Storage
Storage refers to the conditions under which wine is kept after production, both before release from the winery and during cellaring by merchants or consumers. Proper storage is essential for preserving wine quality, ensuring stability during distribution, and allowing wines with ageing potential to develop as intended.[1]
Background
Wine storage has evolved significantly over time. In antiquity, wines were kept in amphorae and stored in underground cellars to maintain cool, stable conditions. With the adoption of glass bottles and cork closures in early modern Europe, long-term storage and ageing became more practical.[2] Today, storage practices remain critical both at the winery — where wine may be held in tanks, barrels, or bottles — and in private or commercial cellars.
Key Factors
Several environmental variables determine whether a wine will retain its quality during storage:
- Temperature – Wines are best stored at a constant, cool temperature, generally around 10–15 °C. Excessive heat accelerates chemical reactions and can prematurely age the wine, while fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction, stressing the closure.[3]
- Humidity – Relative humidity of 65–80% helps preserve cork elasticity and prevents evaporation or ullage. Extremely dry conditions risk cork shrinkage, while overly damp environments encourage mould growth.
- Light exposure – Ultraviolet light can damage delicate compounds, particularly in white and sparkling wines, producing “light-struck” aromas. Dark storage or coloured glass bottles mitigate this risk.[4]
- Vibration and movement – Continuous disturbance may hinder sedimentation and disrupt maturation, making calm storage preferable for long-term cellaring.
Storage Conditions and Methods
Traditional wine cellars, often underground and constructed of stone, naturally provide cool and humid environments suited to storage. In modern contexts, climate-controlled warehouses, specialised wine cabinets, and professional storage facilities are widely used.[5]
At the production stage, bulk storage occurs in stainless steel tanks, concrete vessels, or wooden casks prior to bottling. For consumers and collectors, storage often takes place in private cellars or refrigerated wine fridges designed to replicate ideal cellar conditions.
Relation to Ageing and Investment
Correct storage is directly linked to a wine’s ageing potential. Even ageworthy wines such as Bordeaux, Rioja, or Barolo will deteriorate if kept in poor conditions.[6] For wines intended for investment, provenance and evidence of professional storage are critical to maintaining value, with poorly stored bottles often suffering severe depreciation. This links storage to the broader field of wine investment.
Transport and Distribution
Storage also extends to logistics and shipping. Heat exposure during transport, particularly in warmer climates, can irreversibly damage wine. Cold-chain distribution and insulated containers are increasingly employed to safeguard quality during export and import.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 5th ed., DK, 2011.
- ↑ Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, 5th ed., Academic Press, 2020.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ AWRI, “Wine storage and transport”, awri.com.au.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 2011.
- ↑ Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, 2020.