White wine, whether from Sicily, Napa or Charmes Chambertin is a delicate beverage that requires proper storage to maintain its quality and taste. Unlike red wine, white wine is best served chilled, which means that temperature is one of the most important factors when it comes to storing white wine. Here are some tips on how to store white wine properly.
What factors are important in storing white wine?
Temperature
Temperature is the most important factor when it comes to storing white wine. White wine should be stored at a temperature between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Any temperature above 55°F (13°C) can cause the wine to age more quickly, lose its flavour and aroma, and develop off-flavours. On the other hand, storing white wine at a temperature below 45°F (7°C) can slow down the aging process, but it can also affect the taste and aroma of the wine.
It's important to keep in mind that fluctuations in temperature can also affect the quality of white wine. For example, if the wine is exposed to high temperatures, such as during transportation or storage, it can cause the wine to spoil and develop off-flavours. Therefore, it's best to store white wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature.
Humidity
Humidity is another important factor to consider when storing white wine. High humidity levels can cause the wine to develop mold and mildew, while low humidity levels can cause the cork to dry out, allowing air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine.
The ideal humidity level for white wine storage is between 50-80%. To maintain proper humidity levels, store your white wine bottles horizontally, which keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out.
Light
Exposure to light can also affect the quality of white wine. Ultraviolet (UV) light can break down the wine's organic compounds, causing it to age more quickly and lose its flavour and aroma. That's why it's important to store white wine in a dark place, away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lights.
If you don't have a cool, dark place to store your white wine, you can use a wine cooler or a wine refrigerator. These appliances are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, while also protecting the wine from light exposure.
Vibration
The position of the wine bottle is also important when it comes to white wine storage. Storing the bottle upright can cause the cork to dry out, allowing air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine. On the other hand, storing the bottle horizontally keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, which is why it's the recommended position for long-term storage.
Even with the right position, wine maturation and vibration do not mix, the wines need to be allowed to rest on their sediment and generally not be disturbed.
All of these factors that can harm the long term maturation of wine can be solved with the purchase of a wine fridge.
Which wine fridges are ideal for storing white wine?
All our wine cabinets are capable of being set for long term maturation of white wine because the temperature required (12°C) is exactly the same as for red wine. So any wine maturation cabinet from our range will work well.
If you have particularly expensive or mature wine, we would recommend either the Swisscave, Liebherr or Artevino brands as the very best wine cabinets for protecting white Burgundy for example.
Our favourite wine cabinet for long term maturation is the Swisscave WLB-460FL-MIX, with its low vibration shelving and compressor, carbon filter and triple glazed UV light protected door, the wines will mature beautifully for decades in this beautiful machine.
If you're only storing or serving white wine, a dual zone or multi-zone wine fridge will not be necessary and you should save the extra space the creation of two zones takes in the fridge for storing more bottles.
Which wine fridges are ideal for serving white wine?
If you want to serve white wine at the ideal service temperature then once again, you only need a single zone wine fridge unless you want to serve your Chardonnays at 3-4°C warmer than your Sauvignon Blancs or Champagnes, which would be a perfectly reasonable choice.
Apart from certain Climadiff and Artevino wine cabinets, made for the express purpose of wine maturation only, most of our wine fridges can be set between 5-18°C at a minimum, meaning almost any of them will be perfectly suitable for the service of white or red wine. There would be other factors, how many bottles you owned, how much was Champagne, how mature your wine was, that would influence the choice of wine fridge for white wine service other than the colour of the wine itself.
If you're still unsure about which wine fridge to buy for your white wine collection, use the chat function to speak to an expert in wine storage.
What temperature should you store white wine?
When it comes to storing wine, temperature is a critical factor that can make or break the quality of your bottle. While red wines are typically stored at room temperature or slightly cooler, white wines require a different approach. In this blog post, we'll explore the optimal temperature for storing white wines to ensure that they retain their flavour and aroma.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that different types of white wines have different ideal storage temperatures. Generally speaking, lighter and crisper whites, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, should be stored at a cooler temperature than fuller-bodied whites, such as Chardonnay or Viognier.
The ideal temperature for storing white wine is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7-10 degrees Celsius). This temperature range is cool enough to slow down the aging process and prevent the wine from spoiling, but not so cold that it dulls the wine's flavours and aromas. If the temperature is too cold, it can cause the wine to lose some of its complexity and depth.
If you're storing white wine at home, there are several ways to achieve the ideal temperature range. One option is to store the wine in a dedicated wine fridge, which allows you to control the temperature and humidity levels. Wine fridges come in a range of sizes and price points, so you can choose one that fits your budget and storage needs.
If a wine fridge is not an option, you can store white wine in a regular refrigerator. However, it's important to keep in mind that refrigerators are typically set at a temperature of around 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5-3 degrees Celsius), which is too cold for white wine. To avoid this issue, you can store the wine in the warmest part of the refrigerator (usually the top shelf) or adjust the temperature to a slightly higher setting.
If you don't have access to a freestanding wine fridge or refrigerator, there are other ways to store white wine at the ideal temperature. For example, you can store the wine in a cool, dark place in your home, such as a basement or closet. The key is to ensure that the temperature remains consistent and doesn't fluctuate too much.
It's also important to keep in mind that white wine should be stored horizontally, with the cork facing down. This helps to keep the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, which can cause air to seep into the bottle and spoil the wine.
In addition to temperature, there are other factors to consider when storing white wine. For example, humidity levels can also affect the quality of the wine. Ideally, white wine should be stored at a humidity level of around 70 percent, which helps to prevent the cork from drying out and allows the wine to age properly.
Light is another factor to consider when storing white wine. Exposure to light can cause the wine to oxidize and spoil, so it's best to store white wine in a dark place or in a wine fridge that has a solid door.
In conclusion, the ideal temperature for storing white wine is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7-10 degrees Celsius). This temperature range allows the wine to age properly without losing its flavour and aroma. If you're storing white wine at home, there are several ways to achieve this temperature range, including using a wine fridge, a regular refrigerator, or a cool, dark place in your home. By following these tips, you can ensure that your white wine stays in top condition and is ready to be enjoyed whenever you're ready to uncork the bottle.
What temperature should you serve white wine?
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most popular white wine varieties in the world. It is known for its full-bodied texture and complex flavours that range from crisp and refreshing to rich and buttery. However, serving temperature can significantly affect the way Chardonnay tastes and smells. In this blog post, we'll discuss the ideal temperature for serving Chardonnay and how to achieve it.
Before diving into the ideal serving temperature, it's essential to understand the characteristics of Chardonnay. Chardonnay is a grape variety that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is known for its ability to adapt to different winemaking techniques, resulting in a wide range of styles.
Chardonnay can be unoaked or oaked, depending on the winemaker's preference. Unoaked Chardonnays are typically lighter-bodied and more acidic, with flavours of citrus and green apple. Oaked Chardonnays, on the other hand, are fuller-bodied, richer, and have flavours of vanilla, butter, and toast.
Now, let's talk about the ideal temperature to serve Chardonnay. In general, the ideal temperature range for serving Chardonnay is between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C). However, the ideal temperature can vary depending on the style of Chardonnay.
For unoaked Chardonnays, it's best to serve them at a cooler temperature, around 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C). The cooler temperature preserves the wine's acidity, which enhances its refreshing flavours. If the wine is too warm, the acidity can be masked, making the wine taste flat.
Oaked Chardonnays, on the other hand, are best served slightly warmer, around 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C). The warmer temperature brings out the wine's fuller body and richer flavours, such as vanilla, butter, and toast. If the wine is too cold, these flavours can be subdued.
It's important to note that serving Chardonnay too cold or too warm can significantly affect the wine's aroma and flavour. If the wine is too cold, it can make the wine seem muted, while if it's too warm, it can make the wine taste flat and overly alcoholic.
To achieve the ideal serving temperature for Chardonnay, it's recommended to chill the wine in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. If you don't have two hours to spare, you can chill the wine in an ice bucket filled with water and ice cubes for about 20 minutes.
It's also important to store Chardonnay properly before serving. The wine should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, as exposure to light and heat can damage the wine's flavours and aromas.
Riesling
The ideal serving temperature for Riesling wine can vary depending on the style and sweetness of the wine. As a general guideline, dry and off-dry Rieslings are best served slightly chilled, while sweeter Rieslings can be served a bit colder.
For dry and off-dry Rieslings, a temperature of around 45-50°F (7-10°C) is ideal. This allows the wine's aromas and flavors to be fully appreciated without being muted by overly cold temperatures.
For sweeter Rieslings, a slightly colder temperature of around 40-45°F (4-7°C) is recommended. This helps to balance the sweetness and acidity of the wine, making it refreshing and enjoyable to drink.
Ultimately, the best serving temperature for Riesling will depend on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the wine. It's always a good idea to experiment with different temperatures to find the ideal serving temperature for your particular bottle of Riesling.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine that is known for its crisp acidity, herbal notes, and fruity flavours. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of dishes, making it a popular choice for many occasions. However, when it comes to serving Sauvignon Blanc, the question of temperature often arises. What temperature should Sauvignon Blanc be served at to ensure the best possible drinking experience? Let's take a closer look.
First, it's important to note that serving temperature can have a significant impact on the way a wine tastes. If a wine is served too warm, the alcohol can become more pronounced, and the flavours can become muted. Conversely, if a wine is served too cold, the flavours can become muted, and the wine can taste overly acidic.
In general, Sauvignon Blanc is best served chilled, but not too cold. The ideal serving temperature for Sauvignon Blanc is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7-13°C). This temperature range allows the wine's aromas and flavours to be fully appreciated, without being overly pronounced or muted.
If you're serving Sauvignon Blanc straight from the fridge, it's a good idea to let it warm up slightly before serving. This can be done by taking the wine out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can hold the wine glass in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up slightly.
It's also worth noting that the serving temperature can vary depending on the style of Sauvignon Blanc. For example, a lighter, more delicate Sauvignon Blanc may be better served at a slightly cooler temperature than a more full-bodied, oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc.
In conclusion, the ideal serving temperature for Sauvignon Blanc is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7-13°C). By serving Sauvignon Blanc at the right temperature, you can ensure that its unique aromas and flavours are fully appreciated, and that it pairs well with the food you're serving.