Welcome to the Second Series of The Wine Pod 'For The Love of Wine': Join us on a journey through our unique approach to wine, enriching your understanding and enjoyment along the way. In our latest episode, we delve into the post-purchase process, exploring everything from quantities to storage techniques. To complement the podcast, we're excited to share our expert tips on storage right here: * Decide what suits your preferences when choosing how many bottles to buy. * Assess Your Storage Space: Begin by assessing the storage space available in your wine cellar, wine refrigerator, or designated storage area. Measure the dimensions of the space and take note of any shelving or racks available for wine storage. * Determine Bottle Capacity: Calculate the maximum number of bottles your storage space can hold based on its dimensions and the type of shelving or racks installed. Consider factors such as bottle size (standard 750ml bottles or larger formats), spacing between bottles and any additional storage features like cubbies or compartments. * Consider Usage Patterns: Evaluate your wine consumption habits and how quickly you typically go through bottles of wine. If you're a casual wine drinker who enjoys wine occasionally, you may not need as much storage capacity compared to someone who collects wine or frequently entertains guests. * Account for Ageing and Collection Growth: Factor in the ageing potential of certain wines and your desire to build a collection over time. Allow for additional storage space to accommodate ageing wines and future acquisitions. Consider investing in modular storage solutions that can be expanded as your collection grows. * Plan for Special Occasions: Reserve space for special occasions or events where you may need to stock up on extra bottles of wine. Having a buffer of additional storage capacity ensures you're prepared for unexpected guests or impromptu celebrations. * Rotate Stock Regularly: To prevent overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation around your wine bottles, practise regular inventory management and rotation to really geek it up. Keep track of the wines in your collection and consume them before they reach their peak maturity to make room for newer bottles. * Decide where best to store in the house. * Temperature Control: Keep your wine in a cool, consistent environment, ideally between 7-18°C (45-65°F). Avoid areas prone to rapid temperature changes, such as near heaters, stoves, or in direct sunlight. * Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 60-70%. This prevents corks from drying out, which can lead to oxidation and spoilage. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier or storing wine bottles on their sides to keep the corks moist. * Darkness: Light, especially UV rays, can degrade wine and cause it to develop off-flavours. Store your wine in a dark or dimly lit area to protect it from light exposure. If your storage area has windows, consider covering them or using UV-filtering window treatments. * Stable Environment: Minimise vibrations and movement around your wine storage area. Vibrations can disturb the sediment in the bottle and negatively impact the ageing process. Choose a location away from appliances like washing machines or mechanical systems. * Horizontal Storage: Store wine bottles on their sides to keep the cork moist and in contact with the wine. This helps prevent air from seeping into the bottle and spoiling the wine. If you have limited space, invest in wine racks or shelving designed for horizontal storage. * Avoid Strong Odours: Keep wine away from strong-smelling substances, such as chemicals, paint, or food with potent aromas. Wine can absorb odours, affecting its flavour and aroma profile. * Consistent Conditions: Aim for a stable environment with minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations. Sudden changes in these conditions can shock the wine and alter its taste. * Long-Term vs Short-Term Storage: If you plan to consume the wine relatively quickly (within a few months to a year), storing it in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry may suffice. For long-term storage or ageing, consider investing in a dedicated wine refrigerator or cellar with precise temperature and humidity controls. * When considering professional wine storage options, it's essential to select a facility that will safeguard your wine collection and maintain its quality over time. Follow these steps to choose the right professional storage solution: * Research Storage Facilities: Begin by researching professional wine storage facilities in your area. Look for reputable providers with a track record of maintaining optimal storage conditions and excellent customer service. Consider factors such as location, security measures, and facility amenities. * Assess Storage Conditions: Visit potential storage facilities or request detailed information about their storage conditions. Ensure that the facility offers climate-controlled storage with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Verify that the storage area is dark, free from vibrations, and equipped with adequate ventilation. * Check Storage Capacity and Availability: Determine whether the storage facility has sufficient capacity to accommodate your wine collection. Consider factors such as the number of bottles you plan to store, bottle sizes and any additional storage requirements for large-format bottles or cases. Confirm the availability of storage units or lockers that meet your needs. * Understand Pricing and Services: Review the pricing structure and services offered by the storage facility. Compare pricing plans and consider factors like monthly rental fees, insurance coverage, handling fees, and additional services such as inventory management or cellar management software. Choose a storage solution that offers transparent pricing and value for money. * Read Reviews and Testimonials: Research customer reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of other wine collectors who have used the storage facility. Pay attention to feedback regarding storage conditions, customer service, and overall satisfaction. Choose a storage provider with positive reviews and a reputation for excellence. * Consider Accessibility: Evaluate the accessibility of the storage facility and determine whether it meets your needs. Choose a facility that offers convenient access and flexibility to retrieve or add to your wine collection as needed. * Plan for Long-Term Storage Needs: Anticipate your long-term storage needs and choose a facility that could accommodate your future growth. Consider whether the storage facility offers flexible storage options, expansion opportunities, or additional services such as wine shipping or cellar management consulting. Here is all the info about the episode: Will’s wine of the week: Rosso di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne, 2020, Antinori, Italy Luke’s thought of the week: If not now, then when? References: Riesling - grape variety. Storage under bond. Madeira - a type of wine. San Gimignano - Italian wine region. As always please like, share and comment. Stay Corked - Luke & Will This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lukeflunder.substack.com/subscribe
