THERE are reasons why people love red wines, including their red and black fruity flavours. That depends on the variety of red wine. But generally, red wine has hints of cherry, strawberry or blackberry. Spicy flavours such as black pepper or cinnamon, earthy flavours like leaves and herbal flavours such as rosemary or grass are also common in red wine.

Each of the types of red wine differs slightly in its combination and intensity of flavour.

Storing wine properly is important in maintaining the quality or red wine. For lovers of red wine therefore, some tips will be useful in preserving the rich taste of their favourite.

Wine storage temperature is a key point to note. Another factor is how and where the bottles are placed for storage. These are important for both short-term and long-term storage.

According to wine experts, the best red wine storage temperature

hovers around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Those stored at a warmer

temperature age faster, which allows the wine the time it needs to

bring out its complexity. Whereas, storing at a cooler temperature

slows down the ageing process.

Red wine is also damaged when it is moved quickly between extreme temperatures. As such, when storing wine, do not move it from a hot place to a cool place too quickly such as taking it from your hot car directly to the cool cellar in the basement. Allow the wine a little time in between to cool down slowly, so that the temperature change does not damage the wine.

In storing wine, ensure that it is placed where it does not move

around a lot. If kept in a cellar, the wine rack or other storage unit should be solid such that the wine does not shake much.

Store it in a location where it does not get direct sunlight. Pull the

shades or close the door if sunlight is hitting the wine directly.

Lay wine on its side for storage to ensure that the cork does not dry out. Storing red wine (or any wine) in the sun increases the temperature and the flavour of the wine changes