Spanish wines are known for their rich flavors, diverse varietals, and impressive aging potential. Whether you’ve recently purchased a bold Tempranillo from Rioja, a crisp Albariño from Rías Baixas, or a sparkling Cava, storing your wine correctly is crucial to preserving its quality. Improper storage can lead to deterioration, affecting the taste, aroma, and overall experience of your wine. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to store Spanish wine to ensure it maintains its quality and flavor for as long as possible.

1. Store Wine at the Right Temperature

Temperature is one of the most important factors when it comes to storing wine. For Spanish wine, the ideal temperature range is between 12°C and 18°C (approximately 55°F to 65°F). Storing wine at a temperature that is too high can cause it to age prematurely, while colder temperatures can slow down the aging process, making the wine taste flat.

• Red Spanish wines, such as Tempranillo or Garnacha, should be stored closer to 15°C to 18°C.
• White Spanish wines, like Albariño or Verdejo, should be stored at a slightly cooler temperature, around 12°C to 14°C.

Consistency is key. Frequent temperature fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially compromising the cork and allowing air to enter the bottle, which can lead to oxidation.

2. Keep Wine Away from Direct Light

Light, particularly sunlight and artificial UV light, can degrade wine over time. Exposure to light can lead to the breakdown of the compounds that give wine its flavor and aroma. This is why wine bottles, especially red wines, are often made of dark glass—to protect them from harmful light exposure.

When storing your Spanish wine, make sure to keep it in a dark place, such as a wine cabinet, a cellar, or a cupboard that is far from windows or bright lights.

3. Store Wine Horizontally

Wine bottles with corks should always be stored horizontally. This keeps the cork in constant contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out. A dried-out cork can shrink, allowing air to seep into the bottle, which can oxidize the wine and spoil its quality.

Storing wine horizontally is especially important for Spanish wines that are intended for aging, such as Gran Reserva wines, which can spend several years maturing. Keeping the cork moist helps preserve the wine’s freshness and flavor over time.

4. Control Humidity Levels

The humidity of your wine storage environment also plays an important role in preserving the quality of your wine. Ideally, you want to store your wine in a place where the humidity levels are between 50% and 70%.

If the air is too dry, the cork can dry out, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle. On the other hand, if the humidity is too high, it can encourage mold growth on the cork or label. A balance is necessary to maintain the integrity of your wine for both short- and long-term storage.

5. Limit Movement

Wine is a delicate product, and it benefits from being stored in a still, vibration-free environment. Excessive movement can disturb the aging process, especially for wines that are intended to be stored for long periods.

Try to avoid storing your wine near appliances, loud machinery, or areas with heavy foot traffic. Keeping your Spanish wine in a calm, undisturbed space will help preserve its structure and prevent any unwanted changes to its texture or taste.

6. Proper Storage for Opened Bottles

If you open a bottle of Spanish wine but don’t finish it, storing it correctly is essential to preserve its quality for the next few days. Re-cork the bottle as tightly as possible, or better yet, use a vacuum pump to remove excess air from the bottle before sealing it.

White and rosé wines should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 2-3 days, while red wines can be stored in a cool, dark place and are best enjoyed within 3-5 days of opening.

7. Use a Wine Fridge or Cellar for Long-Term Storage

If you’re a collector or someone who subscribes to a wine delivery service, investing in a wine fridge or dedicated wine cellar is a good idea. These appliances allow you to control the temperature, humidity, and light exposure, ensuring your Spanish wines are stored in the optimal environment.

This is especially important if you’re planning to age premium Gran Reserva wines or want to preserve a large selection of Spanish wine over time.

Why Choose Box of Wine?

At Box of Wine, we take the guesswork out of finding the perfect wine for your taste. As Ireland’s best tailored-to-your-taste wine subscription service, we offer a curated selection of wines, including some of the finest Spanish wines available. Every month, you can receive boutique wines, delivered straight to your door, tailored to your personal preferences. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or refreshing sparklings, our next-day wine delivery ensures you’ll have the perfect bottle at your fingertips. Plus, explore our selection of boxed wines for convenient, quality wine options that deliver the same premium experience.

Storing Spanish wine correctly is essential to preserving its quality, flavor, and aroma. Whether you’re enjoying your wine in the short term or aging it for future enjoyment, following these tips will ensure you get the best out of every bottle. Remember to store wine at the right temperature, keep it away from light, store it horizontally, control humidity, limit movement, and use proper methods for opened bottles.

With the help of Box of Wine, you can enjoy premium Spanish wines delivered directly to your door, perfectly suited to your taste and ready for you to savor, all while ensuring they’re stored correctly for an optimal wine experience.