Do You Store Red Wine in A Wine Fridge?

Red wine – a healthy drink that brings many nutrients, especially preventing cardiovascular diseases, and reducing the risk of obesity. 

Red wine often has to comply with strict regulations in storage to prolong its shelf life and quality. Even if you do not preserve the wine well, it will not keep its inherent delicious flavor. 

Do you store red wine in a wine fridge? The article below will help you get more information on how to preserve this wine. 

Red wine classifications 

Not all red wines are the same because they ferment for different periods, so we need to classify them to be able to preserve them in the best way, to help red wines retain their distinctively delicious taste. 

Red wine can be divided into 3 types: 

#1. Full-bodied red wines

#2. Medium-bodied red wines

#3. Light-bodied red wines

Do you store red wine in a wine fridge?

The answer to this question depends on the type of red wine you are storing. But mostly, a YES.

If you are looking to maintain the flavor and quality of your red wine for an extended period, then it is recommended that you should store your red wine in a wine fridge.

To ensure a wine matures properly without losing quality, it is important to maintain a consistent and stable environment over an extended period. This means avoiding fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and light exposure.

A wine cooler can provide constant and even temperatures, which is necessary for preserving the flavor of your red wines. Additionally, storing these wines at their optimal temperature helps to prevent any potential spoilage or oxidation from occurring.

Red wines that are stored correctly in a wine fridge will last longer and retain their quality better than those that are kept in a regular refrigerator.

And remember, if you store wine in a refrigerator or at very low temperatures, it can become “closed”. This may cause the flavors to become dull and muted, making it harder to distinguish the various complex flavors in the wine.

Tannic and heavy red wines are most affected by this, so they should be served at room temperature.

On the other hand, if you have a lighter red wine with more acidity and fruit flavors, it’s best to refrigerate it to enhance its taste.

However, you should know that storing temperature is different from serving temperature.

About storing temperature: Wines, including red, white, and sparkling, can be stored at the same temperature range of approximately 53.6°F to 57.2°F (12°C to 14°C).

In terms of serving temperature, red wine should be served at a temperature between 55°F and 65°F (13°C to 18°C).

Lighter reds such as Zinfandel, Chianti, and Pinot Noir should be on the cooler end, while fuller-bodied reds can be closer to room temperature. It’s okay to serve the lighter red wines a few minutes after taking them out of the wine refrigerator.

If you plan to serve heavier red wines such as Burgundy, Cabernet, and Bordeaux, it’s best to take them out in advance and let them warm up slightly. Consider using a decanter to enhance the flavors of these full-bodied wines as they reach the ideal serving temperature.

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What is the right temperature for each type of red wine?

The temperature of the wine is important because the flavor can be affected if you don’t store it properly. Although red wine should stay warmer, the taste can become bland if it’s too warm. 

The ideal storage temperature for all varieties of wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit ( about 13 degrees C ), also referred to as “the cellar temperature” because it was created to resemble the old French wine cellars. 

The temperature should also remain constant in your wine fridge. The wine may swell or contract in response to temperature changes. The wine may drain as a result of the cork shifting as a result.

So what is the ideal temperature for each type of red wine?

#1. Full-bodied red wines

Temperature range for refrigerators: 66–67 degrees Fahrenheit (18–19 degrees Celsius).

At 66 to 67 degrees F, rich, unique red wines like Red Zinfandel, Syrah, or Bordeaux flourish. This ideal temperature will also enhance Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon.

You will notice that the setting is temporarily warmer than with other wines. This temperature allows the palate to enjoy the deliciousness and complex textures of these wines.

#2. Medium-bodied red wines 

Recommended refrigerator temperature: 60 to 62 degrees F ( 15 to 17 degrees C )

Red wines from this category will benefit from slightly lower temperatures than their full-bodied family. You can enjoy the fruity taste and increased acidity from a slightly chilled bottle. If you plan to keep bottles of Malbec, Merlot, Rioja, or Grenache in the fridge, set it to 60 to 62 degrees F.

#3. Light-bodied red wines

Recommended refrigerator temperature: 55 to 60 degrees F (13-15 degrees C)

Unlike wines from the two previous categories, light wines are best-drunk cold rather than at room temperature. It’s preferable to cool Chianti, Barbera, Beaujolais, and Pinot Noir to between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 15 degrees C) before serving.

Rose wines can also benefit from this temperature setting. This wine is slightly pink in color and lighter in texture than red wine. It goes through the same process as red wine but with a shorter fermentation time.

Type	Temperature	Examples
Full-bodied red wines	66-67 degrees F ( 18-19 degrees C )	● Red Zinfandel ● Syrah ● Bordeaux ● Cabernet Sauvignon ● Burgundy
Medium-bodied red wines	60-62 degrees F ( 15-17 degrees C )	● Malbec ● Rioja ● Merlot ● Grenache
Light-bodied red wines	55-60 degrees F (13-15 degrees C )	● Chianti ● Barbera ● Beaujolais ● Pinot Noir

Which red wines benefit from being served chilled?

Chilled service is best for lighter red wines. Lighter-bodied and lower-tannic red wines will benefit from being briefly chilled in the refrigerator for 30 to 90 minutes before consumption. 

Pay attention to the flavors of red strawberries and cherries rather than those of blackberries or blackcurrants because these red wines frequently contain more red fruit characteristics than black fruit.

A good example of a lighter red wine is Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape variety. Beaujolais Nouveau lightest, drunk at a very young age. This dish can be served at a loss of up to 52 degrees F (11 degrees C ).

Regular Beaujolais or higher quality Beaujolais Villages benefit when served at around 55 degrees because it has a bit more structure and tannins.

When shouldn’t you store red wine in a cooler?

It is quite improbable that you will wish to store them in a cooler right before serving if your preference is for bolder red wines with higher tannin and body levels. A cooler in your house is still a great way to store wines in good condition for daily consumption, even if you live in a very warm area.

The majority of wines can be kept securely in a wine cooler for a month or two. Just keep in mind to remove bold reds from the cooler several hours before serving. It’s crucial to give them time to gradually warm up, and doing so in a cool, dry environment takes time.

Are there other red wines that taste good at lower temperatures?

Pinot Noir is another red wine that has a lighter taste and higher acidity when young. For this reason, it is a great idea to store it in the refrigerator and reduce the temperature before curing. The same is true for Italian wines made with Corvina grapes, such as 

Valpolicella, and Cabernet Franc wines are produced in locations such as France’s Loire Valley and Ontario, Canada.

Consider looking for Zweigelt wine as well. This variety is made with the red grape most commonly grown in Austria, but you can come

across examples produced in Canada or even Japan. It has low tannins and is medium to light in weight, so it tastes great when just a little cold.

How to prevent your wine from being “cooked”?

Another reason to invest in a good refrigerator is to prevent your wine from spoiling. Wine is a natural product and exposing the wine to extreme temperatures can cause it to “cook”, ruining the desired flavor.

Fresh fruit notes will become baked or stewed flavors. Extreme heat can even cause the wine to swell and bounce off the cork, allowing the wine’s remaining contents to deteriorate due to air exposure.

If you leave a bottle of wine in your car, it may become so hot that the flavor is irreparably ruined. Likewise, storing wine in your kitchen can also be troublesome. Kitchens constantly experience large fluctuations in temperature and humidity in use, so leaving wine next to or in a cabinet exposed to ambient temperatures can be bad news. Wine coolers allow your pale red wines to be kept steady and ready to drink.

Do You Need to Store Red and White at Different Temperatures?

Most wine lovers agree that storage temperature and serving temperature are two different things. The best storage temperature for both red and white wines is therefore around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which will prevent your wine from drying out and premature aging, even though they are frequently served at different temperatures.

This might make it less appealing to pull a bottle from the cellar and serve wine right away, but it’s still not terrible. At 55 degrees F, your reds will likely be too cold to truly enjoy, but depending on the surrounding temperature, you may either decant them to warm them up or just give them some time to warm up naturally. throughout the space. 

Your whites won’t be as cold as your 35 to 40-degree fridge, but I like them very close to cellar temperature — much colder and their flavors starting to fade. Either way, you can pour yourself (and your guests) a taste, then watch the wine develop as you let the red wine heat up and place the white wine on ice once you open the lid.

What is the best way to store red wine?

#1. Use the refrigerator to preserve wine

If you don’t finish a bottle of wine after opening it, whether it’s red or white, it’s good to store it in the refrigerator. You can use the refrigerator in the kitchen or to ensure the best quality, you should use a dedicated wine storage cabinet.

Wine’s quality and flavor are preserved and oxidation is prevented by the storage temperature. However, before storing wine in the refrigerator, it is necessary to close the bottle cap and store it at the right temperature.

#2. Preserve wine with a vacuum seal

Once opened, the wine is exposed to air and begins to oxidize, resulting in a reduction in the quality and flavor of the wine. Consequently, utilizing a vacuum stopper will lessen the amount of wine’s surface that is exposed to the air. Using this method, some red wines can be left open for up to a week after opening.

#3. Store wine at the right temperature

Temperature is an important factor in the preservation of red wines after opening. In the living room, the temperature usually ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius and is not suitable for storing red wine. It is best to store them in a cellar at a temperature of 12-18 degrees Celsius to preserve quality and flavor.

#4. Use a wine pump to preserve red wine

The wine dispenser is a simple yet very effective tool for preserving wine. Wine pumps are designed to use nitrogen or argon gas to create a protective layer on the surface of the wine, preventing exposure to the outside air. Simply insert the tube into the bottle and pump air in, which will keep your wine tasting intact.

#5. Store red wine in the freezer

Similar to storing wine in the refrigerator, you can use the freezer to store red wine after opening the lid. However, you need to pay attention to the storage temperature and time to avoid damaging the quality of the wine:

• Store wine at low temperatures: Freezer temperatures are often very low, usually below 0 degrees Celsius. This will help prevent the wine from breaking down and keep it fresh.
• Close the cap of the wine bottle.
• Put the wine in an antifreeze bag: (If you are afraid the wine will freeze). Antifreeze bags help keep the wine from freezing and prevent damage to the quality of the wine.
• Short-term storage of wine only: Freezers are a good option for short-term storage of red wines after opening. Nevertheless, if you wish to keep alcohol in.

Storage factors to consider when storing red wine

#1. Position

This alcoholic drink is susceptible to sunlight. Here, ultraviolet light breaks down the structure of organic compounds, including Nathan, which is known to be a heart-protective acid.

Therefore, you need to choose a place that meets the following requirements:

First, it is necessary to place your wine bottle or wine cabinet in a place out of sunlight.

Second, it can be placed in the wine cabinet and stored in a cool location.

Third, build a cellar to preserve wine more effectively, but need to be equipped with filament lights or sodium vapor lamps for lighting – these are lamps that do not affect the wine.

#2. Temperature

For those who want to preserve the best wine, the first thing to do is to maintain a stable temperature. In the case of red wine storage, the temperature should be adjusted between 15-18 degrees Celsius.

#3. Humidity

Remember, one of wine’s biggest enemies is heat. Typically, wine ages quickly at any temperature above 30 degrees C. Therefore, it is better to store wine in an area with ideal humidity. Specifically:

The ideal environment for wine storage should have a humidity level of 70%; Storing wine in a place with the right humidity will help the cork of the wine bottle not to dry out, keep air from entering as well as prevent the wine from evaporating.

The area where you store your wine is neither too hot nor too cold, storing wine in the cooler will only be good for a few weeks, not longer.

#4. Vibration

When the solid components of red wine, which are typically tannins, settle to the bottom of the bottle as it ages, sediment is created. In addition to reintroducing some of those materials into the liquid and accelerating chemical reactions that should take time, excessive vibrations might change a wine’s composition.

It’s ideal to store your wines away from home appliances even if it could be difficult to completely avoid vibrations, especially in a city environment.

FAQs

1. Why should you keep red wine in the wine fridge?

To preserve wine it is best to store them in specialized storage cabinets. Wine storage cabinets have a mode to create cold air and provide a much better stable humidity than refrigerators.

Furthermore, wine cabinets are designed to simulate optimal conditions for wine. Like the environment in natural cellars. That’s why you should use a wine cabinet to store your precious bottles of wine.

2. How to store an open bottle of red wine?

Your best and simplest choice is to store the wine in the refrigerator because it slows the oxidation process that ruins wine. Using preservation tools to remove the oxygen in the bottle or replace it with inert gas can also be effective.

Warm your previously stored wine gradually by placing the bottom of the bottle in tepid water. Most reds are best served at temperatures between 62 and 66 °F (17 and 19 °C).

3. What is the proper way to chill with red wine?

According to traditional experience in the West, it is believed that red wine should be drunk with red meats such as beef and lamb. White wine should go with seafood and dishes cooked with white sauce.

But according to more recent experiments by internationally renowned chefs, wine pairings with food can be much more broad and “creative” transformations.

For example, red wine can also be enjoyed with seafood, white wine and rosé sometimes go well with beef. Case in point: Pinot Noir red wine, enjoyed with raw tuna in Japanese sushi or sashimi dishes, is more satisfying than saké.

4. How to drink red wine properly?

• Wine-tasting method

Before filling a full glass, you need to pour between 30ml and 60ml to test the wine. This helps you determine if you like and match the taste of this sweet wine.

Taste the wine by taking small sips, you coat the wine around the palate by sucking lightly in the mouth. It is recommended to hold the wine for 5 seconds to 10 seconds before drinking to feel the taste. After drinking you should pay much attention to the taste behind it because quality wine after drinking often lingers in the mouth for a while.

• Drink red wines in a sip

When you take small sips and hold the wine on your tongue before swallowing, you can enjoy the many flavors in the wine.

Unlike white wine, red wine has a stronger flavor, you can pair it well with red meats or drink it on its own. Sipping wine will help you feel the true taste of the wine.

• Pairing red wine with food

5. What are the benefits of drinking wine?

#1. Prevent cardiovascular diseases

#2. Effective cancer prevention

#3. Reduce stress and prevent obesity

#4. Reduced risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes

#5. Helps the digestive systems work properly, preventing memory loss

7. Does red wine go on top or bottom of the wine fridge?

Your red wines will be kept in the cooler’s warmest region if you place them on the top shelf. Given that there is typically only a 5 to 8-degree temperature differential between the top and bottom of a single-zone wine cooler, depending on how you set the master thermostat of the appliance, either your red wines will be too cold or your white wines will be too warm.

8. Can you drink red wine 7 days after opening?

Naturally, opened wine has a shorter shelf life than unopened wine because the air has mixed with the alcohol. But, don’t worry anymore because it can still last up to 3 days. If you keep it significantly colder, such as in the refrigerator, it will last for five days after opening.

Furthermore, the longevity of a wine depends on its alcohol content. Body alcohol is a term used to generalize three differences between types of alcohol when drunk, namely in their alcohol content.

Lighter or lighter wines have an alcohol content of less than 12.5%. These wines can spoil faster than the other two. A light red wine that only lasts two to three days after the cork is removed is an example.

On the other side, leaving full-bodied wines uncorked might enhance their flavor. It is not a major deal because of this. These wines have an alcohol content of over 13.5% so they are more susceptible to oxidation.

Concentrated or hard red wines are better preserved than lighter red wines, even after they have been opened! They are still safe to consume three to five days after opening. Some can still last even after a week. An example of a wine of this type is Syrah or Shiraz.

9. Does chilling red wine change the taste?

Cold-drinking wine will bring the perfect experience to the drinker. Additionally, you must exercise caution when chilling various wines.

For any good red wine, it should not be aged or cooled to too high a temperature before drinking. Because when the temperature is too cold, red wine will have an acrid and bitter taste, bringing disappointment to the drinker.

For white wines, if cooled to a good temperature, the flavour of the wine is lost, causing the wine to develop blandly.

Conclusion

As you can see, storing red wines in a wine freezer makes sense from a practical standpoint. It can help keep your wines fresh and fruity but also make them taste refreshing and complement warmer weather snacks. 

However, there are also some disadvantages when preserving in this way, so you need to look out for the influencing factors to preserve red wine in the best way.