14
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 cabinet. Or leave it to warm slightly
when you remove it from your wine cabinet.
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.
