Many residents of Arizona and Nevada invest their time and money in the finer things, including a quality wine collection. Keeping wines at the proper temperature so they age well and aren’t ruined can be difficult in hot climates. You need a well-designed storage space in the place of an in-the-ground cellar, with specially designed equipment to maintain the quality of your wines.
At Ambient Edge, we offer superior installation and maintenance services for all your heating and cooling needs. Our highly-trained technicians can conduct an inspection and provide a free estimate, along with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our work. Call us today, and in the meantime, check out our wine cellar temperature storage guide below.
Four Important Environmental Factors for Storing Wines
The tough caliche (sometimes called calcrete) in our soil makes digging an actual wine cellar all but impossible. You will likely need an above-ground solution, such as a room in your home or a dedicated outbuilding. To store wine, you’ll need to ensure your “wine cellar” is set up to address the four most critical environmental factors for protecting your bottles:
- Temperature: Possibly the most important concern since too warm or too cool means your reds and whites won’t age properly. Storage temperature can be very different from the ideal drinking temp.
- Humidity: Humidity should stay between 60% and 80% in the cellar to keep corks from drying out and allowing too much oxygen into the bottles.
- Light: Ideally, your cellar will be completely dark when you aren’t there since artificial and natural light can damage the wine.
- Vibration: Movement can shake up sediment, dissolving it into the liquid and affecting the wine’s flavor. Correctly installed cooling equipment won’t add to vibration in your cellar.
You should also pay attention to how your wines are racked. White wines can generally be stored upright, but most reds will only age properly if they are laid on their sides in a rack. Finally, your cellar’s HVAC system should remove odors from the space, such as those from chemicals or cleaning agents.
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The Right Temperature Depends on the Wine
The general guideline for storing wines calls for a temperature range between 45 degrees and 65 degrees (Fahrenheit), but most experts agree that 55 degrees is the optimum temperature. Ideally, your cooling equipment will maintain a steady temp and humidity level, no matter what setting you choose. Too much variation could affect the aging process and the wine’s quality.
Reds, whites, and sparkling wines all have slight variations in what’s best for their development. Let’s examine each individually.
Red Wines
For most red wines, the higher end of the ideal range is actually better for proper aging and flavor. For example, a full-bodied vintage Malbec, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon prefers a temperature of around 63 degrees. A darker wine, such as a Shiraz, will actually be fine as high as 66 degrees. The more tannins a wine contains, the warmer it should be while stored.
An exception is Merlots and Pinot Noirs, which need cooler temps around 55 degrees. These should never be stored in any area that gets warmer than 60 degrees. The same goes for a light blush wine, such as a Rosé, which should be held long-term between 50 and 55 degrees.
When it comes time to serve your wines, reds should be slightly below room temperature, between 58 and 65 degrees, with appropriate time allowed for decanting and oxidizing.
White Wines
White wines need even cooler temperatures than red wines since they are lighter in flavor, color, and essential nature. White wines should be kept between 45 and 55 degrees to maintain sugar levels, along with their delicate aromas from fruits and florals. A dry Chardonnay is safe at 53 degrees, but Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc wines require no higher than 47 degrees.
A sweeter wine requires even cooler temps. Pinot Grigios and Moscatos should be held at 42-45 degrees for best quality. Because they are lighter than most reds, white wines thrive in even cooler temperatures. These wines should also be served as close to their storage temps as possible.
Sparkling Wines
If you adore bubbly and keep a solid stock of sparkling wines and champagnes, be prepared to keep a parka at the door to your wine cellar. These sweet, light wines need the coldest temperatures of any bottle and must be maintained between 40 and 45 degrees. Champagnes need 44 degrees, while a Riesling prefers it even colder at 42 degrees.
All white and sparkling wines benefit from the chill to preserve their delicate quality and flavor. Serve them between 38 and 45 degrees for maximum enjoyment.
You May Need More than One Wine Cooling Unit
Depending on the size and range of your collection, you may need separate areas with distinct cooling systems to properly maintain all your bottles. While you might be able to get away with keeping your white wines in the kitchen refrigerator for short-term storage and your reds in a wine fridge, you’ll need to plan bigger for a specialized or large collection. If you see your bottles as an investment, it’s worth it to ensure they are well-protected and kept at the right temperature for their needs.
You will also need to ensure that your wine cellar cooling unit is protected against power failures or equipment failures. With Ambient Edge’s VIP Club Maintenance Plan, we can schedule routine visits and repairs to keep your system running at peak performance. When you join the club, you pay no service fee (a $99 savings each time), receive a two-year warranty on all repairs, plus a 10% discount on service.
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Contact Us Contact Ambient Edge to Learn More About Wine Storage
Regardless of the size or value of your collection, the Ambient Edge team can help you choose the best option for storing your wines. From an under-counter wine fridge to a fully ducted cooling unit installed separately from your home’s HVAC, we can find the right solution for you. Contact us to arrange a free estimate and get started today.
