A little corner of paradise at home where to store our Valdobbiadene DOCG

Having a wine cellar where you can store your own bottles of wine is a desire of many wine enthusiasts like us. Whether it is in a dedicated space in your home, rather than in the basement, or in the understairs, by following a few simple tips, you can recreate the perfect corner for your wine collection, no matter how vast it may be.

How to choose the most suitable location in your home?

First of all, remember to choose the side of your house most exposed to the north, so that the sun does not reach it directly and only for a few hours of the day. Of course, make use of a small basement if you have one: an underground room 4-5m below ground level is the perfect place. If this is not the case, the important thing is that you keep the bottles away from heat sources, so avoid the kitchen, the fireplace, but also windows, or any place where they might be subject to temperature changes.

Temperature, humidity and light: 3 fundamental aspects to pay particular attention to

Wine is a living material in continuous evolution, and is therefore very sensitive to changes in temperature which can alter its properties. To maintain the product, whether it is a sparkling Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, a white, rosé, or red wine, it is good that the outside temperature remains constant between 11 and 15 degrees. If you are lucky and your cellar is particularly large and rich, have the care to arrange the bottles from bottom to top in the order proposed above, following the increase in temperature, which varies progressively, even if only by a few degrees.
Then choose wooden shelving, for its good insulating properties that cushion any vibrations and ensure a constant temperature.

Humidity (which should be around 65/70%) directly affects the preservation of the cork and thus indirectly that of the wine. An environment that is too dry (40%) tends to shrink the cork, allowing air to enter the bottle; on the contrary, if it is too humid (80%), it could contribute to the creation of mould and transmit unpleasant scents to the wine.

We know wine is also sensitive to light, from which it must be protected. Store it in a preferably dark place to avoid triggering chemical reactions that could damage the wine. Prefer natural and indirect light, or artificial and very subtle.

If no space in your home meets these requirements, you can always opt for a wine storage cabinet, a smart, designer solution created specifically for your wines.

 

Perfect storage and service of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

And if there are universal rules applicable to the entire world of wine, there are just as many for each specific type. So let’s see which ones are those reserved for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG sparkling wine.

  • While in the cellar, place the bottle in an upright position: for fine, delicate wines like ours, there should be no contact with the cork. You will thus be able to store it perfectly until it is opened
  • Leave it in the fridge 24-48h before drinking it: contrary to what many might think, it is not necessary (and indeed, should not be done!) to keep a Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG constantly chilled.
  • Serving temperature is 6-8 degrees
  • Place the bottle on a glacette or immerse it in the classic, traditional ice bucket (the proportions are 2/3 water and 1/3 ice), which is also recommended for lowering the temperature if it has not been refrigerated in advance
  • The most suitable glass for this type of wine is certainly the tulip-shaped one, characterised by a long stem and a rounded body. Its conformation facilitates the perception of the delicate, fruity aromas of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, as well as the acidulous flavour characteristic of young, savoury wines.
  • It will certainly not be difficult to finish the bottle, but if you have some wine left over, store it in the fridge for a couple of days at the latest, using the special stopper to maintain internal pressure.

 

Now you just have to start enriching your cellar!