FIVE KEYS to Aging Wine

Описание: This video will cover the five important factors to keep in mind when cellaring wine. Everyone’s situation is different, but the better wine storage conditions, the better the chance your age- worthy wines will reach their full potential. Also, part of this video will provide a peak into one of the most impressive wine cellars that I’ve ever visited.

5 Key Considerations:
1) Temperature
I can’t overstate the importance of this first point. The right temperature is critical. Ideally, it should be around 55F/13C. The acceptable range 45F/7C at the low end to a max of 65F/18C at the high end.

2) UV Light
Bright light and especially direct sunlight and any source of strong UV light is harmful to the long-term storage of your wine. This is one of the reasons you should never buy wine sitting in a storefront window. Low-intensity light is best. Andrew uses a red light which is low UV. Controlling UV light also links to the glass color of wine bottles. Clear glass blocks almost no UV light, green glass blocks about 50% and dark brown glass blocks about 90% of UV light.

3) Humidity
Humidity extremes should be avoided, ideal is around 70%. Too low, corks dry out. Too high humidity can promote mold growth that can damage wine labels.

4) Movement/vibration
This is one doesn’t get much attention, but storing your wines away from appliances, motors and alike is necessary. The science on this point is not completely clear, but vibration can impact wines by not allowing sediment to settle. Studies show reduced aromatics and other chemical reactions that impact both wine aroma and taste.

5) Air quality/air movement
Air quality may not be something that comes to mind, but I’ve experienced it firsthand. Years ago, I was hired to assess old wine that happened to be stored in a woodwork shop. The conditions were excellent other than the strong smell of varnish. After extended exposure, the varnish fumes penetrated the corks and ruined the wines.

Wine Tasting:
1998 Chateau Sociando Mallet, this from the Left Bank of Bordeaux. I’ve been a fan of this property for many decades. Its long reminded me of the wine from the nearby Saint Estephe. It’s mostly made from Cabernet Sauvignon, with a lesser amount of Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc with extended time in oak. If you can find the ’98, it’ll be around $75. Current releases run around $45.

00:00 - 2:10 Intro
02:11 - 3:43 Temperature
03:44 - 4:17 UV LIght
4:18 - 5:02 Humidity
5:03 - 5:24 Movement/Vibration
5:25 - 5:47 Air Quality
5:48 - 6:06 Useful Tips
6:07 - 10:32 1998 Chateau Sociando Mallet

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