
How To Store Wine In A Tiny Apartment
Living in a small apartment does not preclude one from maintaining a compact yet significant wine collection, nor does it hinder the ability to keep these bottles in optimal condition. Patrick Cournot, who is the owner and sommelier of Ruffian, a small wine bar located in New York City, has direct experience with this challenge. Ruffian's establishment is constrained by space, accommodating only a limited number of seats along its bar. Cournot, a resident of Brooklyn where small apartments are common, is proficient in devising innovative storage solutions. He possesses the expertise to creatively manage wine storage within confined areas.
For those interested in collecting wine despite limited living space, Cournot offers several practical recommendations. A primary piece of advice is to avoid storing wine bottles in the kitchen. The kitchen typically experiences the highest temperatures within an apartment, and excessive heat can prematurely cook the wine, leading to a bitter taste. Cournot shared an anecdote about a friend who improperly stored expensive Bordeaux and Rioja Reserve bottles above her stove for three years, resulting in a product that tasted like sweet, heavy prune syrup.
Another crucial tip involves laying wine bottles flat when feasible. This practice ensures that the liquid remains in contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out and shrinking. If a cork shrinks, oxygen can penetrate the bottle, diminishing the wine's flavor and eventually causing it to turn bitter.
Concerning refrigeration, while short-term storage in a regular refrigerator is acceptable, prolonged storage is ill-advised. A standard refrigerator's dry environment can cause corks to shrink, making it unsuitable for keeping wine for extended periods, such as six months or longer. Instead, investing in a wine refrigerator specifically designed for apartment living and budget-friendly is recommended.
Protection from light is also paramount. Light, particularly UV rays from sunlight, is detrimental to wine and can cause premature aging and spoilage, even if the cork is tightly sealed. Lighter wines in more transparent bottles are particularly vulnerable. Storing wine in a dark location is the ideal solution; if a dark space is unavailable, simply covering the bottles with a towel can suffice.
Finally, Cournot highlights the hallway closet as an excellent storage option. This area is often the most temperature-stable part of an apartment, and the closet door acts as a natural light barrier. A closet with a shelf at eye level is especially beneficial, as easy accessibility encourages more frequent consumption, preventing bottles from being forgotten or neglected for months, a phenomenon Cournot refers to as wines ending up in "Never Never Land."
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