OK so the holidays have passed and you've been gifted with several bottles...To prevent premature aging store wines in a cool, dark place where the temperature is even, and ideally between 45- 64 degrees F. Cool & dark basements are great - but not everyone has one. In their absence, a dark ventilated closet, pantry, closed fireplace or even a spot in a well insulated garage are all perfectly fine. The key is away from warm and light.

Keep bottles on their sides, either piled on top of each other, or in a rack. This keeps the corks wet preventing drying out, premature aging and other unpleasantness. Screwcaps are more forgiving and also, can be stored standing up with no ill effect. If you don't have a wine rack use empty, sturdy cardboard box with dividers. Remember to keep your wine cellar organized, a running list of what you have, what you need and a method to clearly identify it goes a long way in helping you maintain a well rounded out collection

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