Wine Storage: Temperature Guide

Close up of Caple wine cooler temperature settings

Each wine has a unique flavour profile that can be heightened by storing it at an ideal temperature. But what is that temperature?

If you’ve just bought yourself a new wine cooler, or are in the process of, it helps to know what the ideal storage temperature for your wine is. If you take your wine collection seriously enough to invest in a wine fridge, then you want to make sure that you’re using it effectively.

Our wine coolers have features like multi temperature zones so you can use it for your whole collection no matter what wines it’s made up of.

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We have a fantastic range of wine fridges in the Refrigeration section, alongside fridges, freezers and American-Style fridge freezers. Check out our range for high-quality wine coolers from top, market-leading brands. 

What is the Ideal Temperature for Storing Wine?

Perhaps the most important thing to know if you’re buying a wine cooler, is what temperature to set it at. And the answer to that depends on what type of wine you are storing, and how long you’ll be storing it for.

Storing Temperature vs Serving Temperature

Did you know that the serving temperature of a wine is different from the storing temperature? When storing wine, your aim is to keep it at a constant temperature in optimal humidity. Storing it too warm or cold for a long period of time can affect the ageing process.

Serving temperature on the other hand is more about bringing out the complex flavours of the wine. Because different types of wine have different flavour profiles, they have different serving temperatures. These temperatures may be higher or lower than the storing temperature.

A dual zone wine cooler can be used for both storing and serving wine. For example, one zone (set at 10-12°C) can be used for storage of red and white wines, and serving white wines, whilst the other zone (set at 16-18°C) can be used for serving red wines.

  • When storing your wine, temperature and consistency is important. Fluctuations in this can cause the wine to expand and contract, damaging the cork. This can lead to leaking or premature spoilage.

Storing Wine Over Long Periods of Time

If you’re planning on storing your wine for several years, a temperature between 10-14°C is ideal. This applies for both red and white wine. That’s because the storage temperature over such a long period of time matters less than how consistent it is.

Bear in mind that the warmer you store wine, the faster it matures. Your drinking experience will be a lot better with wine that has matured slowly. This is why storing wine at room temperature is not recommended.

Red, White and Champagne Bottles
A glass of red wine

At what temperature should red wine be stored?

  • Red Wine Storing Temperature: 10-14°C
  • Red Wine Serving Temperature: 12-19°C

It’s a common misunderstanding that red wine is ideal at room temperature. This isn’t strictly true. It depends on how full-bodied it is, but if you have a lighter red wine you can cool it down a bit. If it’s a full-bodied red then warmer is better.

If you don’t have a wine cooler, you can put it in the fridge for about half an hour before serving it. This should chill it down just enough without it getting too cold.

  • Is 10 degrees too cold for red wine? 10°C can be used for storing wine over a long period, however it is too cold for serving. Serving red wine too cold will greatly impact the flavour, causing it to taste bland or muted.
Glass of White Wine

At what temperature should white wine be stored?

  • White Wine & Rose Storing Temperature: 10-14°C
  • White Wine & Rose Serving Temperature: 8-12°C

Because white wine is more acidic and tends to incorporate more fruity flavours, the serving temperature is quite important for white wine & rose. Different types of white wine have their own ideal serving conditions too. Chilling the wine takes the edge off of the acidity and lets those tasting notes shine more.

A Glass of Sparkling Wine

At what temperature should sparkling wine be stored?

  • Champagne & Prosecco Storing Temperature: 10-13°C
  • Champagne & Prosecco Serving Temperature: 4-7°C

With more of a bright acidity and plenty of fruity flavours, sparkling wine should definitely always be served very chilled. If served warm then all the good qualities of the wine get lost and it makes for a relatively poor drinking experience.

Keep Your Wine at the Optimal Serving Temperature

You can keep your bottle of wine at the optimal serving temperature as you drink with a wine server. These are particularly great when you’re hosting and you don’t want to keep running back to your wine cooler. Kaelo wine servers can be integrated into any work top, maintaining your wine at its optimal temperature. With this clever technology, you can avoid drips caused by condensation or melting ice.

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Kaelo Wine Server

Wine Temperature List

Here’s our comprehensive list of what temperature different wine should be stored at. We’re going to start at the warmest and work our way down.

thermometer

19°C: Port, Madeira

18°C: Shiraz, Zinfandel

17°C: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Red Burgundy

16°C: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Bordeaux, Rioja

15°C: Chianti

14°C: Sherry, Tawny Port

12°C: Full-bodied Chardonnay

10°C: Chardonnay

9°C: Sauvignon Blanc

8°C: Pinot Blanc, Vintage Champagne, Muscats, and Sparkling Wine

6°C: Non-Vintage Champagne, Muscats and Sparkling Wine

5°C: Cava 

These are the most popular types of wine you’re likely to store, and should give you an indication of what temperature to store other wines that haven’t been specified above.

If you’re ever unsure, and want to enjoy your wine at its fullest potential, we strongly suggest doing your own research for your particular wine.

  • Note that some wines require different storage temperatures based on their age and the region they come from too. For example, Italian white wines should be stored at 8°C, and Spanish and Portuguese red wines that haven’t been aged for long should be stored at 13°C.

The Importance of Wine Coolers

Wine coolers allow you to store wine at the optimal temperature, whether you’re storing it long term or preparing it for serving. Not only this, but they are designed to protect your wine from outside elements that can affect your wine’s quality. This includes protecting your wine from vibrations, UV light, low humidity, and temp fluctuations.

With contemporary dual zone wine coolers, you have the power to store wine at different temperatures all within the same unit. This means you could have one section for storing your wine long term, and the other for serving wine. 

Wine coolers also make a stylish addition to your kitchen, basement, or another space in your home. Show off your prized wine collection in style! Not everyone can afford a dedicated wine cellar, but with our high quality wine fridges you don’t have to.

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FAQs

  • Is a regular fridge too cold for wine?

Yes. Your fridge should be kept between 0-5°C which is too cold for storing wine. A fridge is not suitable for storing wine for more reasons than just the temperature though. The motor on a fridge will cause too much vibrations for your wine which can damage its quality. It’s also difficult to maintain the correct humidity levels, or protect your wine from fluctuations.

  • Can you ruin wine if it gets too cold?

If your wine is served a little too cold, the flavours will be impacted. However, this can often be fixed by slowly warming your wine to the correct serving temperature. On the other hand, if your wine is subject to extreme cold over a long period of time, the cork will become damaged due to the wine expanding. If your wine freezes, the bottle is likely to crack, or the cork could pop. The flavours of your wine could also be irreversibly ruined.

  • Does unopened wine go bad at room temperature?

Yes, unopened wine can go bad at room temperature. This is because warmer temperatures accelerate the ageing process. However, your unopened wine will still last for about 6 months to a year when stored at room temperature.

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