There are a variety of ways to store your wines to preserve, protect, and age them properly (Wine refrigerators / chillers, home wine cellars, a dark corner of a pantry or cabinet, etc.). No matter how you choose to store your wines, the goal is to:
- Minimize exposure to light
- Minimize exposure to extreme temperatures
- Maintain a temperature of 55° to 58°F
- Minimize exposure to strong odors
- Minimize movement and vibration
- Maintain an ideal humidity of 60 to 75%
Serving temperature is another consideration. Wine served too cold often lacks aroma and may taste sour. Wines served too hot may have a medicinal smell. Different wine varietals should be served at different temperatures--generally:
- 38° to 45°F: Light White Wines; Sparkling Wines / Champagne
- 45° to 55°F: Rich, White Wines; Fruity White Wines; Rosé
- 55° to 60°F: Light Red Wines; Medium-Bodied Red Wines
- 60° to 68°F: Medium-Bodied Red Wines; Rich, Full-Bodied Red Wines; Fortified Wines
