A pleasant-tasting bottle of wine begins with the perfect storage temperature.- By Ashley Breeding
Oenophiles know that an imperative preparatory measure for achieving a palatable glass—or few glasses—of wine is proper storage. Environmental or temperature variations can alter your precious varietals, causing flavor to be lost with temperatures that are too cold, or conversely, accelerating the wine’s aging process with excessive heat. In other words, arriving at the perfect sip means finding the temperature that is just right (Champagnes are best kept at 45 F, whites between 58 and 62 F, and reds between 62 and 65 F).
A wine cellar ensures an ideal environment, says the CEO of Vinotemp International, India Hynes, but a more compact cooler or fridge is a fabulous alternative for those who either don’t have the space for an expansive cellar or prefer to keep their wine collection small.
“Our latest units even have features like biometric fingerprint technology, humidity control and a call feature that sends wireless alerts directly to your iPad or phone if the temperature climbs too high or falls too low,” Hynes says. For highly valuable collections, she explains, this serves as a safeguard in the instance of a power outage.
Whether you’re looking for a custom design that will blend in with your home’s décor, or a pre-built device, these wine experts have many options from which to choose.