Cómo almacenar el vino correctamente: Consejos para mantener la calidad y el sabor

Wine is still alive inside the bottle, and where you keep it shapes how it evolves. With a few simple guidelines you will avoid unpleasant surprises and preserve every bottle at its best.

Why where you store wine matters

Wine is sensitive to temperature, humidity, light and movement. Poor storage speeds up its ageing, dulls its aromas and, in the worst case, spoils it. Looking after these conditions is not just a collector's concern: any bottle you want to drink in good shape appreciates a suitable corner.

Stable temperature, the golden rule

More than an exact number, what matters is stability. A constant temperature of around 12–16 degrees is ideal for most wines. What really does harm are the swings: going from cold to warm again and again tires the wine and can push the cork out. That is why the kitchen, with its temperature changes, or a spot near a radiator are poor allies.

Humidity, light and position

Three factors that are easy to control and make a difference:

• Humidity: an environment neither too dry nor too damp, around 60–70 percent, keeps the cork in shape. If it dries out, air gets in and the wine oxidises.
• Light: direct light, above all sunlight, degrades wine. Store the bottles in dim light or in a closed cabinet.
• Position: lay natural-cork bottles down so the cork stays moist. Screw-cap bottles or those you plan to open soon can stand upright without any problem.

Stillness and no strong odours

Constant vibrations, like those of an appliance, stir up the sediment and disturb the ageing. Look for a quiet place. Avoid, too, storing wine next to strong-smelling products, because the cork is porous and can pass those aromas on to the wine over time.

Solutions for your situation

Not everyone needs a climate-controlled cellar. If you drink your bottles within weeks or months, a cool, dark, stable cupboard is more than enough. If you build up wines to keep for years, a wine cabinet or a small temperature-controlled space will be a good investment. And if you are lucky enough to have a cool, light-free basement, you already have the best home cellar possible.

With this care, every bottle will reach the glass just as the winemaker intended. If the world behind wine interests you, you can keep discovering wineries and territories in our guide by province.