How should I store an unopened bottle of red wine?
Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at
2:03 pm
hardcoregamer2 asked:
I just got a bottle of red wine (Pinot Noir) that I plan on drinking tonight. I heard it should be stored in a cool place. The weather here is about 75F. Should I store it in the fridge for the next 5 or 6 hours or is that a bad idea?
I just got a bottle of red wine (Pinot Noir) that I plan on drinking tonight. I heard it should be stored in a cool place. The weather here is about 75F. Should I store it in the fridge for the next 5 or 6 hours or is that a bad idea?
Tagged with: Bottle Of Red Wine • Fridge • Unopened Bottle
Filed under: Wine
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Store it on its side with the wine touching the cork in a dark cool place. If you have a basement, and it’s only going to 75, that should be more than cool enough.
Red wine is actually meant be served at about 68 degrees (room temperature was lower in the old days) but 70 to 72 is fine.
If you’re not storing the wine for a long time, 75 F is not a problem by any means. You only have to worry about perfect cellaring conditions if you’re going to be aging the wine for any length of time (like 6 months to a year or more).
You might put it in the fridge for a few minutes before you open it, since it’ll probably taste better not quite that warm. I find in particular lighter reds like Pinot show better at about 60-65 degrees.
This is a good guide for what’s the best serving temperature for different wines based on wine type:
Cool storage is for aging and storing wine. You will be drinking your tonight, so you don’t need cool storage. Keep it wherever is convenient today and then about 60 minutes before serving, throw it in the fridge.
It wouldn’t ruin your wine or anything, but it’s not necessary. If you’re planning on storing wine for years, cool storage is recommended, but not for a few hours.
Like Amy recommended, you can put it in the fridge for a few minutes if you’d like – this depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer to drink their wine at room temperature since cooling the wine can degrade some of the flavors.
Once you’ve opened the wine and can’t successfully finish the bottle, then yes, you should store in the fridge. Optimally you’d use one of the rubber corks and pumps to get the air out of the bottle (can buy at the local wine store for cheap). The wine will stay fairly drinkable for a few days, and after than can be used for cooking.