Should I be storing the wine I drink everyday in a special way or place?
Simply keep your bottles of wine in a cool place away from direct sunlight until you’re ready to drink them. If you are going to store them for more than a few weeks, it is best to store them on their side rather than upright. This will keep the cork moist and therefore airtight. There is no need to store white wines or Champagne/sparkling wines in the refrigerator, if you’re not planning on drinking them soon. Simply chill them before serving.
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Where should I store the wine I don’t plan to drink immediately?
There are two types of wine you may not plan to drink immediately - wines you have purchased that are ready to drink, and wines designed to be aged. Most wines on the market today are designed to be ready to drink as soon as you purchase them. Keep these ready-to-drink wines away from direct sunlight and heat, any source of vibration, and lying on their sides. This will ensure that the cork will remain moist and therefore airtight. There is no need to store white wines or Champagne/sparkling wines in the refrigerator if you are not planning to drink them soon. A cool, dark place will suffice in the short term. Simply chill them before serving.
If you accumulate wines designed to be aged, storage becomes critically important. The key conditions to keep constant are temperature (needs to be about 55 degrees) and humidity (70% - 80%). To achieve this at home, you may need to buy a special unit designed for storing wine or convert a closet. Consider a Vinotemp wine storage unit. For more information on Vinotemp, click here. Another option is to rent a wine storage locker through SPORTSMAN’S. For more information on proper wine storage practices & options, please click here.
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Why does one need to lay down wine?
Some wines not only become more interesting with age, but can actually require aging to make them a pleasant drinking experience! The other reason to store young wines for drinking at a later date is the scarcity of mature wines to be had at the price you'd like to pay. Buy them when they are young at a less expensive price, lay them down and wait for the wines to mature.
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What sort of wines should I choose to lay down?
Medium to high quality wines can benefit from aging, while cheap wines will simply deteriorate. The choice of wine therefore is vital. Also, pick wine styles you like! It’s no good having mature wine that you don't want to drink. The grape varieties that age best are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (and a blend of these two), Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sémillon. For specific regions, stick with Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Chablis, Sauternes and the top Italian, German, Californian and Australian wines.
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How do I know when the wine will be ready to drink?
The only real way to tell is by trial and error, because different people like wine at different stages of maturity. Vintage charts are a useful guide, but may vary from your own personal tastes. If you want some guidance, SPORTSMAN’S knowledgeable staff would be happy to assist you.
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