Optimum Wine Storage Temperature

Keep your wine in optimum condition with smart storage tips.

In order to ensure that your wines taste as delicious as they can, it is important to know the optimum storage temperature for the many varieties of wine including red, white, rose and sparkling.

General Storage

According to "The Wine Road Less Traveled," wines should be stored between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit in an area that is not in direct light. They should be stored on their sides in a location that is fairly humid so that the corks remain moist and continue to seal the bottles properly. Red wines, in particular, should not be stored where there are strong vibrations as disturbing the sediments in these wines also affects the taste.

Best Places for Storage

Other than those fortunate enough to have a dedicated wine cellar, a home basement or a cool closet can be used to store wine at its optimum temperature. Take care that the wine is not surrounded by foods or chemicals with strong scents that may affect the smell or taste of the wine. In addition, a wine rack helps keep bottles stable.

Consistency in Storage Temperature

Although wines will be served at different temperatures based on their types, during storage the temperature should remain constant as much as possible. Abrupt changes may diminish the quality of the wine.

References

• Epicurious: How to Host a Wine-Tasting Party
• The Wine Road Less Traveled: Wine Storage