In general, red wines are favored by oenophiles. Red wines benefit greatly from being aged, as their tastes and aromas develop with time. The payoff for taking the time and care to age your red wines properly is substantial. However, a bottle of red wine that was otherwise promising can be ruined by incorrect storage. Red wines can be aged and stored at home with the right care, but you must follow all the necessary processes. Read this essential instruction manual on aging red wine.
Choose The Right Wine Cooler to Store Red Wine
The first thing to do while storing red wine is to choose a good wine cooler. There is a vast variety of sizes, styles, and temperature capabilities available for wine refrigerators. Think about getting a cooler with features like precise temperature control, humidity management, and UV protection. Pick a storage solution that fits your needs and the space you have. Red wines, when stored in an adequate wine cooler, may withstand the test of time.
The first step in storing red wines is selecting the right wine cooler
Set The Ideal Temperature for most Red Wines:
Between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 18 degrees Celsius) is where most red wines shine. The long aging and development of flavor complexity in wines is facilitated by this temperature range. Some red wine varietals may be served at somewhat different temperatures than others. The lower end of the range, around 55°F (12°C), may be ideal for storing lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir, while the upper end, closer to 65°F (18°C), is ideal for storing fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. While the ideal temperature for storing red wines is ultimately a matter of taste, keeping them within this range will help them age gracefully.
Wine cooler temperature for red wine? List of some common red wine varietals and their ideal storage temperatures:
| Red Wine Varietal | Ideal Storage Temperature |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | 55°F (12°C) – 60°F (15°C) |
| Merlot | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Syrah/Shiraz | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Malbec | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Zinfandel | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Sangiovese | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Tempranillo | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Grenache | 60°F (15°C) – 65°F (18°C) |
| Nebbiolo | 55°F (12°C) – 60°F (15°C) |
Wine cooler temperature for red wine? Generally, red wines are best stored at a temperature between 55°F and 65°F (12°C and 18°C).
Choose the Right Place for a Wine Cooler:
It’s not simply extreme temperatures that can be harmful, but also sudden shifts in temperature. It’s crucial that red wine be stored at the ideal temperature. When wine exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it begins to “cook,” or undergo rapid chemical reactions that cause premature aging. Your wine will age gracefully if kept in a cool, dark, ideal temperature environment. It is recommended that red wine not be exposed to temperature swings of more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit per day or per year for optimal storage.
Not only may extremely high or low temperatures be dangerous, but so can rapid temperature changes. Red wine must be kept at the correct temperature for optimal storage. Red wine cooler temperature
Control Humidity Levels
You can storage Red wines better in a slightly humid setting. Maintaining a humidity level between 60 and 80 percent will ensure that the air is moist without being overly stuffy. Even if your wine is placed on its side, the corks might dry out if the air around them is extremely dry. Corks retain their ability to prevent oxygen from entering wine by remaining damp at higher humidity. You can safely keep your wine at a relative humidity of 80% or higher. High humidity, however, can promote the formation of mold or mildew, which can in turn harm your wine labels and the storage area itself. That is why, maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for storing red wines. And the wine coolers with built-in humidity control features help regulate moisture levels and prevent these issues.
The ideal humidity range is between 60% and 80%. Insufficient humidity can cause corks to dry out, leading to oxidation, while excessive humidity may promote mold growth.
Store Bottles Horizontally
The cork in a wine bottle might last longer if it is stored horizontally to avoid drying out. When the cork remains in contact with the wine, it forms a tight seal, preventing air from entering the bottle. Wine coolers typically include shelves or racks made specifically for storing bottles horizontally, allowing for the best possible preservation of the wine’s flavor.
Storing wine bottles horizontally is a common practice that keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out.
Avoid Vibrations
Vibrations, according to some experts, can hasten wine’s deterioration by hastening its chemical processes. Although there is little proof that even mild vibrations can harm wine, it is still advisable to keep your bottles in a steady environment. Don’t bother moving it again until you’re ready to drink it after putting it away.
Excessive vibrations can negatively impact the quality of your red wines
Keep Odors Out
Make sure you have enough of airflow around your wine storage space. Storing your wine in the same room as strong-smelling items is a bad idea since the compounds in the scents can seep into your wine via the cork and alter the taste. It’s especially crucial to separate your wine from strong-smelling foods and solvents (like cleaning chemicals).
Minimize Light Exposure
The delicate components in red wines can be harmed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunshine and artificial light sources, which can result in flavor degradation. To reduce light exposure, pick a wine cooler with UV-resistant glass or a solid door. And try to keep your wine cooler out of direct sunlight in a darkly lit room.
Wine cooler with UV-resistant glass or a solid door can help your wine avoid harmed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunshine and artificial light sources
The benefits of an aged wine are considerable, but it might be difficult to learn how to store red wines. If you put in the time and effort, you can create the ideal conditions for aging your wine collection. Winebeercooler.com has the best wine cooler options available and can help you get started right. In little time at all, you’ll have perfectly aged reds using our wine coolers and your wine collection.
FAQs About Storing Red Wines in a Wine Coolers
In Short, Why should I store my red wines in a wine cooler?
Storing red wines in a wine cooler helps maintain optimal conditions, including temperature and humidity, to preserve flavors and aromas for a longer time compared to regular storage. It also shields wines from harmful factors like sunlight and temperature fluctuations that can negatively impact their quality.
The ideal temperature to store red wines in a wine cooler?
The ideal temperature range for storing red wines in a wine cooler is between 55-65°F (13-18°C). This range supports the graceful aging of wines, allowing them to develop complex flavors without the risk of premature aging or spoilage.
Can I store different types of red wines together in the same wine cooler?
While it’s generally recommended to store red wines of similar styles and aging potential together, the key is to maintain consistent temperature and humidity conditions. This ensures that all wines age consistently and retain their quality.
Can I store opened bottles of red wine in a wine cooler?
Yes, you can store opened bottles of red wine in a wine cooler. Simply re-cork the bottle tightly and place it back in the cooler. Keep in mind that once opened, wine will begin to degrade, so it’s advisable to consume it within a few days for the best taste.
