Properly storing wine is essential to preserve its characteristics and allow it to evolve optimally over time.
Each type of wine and grape variety has its own requirements to ensure that, when we open a bottle, we can enjoy all its aromas and flavors.
We will then explore how to preserve different types of wine, from whites such as those from Finca Montepedroso to reds such as those from Finca Valpiedra, Finca Antigua or Viña Bujanda.
Before delving into each type of wine, it is important to take into account some key factors for its preservation:
Constant temperature: the ideal is to keep the wine between 12-16°C, avoiding fluctuations that may affect its quality.
Humidity: an environment with humidity around 70% is recommended to prevent corks from drying out.
Darkness: exposure to light, especially UV rays, can damage the wine, so it is preferable to keep it in a dark place.
Bottle position: corked wines should be stored horizontally so that the cork remains moist.
Absence of vibrations: constant vibrations, generated by noise, can affect the structure of the wine, altering its aging.
Preservation of white wine
It has always been believed that white wines have a very short life and are more delicate, as is the case with rosés. Something we can disagree with, with a vertical tasting of Finca Montepedroso Verdejo. Whites have a greater capacity for aging than is believed, if they have been made for this purpose and if they are well preserved.
- Temperature: young white wines, such as Finca Antigua Moscatel Naturalmente Dulce, should be kept between 10-12°C. In the case of aged white wines, such as Finca Valpiedra Reserva Blanco or Montepedroso Enoteca with aging on lees, they can benefit from slightly higher temperatures, around 12-14°C.
- Shelf life: The theory is that a young white wine should be consumed between 1 and 2 years. If it is aged or is of a variety with a greater aging capacity, such as our Finca Montepedroso Verdejo, it can be kept for 6-8 years.
- Humidity and light: maintaining stable humidity is key, as the cork could dry out. Light, especially sunlight, is detrimental to white wine and can alter its aromas.
Red wine preservation
Red wines have a greater aging capacity and can gain complexity over time if stored correctly.
- Temperature: the ideal storage temperature for red wines depends on their typology. Young reds, such as Zagal de Finca Antigua, keep well at 14-16°C (57-86°F). The reds for cellaring, such as Finca Valpiedra Reserva or Viña Bujanda Gran Reserva, require a temperature between 12-14°C for a slower and more optimal evolution.
- Storage time: a young red wine can be consumed in the first 2-3 years, while a vintage red wine (Reserva or Gran Reserva) can age between 10 and 15 years on average, and may age longer if kept in the right conditions.
- Position: storing wine bottles horizontally ensures that the cork remains in contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out and oxygen from entering.
Rosé wine preservation
Rosé wines, such as Viña Bujanda Rosé, are fresh and fruity, and their conservation is similar to that of white wines.
- Temperature: a storage temperature between 10-12°C is recommended.
- Storage time: rosé wines are made to be consumed young, preferably within the first 2 years, unless they have been made with a view to cellaring.
- Light and position: exposure to light is harmful, and it is preferable to store them in a horizontal position if their closure is made of cork.
And after opening the bottle?
Once the wine has been opened, the best thing to do is to drink it, but if we want to preserve it correctly, it is crucial to enjoy it to the fullest. Use its own cork, if consumption is immediate, or an airtight stopper and store the bottle in the refrigerator. A vacuum system or an air pump can help prolong the shelf life of the wine. If we use a Coravin, when extracting wine, we introduce gas, so the conservation is perfect, so you can drink it after months.
Preserving wine according to its typology and grape variety not only ensures that we can enjoy it at its best, but also allows some wines to evolve and develop over time. Taking care of temperature, light and storage position are key aspects to maintain the quality of our Finca Valpiedra, Finca Montepedroso, Finca Antigua and Viña Bujanda wines.