How to Store Unopened Red Wine? Simply Ways

With the improvement of people’s living standards, red wine is now on the table of ordinary people. Usually, everyone will buy some red wine and store it as a reception for friends.

But what are the requirements for sealed wine storage? How to store unopened red wine? How long can you keep red wine unopened? This article will discuss how to store unopened red wine with the optimal solutions.

Red Wine Aging, How Long Does Wine Last?

Red wine is a type of wine made from dark-colored grape varieties. The fermentation process for red wine varies from white wine, and can take up to three weeks. During this time, the must (grape juice) is in contact with the skins, which imparts color and flavor to the wine.

Red wines are typically made from grapes that have been crushed or pressed. The must then undergo primary and secondary fermentation, where it is exposed to yeast. Red wines are usually aged in oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, although some types of red wine can be aged for up to five years.

The shelf life of red wine depends on how it is stored. If it is stored in a cool, dark place, it can last for up to two years. However, if it is exposed to light or heat, it will spoil more quickly.

Red wine is best consumed within six months of purchase. However, if it has been stored properly, it can still be enjoyed after that time.

Red wine is a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions. It can add a touch of sophistication to any gathering. 

How to store unopened red wine?

Buy a cellar

Some homes have basements. Most people think the basement is the best place to store wine. The basement has the advantage of storing wine more than the living room.

First, surface temperature changes can be conducted down to a depth of six meters. Therefore, a basement with a depth of fewer than 6 meters underground can effectively maintain a constant temperature. The vast majority of family basements are still affected by surface temperatures such as summer sunshine, winter snow and ice cover, and road heat conduction.

From the perspective of humidity, the basement is humid. Theoretically, it can meet the requirements of wine storage, as long as you pay attention to preventing mildew. Therefore, if you have the conditions, you can install an air conditioner or a wine cellar machine in the basement to adjust the temperature. It is more perfect for wine storage.

Related: Wine Cooler vs. Mini-Fridge: What is Different

Store in the kitchen

It is normal for any wine lover to store wine in the kitchen. The kitchen is often cooked and the smoke is everywhere. The clutter of the smell is as good as the refrigerator. Of course, if your kitchen never cooks with a fire, there are no smells and odors. The temperature is suitable, like a storage room, and you can still store wine.

Keep refrigerated (short-term only)

Refrigerator is the most common place people used to preserve wine. While the refrigerator provides the low temperature needed for wine preservation, it is not a good place to store it.

First, a variety of foods are stored in the refrigerator, forming a small environment with a messy smell. Second, the refrigerator needs to be turned on frequently. The compressor is vibrating all year round which affects the wine and makes it unable to rest.

How long can you keep red wine unopened?

The refrigerator is not a great place to store wine long-term. Of course, if it is a bottle of white wine or sparkling wine that is not intended for long-term storage, but is ready to be drunk in the refrigerator, there is no problem in storing it in the refrigerator.

Use the balcony

Many wine lovers often stack complete boxes of wine on their balconies. On the balcony, the wine can be undisturbed for a long time. But this practice ignores the damage caused by temperature to the wine.

Usually, the temperature of the balcony varies. Warming up during the day, cooling down at night, hot in summer, and freezing in winter all make the wine on the balcony devastated as if it had gone through a sea of ​​swords and fires. Therefore, for valuable wine, we do not recommend storing it on the balcony.

Display wine cabinet

Some drinking lovers build display wine cabinets at home. This kind of wine cabinet is beautiful. It can display collections. But from the perspective of wine preservation, the problem is relatively large.

First, the general wine bottle stands upright in the display wine cabinet. And the cork bottle seal has no contact with the wine liquid, which is in danger of drying out and losing its sealing effect.

Second, to watch the wine, the glass of the wine cabinet is transparent and colorless, and cannot block the illumination of the light. Only green and brown glass can better resist the effect of light and prevent the wine from being damaged by light. Some people even expose the love wine to the light of spotlights for a long time. It is not a wise move.

How to Store Unopened Red Wine: Points for attention

Temperature

A big taboo for storing wine is high temperature. The wine will be rough, inelegant, and will become tasteless quickly. If the room temperature for a month reaches 29 degrees, it has been out of control. The temperature of 10 degrees will double the aging of the wine.

The temperature change should not exceed five degrees throughout the year. If the temperature rises rapidly within six hours, the wine will age quickly and eventually deteriorate. Besides, the sealing effect of the cork will be lost, leading to oxidation.

Humidity

The humidity of about 70% is the best for wine storage. A wet environment can easily cause the cork and wine label (referred to as wine label) to rot. A dry surface can make the cork dry and lose its elasticity. It cannot seal the bottle.

Air conditioners or refrigerators can reduce humidity. So, if humidity is too low, you can use a water basin with damp sand or wood chips to improve cellar humidity.

Unopened wine can be stored in a cellar, wine cabinet, basement, or in a dark place at home where the temperature is relatively constant, such as under a bed, in a wardrobe, or a shady corner of a wall.

Light

The influence of sunlight on the storage of red wine is crucial. The UV rays will penetrate the wine. The red wine will mature in advance, and its quality will decrease accordingly.

Although the design of the wine bottle is also to prevent ultraviolet rays from passing through, direct exposure to red wine is unfavorable for the storage of red wine, after all.

Avoid Vibration

Long-term vibration of red wine will cause chemical reactions in the wine bottle. Its quality will be affected accordingly. The shaking when carrying red wine will not impact it.

The strong shaking and vibration will make the red wine deteriorate. Violent shaking can cause precipitation in long-aged wines, affecting the taste of red wines.

Ventilation

The wine will absorb the surrounding flavors into the bottle like a sponge. It is best to have a little ventilation in the cellar to prevent the musty smell. Strong flavors such as onions and garlic should also be avoided with wine.

How Should You Store Your Opened Bottles of Red Wine?

If you’re not going to finish a bottle of red wine, it’s important to store it properly. Here are some tips:

• Store red wine in a cool, dark place. A refrigerator is a good option.
• Wine can be stored for up to two weeks after opening.
• If you’re not going to drink the wine within two weeks, transfer it to a vacuum-sealed container or cork it and freeze it. 

How Do You Know When a Bottle of Wine Is Ok to Drink?

There are a few things you can look for to determine if a bottle of wine is safe to drink. Here are some tips:

• The cork should be moist and slightly concave.
• The wine should have a purple hue and be clear.
• There should be no sediment in the wine.
• The wine should smell fruity and vinegary.

If the cork has dried out, if the wine smells like vinegar, or if there is sediment in the wine, it is not safe to drink. 

How to Age Red Wine?

Red wines can be aged for different lengths of time, depending on the type of wine and how it is stored. Here are some guidelines:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 4 to 10 years
• Merlot: 2 to 8 years
• Pinot Noir: 3 to 5 years 
• Zinfandel: 2 to 5 years

The best way to age red wine is in a wine cellar. Wine cellars are specifically designed to store wine at the ideal temperature and humidity. If you don’t have a wine cellar, you can store your red wine in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet. 

When aging red wine, it’s important to check on it periodically. Make sure the cork is moist and that the wine is still purple and clear. If the cork starts to dry out, re-cork the bottle. If the wine starts to turn brown or gets sediment in it, it is no longer safe to drink. 

How to Test Your New Storage Solution for a Safe and Proper Aging Process?

Aging wine is a delicate process that requires the right storage conditions. If you’re not sure if your storage solution is adequate, you can test it using these steps:

1. Pour a small amount of red wine into a glass.
2. Store the glass in a cool, dark place for 24 hours.
3. Check the cork to make sure it is moist and concave.
4. Smell the wine to make sure it has a fruity aroma.
5. Taste the wine to make sure it has a tart flavor.

If the cork starts to dry out, if the wine smells like vinegar, or if there is sediment in the wine, it is not safe to drink and should be discarded.

When storing red wine, it’s important to keep it in a cool, dark place. A wine cellar is the ideal storage solution, but a basement or closet will also work. Make sure to check on the wine periodically to ensure that it is still safe to drink. If the cork starts to dry out or the wine starts to turn brown, it is no longer safe to consume.

 

FQAs on How to Store Unopened Red Wine

1). How Long Can You Leave Unopened Wine in the Fridge?

You can store unopened wine in the fridge for up to two weeks. After that, the wine will start to spoil and should be discarded.

2). Where is the Best Place to Store Unopened Wine?

The best place to store unopened wine is in a cool, dark place. A wine cellar is the ideal storage solution, but a basement or closet will also work.

3). Can You Freeze Unopened Wine?

Yes, you can freeze unopened wine. This will help to preserve it for up to six months. However, frozen wine can be somewhat drying and may lose some of its flavor.

4). How Long Does Cooked Wine Last?

Cooked wine will last for up to two weeks when stored in a cool, dark place. After that, it will start to spoil and should be discarded.

5). How Can You Tell if Wine has Gone Bad?

There are a few things you can look for to determine if wine has gone bad. The cork should be moist and slightly concave. The wine should have a purple hue and be clear. There should be no sediment in the wine. The wine should smell fruity and vinegary. If the cork has dried out, if the wine smells like vinegar, or if there is sediment in the wine, it is no longer safe to drink.

6). What is the Best Way to Store Red Wine?

The best way to store red wine is in a cool, dark place like a wine cellar. Wine cellars are specifically designed to store wine at the ideal temperature and humidity. If you don’t have a wine cellar, you can store your red wine in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet. When aging red wine, it’s important to check on it periodically to make sure the cork is moist and the wine is still purple and clear. If the cork starts to dry out, re-cork the bottle. If the wine starts to turn brown or gets sediment in it, it is no longer safe to drink.

7). Can You Freeze Red Wine?

Yes, you can freeze red wine. This will help to preserve it for up to six months. However, frozen wine can be somewhat drying and may lose some of its flavor.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to store unopened red wine, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Keep these tips in mind the next time you purchase a bottle of red wine and make sure to enjoy it at its peak flavor.

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