Wine is a delicate beverage that can be easily damaged by improper storage. Proper storage conditions help preserve the wine’s flavor, aroma, and quality.
The ideal storage conditions for wine include a cool, dark, and humid environment. The temperature should be maintained between 55-59°F (13-15°C), and the humidity should be around 60-70%.
Different types of wine have different storage requirements. Red wines can be stored for longer periods of time than white wines, and sparkling wines should be stored upright to prevent the loss of carbonation.
Common wine storage problems include oxidation, spoilage, and cork taint. Oxidation occurs when wine is exposed to too much air, spoilage occurs when wine is contaminated with bacteria or yeast, and cork taint occurs when the cork is contaminated with a chemical compound called TCA.