What Is The Right Temperature For Storing Wine?
You may not have the ideal conditions for storage, but you should always have the optimal level of temperature. The temperature affects the overall quality, flavor and longevity of the wine. Most wines need to be stored for long periods of time, which is why this is so important. The two most important factors when storing wine are the storage position and temperature.
The temperature for storing wine should always be between 50 and 65 degrees F. When stored in this range, the wine will develop nicely. In the days before refrigeration, wine was stored in underground cellars and caves. When refrigeration came along, it quickly became the easiest and most preferred way to store wine, as it allowed you to maintain the desired temperature.
In this day and age, science plays a major role with wine making. Science has proved over the years that aging is actually a chain of chemical reactions that occur over time. Depending on the temperature, the chemical reactions can be either good or bad. Chemical reactions all have unique energy factors that need to be met for each individual reaction to happen. If the temperature isn’t right, the chemical reactions in the wine won’t occur.
If wine is stored in direct sunlight or in a hot area, the increase in temperature can result in a chemical reaction that can damage both the flavor and the quality of the wine. Wine that has been damaged from heat will normally turn brown due to the oxidation. When this happens, the flavor and quality of the wine won’t be any good. Wine that is damaged from heat loses all of it’s flavor and color, making it virtually impossible to drink – or sell.
Colder temperatures on the other hand may slow the aging process and prevent the wine from getting the chemical reactions it needs. Lower temperatures may not affect the quality or taste of the wine, but it isn’t recommended. All bottles of wine, until they have been opened, should be stored in a location at the proper temperature to get the chemical reactions it needs.
You should keep any open bottles in your refrigerator, as the average temperature is normally 41 degrees F. You shouldn’t keep bottles that you haven’t opened in the fridge, as the temperature is much too cold. If you follow the above tips when storing your wine, you’ll find the taste to be spectacular. Storing wine correctly will always raise the value and add to the taste.
