Serving wine at the proper temperature can make a tremendous difference in flavor. Many people may feel they have no taste for wine, but oenophiles can conduct an experiment that may change minds. People often drink both white and red wines out of the refrigerator, which is a mistake. The temperature benefits neither vintage. Try serving wine at three temperatures: the correct temperature, too cold, and too warm. Most people will immediately discern the difference in flavor, and they may begin to enjoy a lifelong appreciation of fine wine.
Wine servers at home often miss proper serving temperatures for wine. Many serve white wine out of the refrigerator. Most refrigerators are 40 degrees or colder, and this is far too cold to enhance the flavor of white wine. Other people make the mistake of serving red wine at room temperature, but this is usually too warm since the optimum temperature for red wines if 55–65 degrees. White wines should be served colder than reds, but 55 degrees is a good temperature. When wine is too cold, it is impossible to taste the complexities of the vintage. Warm wine loses character and actually begins to cook, destroying the vintage.
Wine cellars should maintain a temperature of 45–55 degrees for either white or red. Red wines can be removed 30 minutes before serving to allow them to warm to optimum temperature. Whites can be served directly from the cellar, especially if temperature is maintained closer to the 55-degree side. Wine refrigerators are an alternative for people without cellars. If cellar temperature does not drop below 40 degrees in winter, then it is acceptable. Temperatures that reach freezing will destroy a vintage, and temperatures higher than 65 degrees will begin to cook the wine.
Some people complain about a chalky taste in red wine that is not ice cold. The complex tannins in red wine generate this characteristic. Cold masks the chalky taste, but also covers up the aroma and flavor. That being said, people should serve wine the way they enjoy it. However, if wine drinkers give proper temperatures a try, they may discover a world of subtle complexities to enhance their favorite vintages.
There are a number of other factors that impact wine storage. Fine wine faces many challenges to mature properly. In addition to storage temperature, long-term storage must take into account lighting, humidity and movement. Consistent storage is the most critical factor. Sudden changes can upset the delicate balance of any vintage. Humidity levels should be maintained between 60–70 percent. Air moisture keeps wine from evaporating through the cork.
Light damages wine, so it should be stored in darkness for maximum flavor. Colored bottles help shield wine from light, but all wines do not come in colored bottles, so it is necessary to select a dark area in which to store the wine. Bottle size can also make a difference. All wine bottles have some air inside, and air is an enemy of fine wine. The larger the bottle, the smaller the percentage of air will be to each ounce of wine. Bigger bottles of wine will age better than smaller sizes.
Wine should be stored securely on its side to limit movement. This storage method allows sediment to settle, and the wine is ready for consumption at any time. The wine will maintain contact with the cork to keep it moistened, which helps to inhibit evaporation. Always store wine label-side up, so wine does not have to be jostled when searching for a particular vintage. Proper storage can enhance the flavor and character of any wine and generate passion for the fruits of the vine.