.17.
Storing Your Wines
The chart below indicates the ideal storage temperatures for different
types of wine:
Type of wine
Temperature
(Celsius)
Temperature
(Fahrenheit)
Red wine (*)
15.5 – 18.5°C
59.9 – 65.3°F
White wine (**)
10 - 15°C
50 – 59°F
Sparkling wines/
Champagne
7.2 – 9.5°C
45 – 49.1°F
Rose wine
9.5 – 10.5°C
49.1 – 50.9
°F
Vintage wine
13
°C
55
°F
* Light red wines, such as Beaujolais, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc benefit
from being served slightly cooler than full-bodied reds.
** Chardonnay is often served too cold. You should chill it at a warmer
temperature inside of your Wine Cooler. Or leave it to warm slightly when
you remove it from your Wine Cooler.
o Temperature stability is the most important factor when it comes to
storing wine.
o Exposure to light, vibrations or fluctuations in temperature and humidity
can all cause wine to spoil. When properly stored, wines not only
maintain their quality but many will actually improve in aroma, flavour
and complexity as they mature.
o Wines kept at a higher temperature will age faster. Wine that is exposed
to temperatures that are greater than 21°C (70°F) will suffer from poorer
flavour and aroma.
o If wine is kept at too low a temperature, this can result in the
development of harmful deposits. A humidity of 70% is ideal for keeping
corks from shrinking.
o After a bottle of wine has been opened, the wine comes into contact
with air. So it is best to store the remainder of the bottle upright, to
minimize the surface area of the wine that is coming into contact with
the air.
o Once opened, wine will remain in a drinkable condition for two days for
delicate whites or three days for rich reds, as long as the bottle as been
resealed. You should make sure that the seal is firm by checking the
stopper.
o Special stoppers that keep wine sparkling and Champagne bubbling for
one or two days after opening, can be bought at most good wine shops.
