Regulations
The Food Safety Act 1990: Applies to all food storage, including wine to prevent contamination and ensure products are suitable for consumption.
Wine must be stored in clean and dry conditions, free from contiminants.
The Food Standards Agency is responsible for the enforcement of wine regulations in the UK.
Flavour Quality
Optimum temperature and humidity levels when storing wine and cigars are essential, preventing premature aging of wine and loss of desired flavour whilst also preventing cigars from losing their poignant flavour, and essential oils due to inconsistent environmental conditions.
Storage
Wine and Cigars are to be stored in a cool, dry place where temperature and humidity levels are easy to control. At home, wine cabinets are the best way to store wine at the optimum conditions, and if you have the space why not build your own wine cellar? Improper storage can result in decreased quality in both Wine and Cigar flavour.
117 Thermometer
The Fischer 117 Thermometer is a highly accurate stainless steel thermometer measuring 103mm. A clear and precise German design finished with a bezel made of diamond-polished brass. This product compliments the FS-111 Hair Hygrometer and can be wall-mounted as a set when bought together.
For indoor use only.
Why Temperature and Humidity Matters?
Wine Storage
Temperature and Humidity play a crucial role in maintaining optimum wine storage. When the temperature is too high, wine can age prematurely causing a loss of fruitiness and off-flavours. When the storage temperature is too low the aging process slows down, flat flavours and increased acidity are often caused by low-temperature wine storage. Humidity although often overlooked plays an essential role in proper wine storage, if your bottle is corked low humidity can cause the wine corks to dry out, allowing air into the bottle and spoiling the flavour of the wine. Optimal conditions for wine storage are,
Temperature: Between 7-18 degrees.
Humidity: 70%.
Cigar Storage
Inconsistencies in temperature and humidity can cause materials to become brittle or weaken over time, the same can be said for cigars. If stored in warmer temperatures cigars are likely to dry out, becoming brittle and harsh. If kept in cooler conditions cigars could then become too moist. Humidity is often overlooked but still plays a vital role when ensuring the perfect cigar storage conditions, leaving cigars exposed to everyday elements can cause them to become dry and lose their flavour. Storing cigars in their optimum environment allows for the ideal aging process and ensures cigars will be moist and flavoursome. The ideal conditions for cigar storage are,
Temperature: 20-21 degrees.
Humidity: 68%-72%.
Best Storage Practices
Wine:
- Avoid sunlight exposure: UV rays can cause wine to age prematurely.
- Bottle Position: It's recommended that you store your wine bottle horizontally, especially if your wine has a cork lid, this ensures your cork remains moist preventing it from drying out and allowing air bubbles to pass through.
- Good Ventilation: Corked bottles can absorb strong odours, which can affect the quality of your wine.
- Ideally, a wine cellar is the best place to store your wine, cellars provide consistent, temperature, humidity, and lack of sun exposure.
Cigars:
- Avoid overcrowding your cigars, separate them to avoid flavour mixing.
- Humidors are great for storing cigars, use a well-made humidor with a tight seal. Cedar is often used to line the humidors to help maintain humidity levels and cigar aging process.
- Whether your using a humidor, or another storage product, store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, ensure the environment is relatively consistent, where temperature and humidity levels adhere to the requirements of optimal cigar management conditions.
Contact Us Today
With a commitment to exceptional customer service, we offer expert advice and support to help you select the right thermometer and hygrometer for your museum's requirements. Whether you need calibrated instruments for immediate use or uncalibrated options for in-house calibration, Russell Scientific delivers reliable solutions that enhance the preservation, efficiency, and compliance of museum operations. Trust us for products that meet the highest standards and help you maintain the integrity of your museum collections.
Russell Scientific Instruments Ltd
To reach a member of our team, please email us at sales@russell-scientific.co.uk or complete the contact form below.
Alternatively, you can telephone our offices on 01362 693481 to speak with a member of our team. Our office hours are 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri.
Please note, we aim to respond to emails within 2 working days. If you haven't had a reply, please do telephone us to ensure we have received your message as emails do occasionally get caught in our spam filter.
Q: Is it necessary to use a wine cooler or cellar?
While not strictly necessary, a wine cooler or cellar provides a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity, which is ideal for wine storage.
Q: How does light affect wine storage?
Light, especially UV light, can degrade wine, causing it to age prematurely. Store wine in a dark place or use UV-protected wine coolers.
Q: How long can wine be stored?
It depends on the type of wine. Most white wines can be stored for 1-2 years, reds for 2-10 years, and some fine wines for decades.
Q: Why is vibration bad for wine storage?
Vibration can disturb the sediment of wine, affecting it's aging process and potentially leading to a gritty texture and off flavours.
Q: Can I store opened wine?
Yes, but it should be consumed within a few days. Use a wine stopper or vacuum pump to remove air from the bottle and store it in the fridge.
Q: How can I tell if my wine has gone bad?
Signs of spoilage include an off smell (like vinegar or wet cardboard), a change in colour (brownish for red or a deep yellow for white), and an unpleasant taste.
Q: Do ideal conditions differ specific types of wine? (reds, whites, sparkling and fortified)
Red Wine: 13 to 18 degrees
White Wine: 7-13 degrees
Sparkling Wine: 7-10 degrees
Fortified Wine: Can be stored at slightly higher temperatures but in the recommended range (under 21 degrees).
q: can i store different types of cigars together?
While you can store different types together, it's recommended to separate them if possible to prevent flavour mixing.
q: what should i do if my cigars dry out?
Slowly rehydrate them by placing them in a properly humidified humidor, avoid exposing them directly to high humidity to prevent splitting.
q: why is my temperature control important for cigar storage?
Proper temperature control prevents tobacco beetles from hatching, preserves the quality and flavour of cigars, and ensures they go gracefully.
q: Where should I place my humidor
Keep your humidor in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Avoid places like attics, basements, or garages.