Stand the bottles upright for three to five days after corking, then lay them on their sides and keep them somewhere between 11°C and 18°C. That is Winexpert's guidance for its kits, and it suits the month of rest in the bottle that Island Wine Experts recommends before the first glass.
Why stand the bottles upright first?
New corks need a few days to expand and seal the neck of the bottle. Winexpert's instructions say to leave corked bottles upright for three to five days before turning them.
Why store wine bottles on their side?
Lying a bottle down keeps the wine against the cork, so the cork stays moist. Winexpert's instructions give storing on the side, or upside down, as the way to keep the cork from drying out.
What temperature should homemade wine be stored at?
Between 11°C and 18°C, according to Winexpert's instructions, in a spot that stays in that range through the year.
How long should homemade wine age before drinking?
About a month in the bottle is the minimum Island Wine Experts recommends. Wine can be kept longer. For wine that will age more than three months, Winexpert's instructions add 1.5 g (1/4 teaspoon) of potassium metabisulphite before bottling, to help keep its flavour and colour.
Is it better to age wine in the bottle or the carboy?
The bottle. Winexpert's instructions call bottle aging the preferred method. Wine that is kept in a carboy instead needs topping up with a similar wine and a solid stopper.
What should you check before storing a batch?
- The wine was perfectly clear when bottled. Winexpert's instructions say never to bottle or filter cloudy wine.
- The bottles have stood upright for three to five days.
- The storage spot stays between 11°C and 18°C.
- For wine to be kept more than three months, the extra potassium metabisulphite went in before bottling.
- Each bottle, or the case, is marked with the wine and the bottling date.
Island Wine Experts carries Winexpert kits from four-week Classic and Island Mist to six-to-eight-week Private Reserve. Find your next kit online and pick it up at 238 University Ave, Charlottetown.
Related guides: How Long Does a Wine Kit Take to Make? and Bottling Day: Bottles, Corks and What to Bring.