Syrah: Storage Fundamentals You Should Be Aware Of
Posted on November 11 2021
Suppose you purchased a bottle of Syrah wine, but you won't drink straight soon. So, what will you do? Keep in mind that long-term aging benefits just a tiny proportion of excellent wine on the markets. The majority consume the wines within several years after their production. If you want to purchase wines to age, you need to invest in highly qualified preservation, which is a whole other ballgame. Implementing a few basic rules, on the other hand, can maintain your wines secure once you are ready to consume them.
Keep It Cool
Heat is the first opponent of wines. Temperatures over 70° F accelerate the aging of a wine, which is not always ideal. If the temperature rises, the wine may become "cooked," leading to bland smells and tastes. Temperatures around 45 to 65 ° F are ideal.
Not Too Cool
It's OK to store wines inside the fridge for a few months, but it isn't a good idea in the long run. To properly keep perishable goods, the typical refrigerator temperature drops far below 45° F. The absence of moisture may ultimately dry up corks, allowing air to leak into the containers and harm the wines. Do not store the wine in a place where it may frost. If the liquid freezes, it may expand to the point where the cork will push out.
Steady As It Goes
Preventing the hazards of fast, severe, or repeated temperature fluctuations is essential than attaining a precise 55° F. The deformation of the liquid within the container may force the cork outside or produce leakage on the peak of cooked flavors. Strive for stability, but don't be too concerned about small temperature changes. Wines may taste worse while being transported out from the winery to the shop. It does not necessarily imply the wine is destroyed even if it has seeped beyond the cork due to heat.
Lights Off
Regarding lengthy preservation, lighting, particularly sunlight, can be a problem. UV rays from the sun can cause a wine to deteriorate and age early. Winemakers use a colored glass bottle for a variety of purposes. It's similar to wine sunglasses. Although light from home lights is unlikely to harm the wine, it may fade the labels over time. Fluorescent bulbs produce relatively tiny quantities of UV light. Therefore, incandescent lights are a bit safer.
Don't Sweat The Humidity.
According to traditional knowledge, you must keep wines at a humidity of 70%. According to the idea, dry air can dry out corks, allowing air into the container and spoiling the wines. It does occur, but it is unlikely with those who reside in the desert or cold circumstances. A humidity level of 50 to 80 percent is deemed acceptable, and putting a pan of water in the storage space can enhance conditions. However, extreme moist circumstances can encourage mold growth. A properly sealed wine will not be affected, although the labels may be damaged.
Sideways
Bottles are traditionally kept on their side to maintain the liquids close to the corks, preventing them from drying off. It's not needed if you're going to consume these wines soon or if they have other closures like corks. But here's what some say: Horizontal racking saves space in storing the containers and won't damage your Syrah wine.
Shaking A Lot Is Not Good
According to some ideas, vibrations can harm wine over time by accelerating chemical processes in the liquids. Some professional collectors are concerned about even minor vibrations produced by electrical equipment. Although, there is little evidence to support this. Excessive vibration can disrupt the sediments in old wineries, keeping them from settling and perhaps leaving them gritty. Is this going to be an issue for the quick-term storage unless you live over a railway station or music events? No.
Conclusion
You should keep wines at a humidity of 70% and maintain their coolness but not too cool. Maintaining Syrah wine on its side keeps the cork wet, which is essential for lengthy storage since a dry cork can lead to leakage and early aging. It's crucial to store wines properly so that they don't become damaged and you can enjoy them whenever you want.
