The Blog
Storing a bottle of red wine correctly
February 2025
How to store red wine correctly?
To preserve the quality of your wine to the full, proper storage is very important! In this article, Vignobles Laydis gives you some simple but important advice on how to store and preserve your bottles of red wine in the best possible way.
Maintain a constant temperature
Maintaining a constant temperature is one of the keys to storing and preserving wine correctly. For red wines such as those from Château Roc de Calon, the ideal temperature is between 17°C and 18°C! This allows the wine to age stably, preserving its aromas and structure.
Conversely, temperatures that are too high can accelerate the aging process! On the other hand, temperatures that are too low can lead to an undesirable evolution of flavors. These temperature fluctuations disrupt the wine’s chemical reactions, altering its aromas and flavor. Tannins, too, can be adversely affected by excessive temperature variations, leading to a less pleasant texture on the palate.
Adequate humidity levels
Maintaining a humidity level of around 70% is essential for preserving the quality of your wines. Cork bottle stoppers play a crucial role in preservation. The humidity in the room causes the cork to swell, preventing it from drying out and allowing oxygen to seep in, thus compromising the wine’s preservation.
If you don’t have a cellar or storage space, you’d be better off in a place close to the ground, where the heat rises, and above all, a place where the temperature remains stable. Let’s dispel the myths right away: the fridge is absolutely not recommended, as its temperature is far too low and would clearly damage the aromas.
Protecting wine from light
Light, especially direct sunlight, can alter the quality of your red wine. Prolonged exposure to light accelerates premature aging, affecting color, aromas and flavors. This phenomenon, known as “light taste”, is particularly harmful to red wines, as it can produce unpleasant notes. For this reason, it’s best to keep your bottles in a dark place, or in opaque storage units, away from direct light.
Store bottles horizontally
In the horizontal position, the wine remains in contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out. A dry cork can shrink, allowing air to pass through, which can oxidize the wine and alter its aromas. Cork therefore remains flexible and airtight.
Storing wine horizontally also helps avoid vibrations! And yes, without good bottle stability, excessive vibrations can disturb the particles suspended in the wine, affecting its clarity.
Recommended storage time
To find out how long you can keep your bottles, several factors come into play. Let’s try to be as clear as possible!
The first thing to do: identify the information linked to the producer. This information will give you answers as to the specific characteristics linked to their grape variety, terroir and winemaking method.
Firmer tannins may indicate longer aging potential, such as Château Roc de Calon, Ecrin, Sauvage or the cuvée Théophile.While softer tannins generally suggest an earlier drinking period, like our cuvées Daylis and Summer.
Of course, the vintage can be a good benchmark! Indeed, a good vintage is more conducive to prolonged aging. However, not all wines require ageing, and some are designed to be enjoyed in their youth.
If we remember correctly…
If you’re a good student, you’ll keep your red wines horizontally, in a dark place with a stable temperature, around 17° and 18°. To find out how long to keep them, check the label on the bottle, on the website or directly with the producer!
