Tips for optimal wine storage in summer
The taste of a wine can vary considerably depending on how well it has been stored. Especially in summer, it is important to protect wines from unfavorable conditions.
When it comes to enjoying good wine, guests attach great importance to it being served in the best condition and at the optimum drinking temperature. It is therefore important to master the correct storage and preparation of wine in order to offer guests an outstanding wine experience. With increasing knowledge of wine and a focus on enjoyment and wine culture, correct wine storage is becoming increasingly important.
Even if you don’t have your own wine cellar, you should consider purchasing a wine cabinet. A wine cabinet allows you to store wines professionally and prepare them to the ideal serving temperature.
3 tips for keeping wines at the perfect temperature
Stephan Kohmann, CEO of Eurocave Germany, shares three simple tips for keeping wines at the perfect temperature:
- Store in a place with a constant temperature: wines should be stored neither too cool nor too warm. A temperature of 12°C is ideal for long-term storage.
- Keep an eye on humidity: To prevent the cork from drying out and the wine from oxidizing, the humidity should be between 70% and 75%.
- Dark storage with UV protection: Store wines in dark rooms or use rooms with UV protection to prevent tannin degradation.
In most cases, optimal conditions for wine storage are not automatically provided, so a wine climate cabinet can ensure a successful wine experience for guests. A wine climate cabinet offers the best protection against summer heat and temperature fluctuations.
A 1-zone wine climate cabinet is recommended for maturing fine wines. If you want to store and serve wines ideally, wine climate cabinets with two or three zones are also available. With three zones, you can easily serve a Bordeaux at 17°C, a red Burgundy at 16°C or an Alsatian Pinot Gris at 11°C. The right serving temperature is crucial for the aromas, taste and texture of the wine.
Recommendations for summer temperatures:
- Red wines: Red wines are usually served slightly cooler to emphasize their fresh characteristics. The ideal temperature is between 13°C and 18°C to bring out the aromas.
- White wines: White wines should be served chilled to preserve their freshness and aromatics. In summer, a temperature between 7°C and 13°C is ideal to enjoy the wine in a refreshing way.
- Rosé wines: Due to their light and refreshing nature, rosé wines are perfect for summer. The recommended temperature range is also between 7°C and 13°C to enjoy the full flavor and aroma experience.
To determine whether a wine has become too warm, it is important to know that the serving temperature has a great influence on the aromas and the sensation on the palate. Wine that is too cold closes up and cannot develop, while wine that is too warm exudes alcohol and suppresses the aromas. Care should therefore be taken not to store wines too warm and correct storage plays an important role in this.
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