As already indicated, a great wine is characterised by its capacity to improve over time. However, for this to happen, the bottles need to be stored on their sides so that they remain in contact with the cork in order to keep it moist and tight against the bottle. The storage conditions must also be ideal, as are the conditions which are naturally found in all good underground cellars.
Ideal conditions:
- Temperature. This should be as stable as possible, with no abrupt changes. Ideally it should be around 15 ºC. Slight increases or decreases caused by the change of season are permissible, however these should be minimal. If the temperature is lower than the one indicated, then the ageing process will slow down however, if it is higher, then the wine ageing is accelerated and the wine life is shortened.
- Humidity. The ideal value is between 70 to 75%. When the humidity goes above 85%, the label gets mouldy and the bottle appearance deteriorates, although the wine preservation is not affected. On the other hand, an excessively dry cellar puts the wine at risk as the cork tends to dry out and cause the seal to break.
- Light. Light is harmful to wines, and to white wines in particular. Therefore, the bodega should be kept dark or in semi-darkness. The lighting should be with incandescent 60 watt bulbs, or with the new low-consumption ones.
- Vibrations. Keep electrical appliances away from the cellar. If the bottles are to be stored in a refrigerator, ensure that this does not vibrate.
- Ventilation. Musty atmospheres harm the wine, it is therefore necessary to ensure gentle air renewal.
- Strange odours. The cork absorbs odours from the atmosphere and these can then pass into the wine. Therefore, the wine should not be stored alongside paint, solvents, gasoil ...