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Wine bottles stacked in a cellar

Wine has always been associated with sophistication and culture. It’s a perfect addition to any celebration, event or even enjoying a hot tub. However, there is a fair share of myths about how it’s stored and aged over time. It can be tough to distinguish the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to keeping the drink at its best. In this post, we’re going to bust the most common myths when it comes to aging and storing wine.

Myth #1: Expensive wines are always better than cheaper ones

Truth: While the price tag of a bottle correlates with quality, it’s not the ultimate determinant. Luxury brands can indeed cost a lot – for example, Masseto wine price in Cyprus ranges from a thousand to several thousand euros.

However, there are several approaches that go into determining the price, mainly the region, vintages, grape variety, and fermentation process. That’s why expensive wines might disappoint you if their attributes, such as aroma or body, don’t fit your individual preferences, whereas a cheaper brand might excite your taste buds.

Myth #2: Wine only gets better with age

Truth: While some wines age well, others don’t. The majority of wines available today at stores or online are meant to be consumed within a year. Aging changes the character of the drink, making it an entirely distinct drink compared to the original version. When saving wine, ensure you only store the ones that are expected to age nicely over time – this can be different types of red or white, rose or sparkling, and fortified wines.

Wine bottles collected on a table

Myth #3: Storing wine on its side guarantees the cork won’t dry out

Truth: Although storing wine on its side helps prevent the cork from drying out, this may not always be the case. Screw caps are becoming more popular, but even bottles with cork still require a humid environment for keeping the cork moist. Storing your bottles in a humid location, such as a wine cooler or cellar, will help to avoid cork damage and will prevent the wine from being oxidized.

Myth #4: Champagne should be stored in the refrigerator

Truth: Champagne is stored at cooler temperatures like white wine, but it shouldn’t be kept in the refrigerator for a long time. The absence of humidity will induce the cork to dry out at warm temperatures, and chilling it will keep the drink’s taste fresh.

However, storing your Champagne in a cool, moist setting is the ideal way to preserve the drink’s quality. A wine fridge or a cellar would be the perfect place to store your decent Champagne bottle.

Wine bottles stored on a shelf

Myth #5: Red wine should be served at room temperature

Truth: Most of us believe that red wine should be served at room temperature, which is erroneous. The actual temperature at which you should serve red wine is between 55 °F (ca. 13 °C) to 65 °F (ca. 18 °C), which is much lower than the traditional room temperature.

Hotter temperatures make wines less fruity and more acidic, while cooler temperatures dull the drink’s aroma and taste. Approach your red wine as an artwork that requires perfect conditions to meet its full potential.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve busted the most common myths related to aging and storing wine, you can confidently enjoy your favorite drink without a care in the world. Always remember to store the bottle carefully in a cool, dry place. Never store it on its side unless it has a cork, and ensure it’s not kept in the refrigerator for extended periods.

The most crucial factor for enjoying wine is individual preferences, and that will always be the key. So, don’t be afraid to try something new and keep exploring different types of wines. Cheers!

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