Grand Cru Wine Coolers' Guide for Properly Storing Wine

Why Proper Storage Matters

The debate about how to properly store wine is as old as wine itself. Various different methods, climates, geographical locations, and lifestyle will determine as many factors as there are wine varietals.  At Grand Cru Wine Coolers, we like to have our wines handy in the kitchen for easy access. These are the every day sipping wines-whites, bubbles, light reds, and roses. Having our favorite stash handy when friends drop by makes us feel good and it shows our guests we care about their enjoyment.

Wine is a delicate product, sensitive to temperature fluctuations, light, humidity, and vibration. Improper storage can lead to premature aging, flavor deterioration, and even spoilage. Even the slightest change in these factors can alter the taste and sensation of your wines.

Why Age Wine?

When it comes to those special bottles we've discovered in our travels, a special deal one of our winemaker friends offered, or a limited supply vintage, we like to keep those a bit longer or perhaps for a special occasion. Now you might argue, Tuesday pizza night is a special occasion!! And we wholeheartedly agree. But sometimes, that special higher priced vintage just needs to be saved for something coming up and for that we like a large wine fridge that can house our special bottles.

Key Factors

The ideal temperature for storing white wines depends on the type and whether you're storing or serving it:

For Storage:

• 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C) is the best range for long-term storage to maintain wine quality.
• UV and humidity can damage wines not properly stored and protected.  Keeping humidity levels around 60%-70% can prevent corks from drying out and mold from seeping in. 
• Properly laying down a bottle will keep contact with the cork and maintain a proper seal.

For Serving:

• Light, Crisp Whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling): 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)
• Full-Bodied Whites (Chardonnay, Viognier): 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
• Sparkling Wines & Champagne: 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C)

For red wines, room temperature is too warm. Nothing kills a good burgundy like serving it slightly warm. With so many varietals of red wines, we recommend the following:

For Storage:

• 55°F (13°C) is generally considered the perfect storage temperature for all red wines.

For Serving:

• Light-Bodied Reds (Pinot Noir, Gamay): 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)
• Medium-Bodied Reds (Merlot, Grenache): 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C)
• Full-Bodied Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec): 62°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C)

If you've been with us for a while, you'll know by now we don't mess around when it comes to champagne, which we revere as the Queen of all wine. Although France has the exclusive on Champagne, other options such as Cremant, sparkling wine from the US, in particular from the Sonoma Coast or Carneros, often yield amazing flavors and are made in the methode champenoise technique. For any of the above we recommend the following: 

Ideal Storage Temperature:

• 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C) for long-term storage (same as white wine).

Ideal Serving Temperature:

• 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C)
  This range keeps the bubbles lively and the acidity refreshing.
• Non-Vintage Champagne: Closer to 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)
• Vintage or Prestige Cuvée: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C) – slightly warmer to let the complexity shine.

Best Storage Solutions

We offer a variety of the best wine coolers and 

• Wine Coolers:  Designed specifically for maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels.

• Wine Cellars and Wine Cellar Cooling Units: Perfect for long-term storage if you have the space and budget.

• Wine Cabinets: Elegant and functional, offering both storage and display.

 

We hope this helps. As always, drop a comment or questions and feel free to share. Thank you for your continued support.