The Guide to Storing Wine and Champagne at the Correct Temperature

To make sure you’re not left with sour grapes, Stache has assembled the ultimate guide to stocking wine in the perfect climate.

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There’s nothing worse than a ruined bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on a hot summer’s afternoon. 

If you’re racking your brain wondering how that lovely carafe of something special has turned tart, the chances are it’s the way you’re storing your wine—namely, the temperature you’re storing it at. 

To make sure you’re not left with sour grapes, Stache has assembled the ultimate guide to stocking wine in the perfect climate.

Let’s start off with a bottle of red.

What is the correct red wine storage temperature?

Red wine’s ideal storage temperature lies between 55°F to 65°F (or 12°C to 19°C). Therefore, 59°F (15°C) is red wine’s sweet spot. 

That being said, as long as you drink red wine within a few years of purchasing, there’s no need to worry if it’s stored a couple of degrees fahrenheit higher or lower. 

However, storing your red wine in any environment above 70°F is a risk. Temperatures in the 70s and above leave the wine cooked. This affects the wine’s aroma and, ultimately, flattens its flavor.

Ideally, keep your red wine stored in a cool dark cupboard away from natural light. This will mitigate the chance of cooking.   

What is the correct white wine storage temperature? 

The right temperature for white wine is between 45°F to 55°F (8°C to 12°C). 

Many think that white wine has to be kept at significantly cooler temperatures than red wine. Contrary to that, white wine actually keeps fairly well in moderate climates.

The best place to store your wine is in the fridge, if you can adjust the temperature accordingly, or in a climate controlled storage unit.

On top of that, it’s important to leave your white wine in an environment free of foot traffic or movement. Constant vibrations can disturb the bottles and cause the grapes to spoil. 

Looking to store expensive wine in a secure location? Stache has a variety of storage alternatives so you can stow precious bottles in a safe and drinkable condition.

What is the correct champagne storage temperature? 

The ideal temperature for champagne storage is between 40°F to 45°F (5°C to 8°C).

If you’ve got the cash, a dedicated fridge with the option for controlling the temperature is perfect for champagne. In fact, many enthusiasts insist on having a separate fridge solely for sparkling wine and champagne, to better maintain a constant temperature.

Why is this a factor when storing a bottle of bubbly?

Significant fluctuations in heat and humidity can cause champagne to spoil quickly, ruining the flavor and smell of a bottle. As an alternative to a dedicated fridge, a climate controlled storage unit is recommended, especially if the champagne is being reserved for a special occasion.

How much does wine storage cost?

If you’re looking to buy a wine fridge, this will set you back anywhere between $300 to $3500. The amount you spend depends on the size and power of the fridge you need. In other words, whether you’re looking to tuck a few bottles away or half a vineyard. 

Storage units, on the other hand, can prove to be much more economical and serve the same purpose as a fridge. With climate controlled storage options, you can find a 5X5 climate controlled unit for less than $75. 

Want to find out more about climate controlled storage units? Start your storage journey with Stache.

The bottom of the bottle and back to the top

When it comes to wine storage, the name of the game is consistently cool temperatures.

Natural light, vibration, and humidity are your sworn enemies for maintaining the quality of an unopened bottle of fizz or still. Therefore, make sure you invest wisely in the right storage space!