What is the correct temperature for a wine fridge?
One of the most common questions we’re asked about wine fridges is what temperature should a wine fridge be set at? The answer is not as simple as you may think. One obviously right answer is – whatever temperature you enjoy to drink wine at, but what if you’re storing wine for the longer term? What if you like your reds at room temperature and your whites at zero degrees Celsius. There is the textbook, "correct" temperature for wine service as dictated by master sommeliers and masters of wine and then there is the practical, every day temperature that suits your individual drinking habits. Today we’re going to ask the experts what temperature a wine fridge should be set at and throw in some common sense too.
What is a wine fridge?
A wine fridge is a special type of refrigerator designed to store and maintain your favourite wines at the ideal temperature. Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a serious oenophile, investing in a wine fridge is a great way to ensure that your favourite vintages remain in perfect condition and at the optimal temperature for serving or maturation.
The most common type of wine fridge is the freestanding model, which can be placed anywhere in the home. Most freestanding wine fridges are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen or dining room, but you can also opt for a built-in model if you’d like to have a more permanent solution and want the unit to look part of your kitchen design.
In addition to being functional, wine fridges can also be a great way to add a touch of style to your home. Many models come with glass doors, so that you can show off your favourite bottles, as well as LED lighting and digital temperature controls for ultimate convenience.
When shopping for a wine fridge, there are a few key factors to consider. The most important is the size; the capacity of a wine fridge is typically measured in Bordeaux shaped bottles, so you’ll want to make sure that you get one that can accommodate your collection. The next factor is the temperature range; all wine fridges have the ability to keep your wines at that cellar-perfect 12°C, but if you’re looking to store some sparkling wines or Champagnes, you may want to opt for a model with a wider temperature range.
Wine fridges come in single zone, dual zone and multi-temperature zones where there are either three individual compartments (ideal for Champagne, red and white wines) or they use polyvalent technology and the unit gets warmer as you go up through the shelves. The temperatures you want to set any of these at will depend upon whether you use the wine fridge for service or storage.
What is the ideal temperature for wine maturation?
When it comes to storing wine, temperature is the critical factor. Not only does it affect the quality and flavour of the wine, but it can also affect the aging process. So, what temperature should wine be stored at? The ideal temperature for storing wine is around 12°C. This is the temperature that most wine cellars and wine refrigerators are designed to maintain, and it is the perfect temperature for both short-term and long-term storage of wine.
At this temperature, the wine’s flavour and aroma will be preserved and it will not be subject to any drastic changes in temperature. The temperature should not be too low either, as this can cause the wine to become too cold and can interfere with the aging process. When storing wine, it is also important to avoid drastic changes in temperature. If a bottle of wine is exposed to sudden changes in temperature, it can cause the wine to spoil. This can be due to the cork drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle, or the wine expanding and contracting due to the temperature change.
In addition to keeping the temperature at 12°C, it is also important to ensure that the environment is dark. This will help to protect the wine from sunlight and UV rays, which can damage the flavour and aroma of the wine. Finally, wine should be stored in an upright position. This will help to keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle. It will also help to keep the sediment in the bottle, so that it does not escape into the wine. Overall, the ideal temperature for storing wine is around 12°C. This temperature should be maintained in a dark, stable environment and the bottles should be stored in an upright position. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wine is stored in the best possible conditions and that it will remain in perfect condition for years to come.
What temperatures should I set my dual zone wine fridge at?
If your dual zone wine fridge is for the storage of red and white and you’re using the fridge entirely for service then, as a rule of thumb, the white zone should be set between 7-9°C and the red between 16-18°C. However, once again there are exceptions to this rule.
Red zone wine fridges, set for service, are usually set at room temperature as the vast majority of reds (Syrah/Cabernet/Merlot) are to be enjoyed at this temperature. However, many sommeliers and wine experts prefer to drink their reds a little cooler, especially when enjoying grapes such as Pinot Noir or Gamay. If you have a lot of Burgundy in your wine fridge you may prefer 14-16°C as a service temperature, or even lower.
White wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling may all be excellent at 7-9°C but if your fridge is full of Champagne you’ll likely prefer to set the wine fridge to 5°C. Many experts prefer their white wines served at 12°C and even higher, especially when it comes to appreciating the flavours of rich white Burgundy.
Our advice would be to look at your wine collection and think about your personal preferences. If you know you like whites on the cold side and have lots of Champagne, set the white section extra cold, if you love room temperature St Emilion & Napa Cabs then go for 18°C in the other compartment. The good thing about all wine fridges is that you can alter the temperature, so if you want to change your mind or your collection changes, experiment with new temperatures.
What temperatures should I set my single zone wine fridge at?
If you only have one temperature zone then setting the fridge at 12°C makes the most sense. The wine will mature well at this temperature meaning you have no rush to drink it and if you want to bring the wine up to temperature just take it out of the fridge an hour before consumption, if you want to cool it down, put it in the fridge. If you have a range of wines in that wine fridge this is the best option.
However, if you only have white wine, only have Champagne or only have red wine in the fridge, then set it to your ideal preferred serving temperature for that type of wine.
What temperatures should I set my my multi zone wine fridge at?
If you have a triple zone wine fridge it would be logical to set it at 5°C for sparkling wines and Champagnes, 8-10°C for whites and 16-18°C for reds. However, most multi-zone wine fridges are actually polyvalent, meaning that the temperature increases as you go up through the fridge.
With this technology it is also possible to to organise your wines into Champagnes/White and Reds as you go up through the fridge and can even be extra clever allowing Pinot Noirs and Beaujolais to sit underneath their Syrah and Cab equivalents at a slightly lower temperature. The same would be true of the whites, with Pinot Grigio and Rieslings sitting underneath (and thus cooler) than Viognier or Chardonnays.
What temperature should Champagne be served?
When it comes to serving Champagne, one of the most important factors is temperature. Too cold and the flavours will be muted, too warm and the bubbles will be gone. So what temperature is best for serving Champagne?
Most experts agree that Champagne should be served between 5-8°C. This temperature range ensures that the flavours and aromas of the wine will be at their best. It also ensures that the bubbles will remain intact, giving the drink its signature effervescence. When pouring Champagne, it is best to chill it in a bucket of ice and water for 20 minutes before serving. This will help bring the temperature down to the ideal range. If the bottle has been stored in a cellar or refrigerator for a long period of time, it is best to let it warm up for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the temperature is just right.
When serving Champagne, it is also important to keep in mind that the temperature of the glass can have a big impact on the flavour of the drink. If the glass is too cold, it can cause the flavours to be muted. To ensure that the glass is at the perfect temperature, it is best to pour some of the chilled Champagne into the glass and let it sit for a few minutes before pouring the rest of the bottle. Ultimately, the temperature at which you serve your Champagne should be determined by your own tastes.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter or more bubbly drink, then you should serve your Champagne at a slightly cooler temperature. If you prefer a more subtle and complex flavour, then you should serve your Champagne at a slightly warmer temperature. No matter what temperature you choose to serve your Champagne, it is important to remember that the key to getting the most out of the drink is to always serve it chilled. By keeping your Champagne at the ideal temperature, you can ensure that you get the best flavours and aromas out of every bottle.
What temperature should Champagne be stored?
The consensus on Champagne storage is split. Some believe Champagne is perfectly happy stored at the universal 12°C whereas others believe it should be closer to 9-10°C but certainly never lower than this as storage at low temperatures will harm the evolution of the wine, storage at high temperatures will cause the Champagne to prematurely age.
What temperature should red wine be served?
When it comes to the temperature of red wine, there is no one-size-fits-all answer not only due to personal preferences but also due to the body of the wines, their tannins and age.
Different varieties of wine should be served at different temperatures to maximize their flavour. But, with a few general guidelines, you can be sure to serve your red wine at the perfect temperature. The ideal temperature for red wine is between 12°C-18°C. Wines that are too cold can taste flat and dull, while wines that are too warm can lose their delicate flavours and aromas.
To ensure that your red wine is served at the right temperature, try to store it in a cool, dark place at a consistent temperature of 12°C-18°C.
When it comes to specific varieties of red wine, the temperature at which they should be served can vary. Generally speaking, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah should be served slightly warmer at around 18°C. On the other hand, lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and Gamay should be served slightly cooler at around 14°C.
When serving your red wine, you should also take into account the temperature of the room or outdoor space in which you are drinking. If it is particularly hot, the wine should be served cooler to ensure that it does not become over-heated and lose its flavour. Similarly, if it is cold outside, the wine should be served slightly warmer to ensure that it does not become too chilled and lose its flavour.
Finally, remember that serving temperatures can also vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer their red wines slightly warmer while others may prefer them slightly cooler. If you are unsure of what temperature is best for a particular variety of red wine, experiment with different temperatures until you find one that suits your taste. No matter what type of red wine you are enjoying, temperature is an important factor in ensuring that you get the most out of its flavour and aroma.
What temperature should red wine be stored?
Red wine, like white wine, for long term maturation should be stored at 12°C
What temperature should white wine be served?
When it comes to white wine, the temperature at which it should be served is often a source of confusion and debate. After all, there is a wide range of white wines available, each with its own unique characteristics, which makes it difficult to determine the optimal temperature for all of them.
White wine is typically served at a cooler temperature than red wine, as it is generally more delicate and acidic in taste. To best appreciate the aromas and flavours of white wine, it should be served between 8-12°C.
Serving white wine at temperatures lower than 8°C can mute the flavour and aroma and make it difficult to appreciate, while serving it any warmer can result in an unpleasant taste. The type of white wine you are serving will also influence the ideal temperature. Light-bodied, flavoursome wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, for example, are best served at the lower end of the temperature range, while fuller-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay and Viognier are better served at the higher end of the range.
At the end of the day, most of us have access to a regular fridge and live in temperature environments, if the wine isn't quite at the right temperature it can be quickly cooled by adding the bottle to the fridge or by standing it on a table in a warm room.
What temperature should white wine be stored?
White wine, like red wine, for long term maturation should be stored at 12°C.
What temperature should dessert wine be stored?
From Madeira to Sauternes, Port to Sherry, fortified and dessert wines can also be stored at the universal 12°C.
If you’re still not sure what temperature to set your wine fridge too, use the live chat to ask one of our experts.