Proper storage is the final factor in the equation of creating fine wines. Grape growers for the finest wineries take the utmost care to provide proper growing conditions for their vines. Winemakers strive for excellence through optimum balances of flavors. The rest is up to us: we can age those wines to perfection by sorting them properly and deciding when to open and decant them. The first and most important issue in wine storage is temperature. Wine should be stored at a stable temperature between 53° to 58° to create an ideal environment for the growth and maturation of the microbes that comprise the character of the wine. Too warm a temperature will accelerate microbe growth not allowing peak maturation and even worse, magnifying flaws. Another issue that affects storage is humidity. Wine is sealed into the bottle by a porous cork that needs to be kept moist. When the wine is laid horizontally, the inside of the cork is maintained by direct contact. The outside of the cork, however, is subject to the room conditions. Optimum humidity for wine storage should range from 55% to 75%. Too low of a humidity level will cause the cork to shrink allowing ambient air in and causing the wine to oxidize. If the humidity level is too high, the cork can mold, compromising the integrity of the wine. Other factors to consider are vibration and strong light sources, both of which can affect the maturation of microbes. Vibration can disturb the sediment in the wine and cause undesirable clouding. Strong light sources, UV light in particular, can break down the components of the wine. Bellevue Wine Storage by Apex offers the optimum storage conditions. We can also design & build a custom, climate controlled cellar for your home. To learn more about our custom wine cellar and cooling systems, visit us at www.apexwinecellars.com.     © 2003-2006 Apex Wine Cellars