The temperature, darkness and humidity make a cellar nearly ideal for wine storage.
Wine is fermented juice, most commonly from grapes. Fine wines can be stored for long periods of time, given the correct storage conditions. Red wine is often aged over a course of years to allow for long-term chemical reactions that will produce a more mellow taste with fewer tannins and a generally more complex, mature flavor. In general, the longer a red wine is aged, the better it will taste, but the specific aging will depend on the type and quality of the wine. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for storing wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, though a few degrees above or below won't make a big difference. The purpose of having a low temperature is to retard the chemical reactions that are maturing the wine along with the chemical reactions that are destroying the wine. Though storing the wine in a warmer environment will allow them to mature more quickly, they will also break down and oxidize more quickly, developing a vinegar flavor and spoiling. A consistent cool temperature is very important to aging wine well.
Darkness
Exposure to ultraviolet light can accelerate the process of breaking down the chemical compounds in wine; a dark environment is ideal for long-term wine storage. Avoid the use of fluorescent lights in a wine storage area, since they emit large amounts of ultraviolet radiation.
Humidity
Wine corks can become dry and crack if they are allowed to spend excessive time in a low-humidity environment. A humidity level of about 70 percent is ideal for 55 degree storage. However, higher air temperature will hold more total moisture than cooler air. Maintain the cork's moisture by storing wine on its side in a wine rack.
Vibration
Vibration introduces air bubbles to wine, stirs up sediment and increases the chance that the cork and/or bottle will become damaged. Choose a location that is free of vibration if possible.
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