration in the wine's structure and aromas. Avoiding vibrations allows the wine to rest peacefully, promoting harmonious aging and preserving its taste qualities. For this reason, we recommend keeping your bottles as far away as possible from household appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers, which could damage your wine even through a wall. More generally, if your environment is subject to constant vibration, consider storing your wine in a dedicated storage facility for total peace of mind.

It's essential to allow wine to breathe in a wine cellar. However, this ventilation must be balanced to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels. It is important to beware of draughts, as they can be harmful to the wine. Light aeration is nevertheless necessary to renew the air, prevent undesirable odors and limit the risk of fungus growth. By striking the right balance, you can ensure optimum conditions for storing your wines, preserving their quality and unique characteristics. The importance of air quality in a wine cellar should not be underestimated. Wine bottles breathe through the pores of the cork, and are therefore sensitive to surrounding odors. It is therefore essential to maintain good air quality to avoid affecting the taste of ageing wines, the result of years of patience and waiting. Paying particular attention to air quality helps preserve the integrity of the wine's aromas and flavors, providing an optimal tasting experience and preserving the long-term value of the bottles.

And finally, storing wine horizontally is also important for preserving wine quality and cork freshness. By keeping the bottle horizontal, the wine remains in contact with the cork, preventing the cork from drying out and contracting, thus reducing the risk of premature oxidation. A cork in good condition is essential to maintain the bottle's airtight seal and preserve the wine's aromas and flavors.