Wine storage

[BBB]

What are the basic rules to wine storage:

Temperature?
Bottle upright, on its side?
Sunlight?
etc.

[n144mann]

BBB, the general rules as I understand them are this, keep the bottles as cool as you can. Recommended is about 55-65, although anything under 70 is thought to be okay. If you do not have a basement or cellar, do the best you can to find a nice quiet,cool closet corner. The most important thing to remember is to try and keep the wine at a constant temperature. Sudden swings will cause pressure changes in the bottle, pushing out the cork, and letting air into the bottle causing oxidation and leakage. Swings that occur slowly are reported to have much less affect on the wine/cork. To add another note, temps that are too low, as well as to high, can cause damage to the wine, so keep them away from freezing temps also.

Sunlight is a wines enemy, keep them on their side in a dark place. Wines are kept on their side, because it will keep the corks moist, preventing shrinkage which again will allow air to come in contact with the wine and cause it to oxidize.

What did I miss guys??

Hope this helps BBB!
Nancy


[This message has been edited by n144mann (edited 06-01-99).]