 |
Wine needs to be kept still, dark and at a constant temperature. Humidity should be on the high side, ventilation should be good, and there should be no intrusive smells. Temperature is the hardest factor to regulate, which sometimes means that ;he others are neglected. Vibration and movement will harm wine, especially old wines with a deposit. Avoid storing wine where it may have to be moved; do not put it near domestic machines. Strong light, too, can harm wine, especially white wines. However tempting it is to display bottles in dining room or kitchen, keep them in the dark and they will be better for it. Avoid spaces where other items, such as fuel oil, paint or vegetables, are stored. Fumes can taint the wine, even through the cork, and vegetable matter and foodstuffs can introduce fungal and other pests. The high humidity is to stop corks drying out — also the reason why bottles must be stored on their sides. (If the cellar is very damp, elastic bands help keep the labels on.) Free circulation of air avoids musty smells and rot. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
