If you aren’t a wine connoisseur, you may not know that each type of wine is best served at a particular temperature. Red wine, for instance, should be kept between 60 degrees and 70 degrees until it is consumed. This will prevent alterations to its taste and smell. Use the guide below to learn more about this process and how to store your wines for the best drinking experience.

Why Is Heat Bad for Red Wine & Other Bottles?

When any type of wine is stored at higher than 70 degrees, it begins to age. This degrades the flavor and aroma, and it could make a favorite red wine from your past seem completely different. Red wine can be left out on the counter as long as it is away from heat vents and direct sunlight. Other types of wine, which are better served at lower temperatures, can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of months. However, if you plan on keeping bottles for an indefinite amount of time, you should invest in a wine cellar or temperature-controlled wine cooler. 

Why Is the Refrigerator Not Ideal for Red Wine?

White, rose, and sparkling varieties can be left for hours or longer in the refrigerator. However, the 40-degree setting is generally too cold and dry, and will absorb moisture from a bottle of red and cause it to degrade into vinegar. But, if you plan to drink it soon after making the purchase, it’s absolutely fine to place the bottle—standing up—in the refrigerator for an hour to reach the ideal drinking temperature. 

For perfectly served red wine every time, visit Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar in Lakeville, MN. They carry a wide selection of red and white wines—all expertly stored and served to provide the best drinking experience. If you aren’t sure which type matches your palate, they also sell wine flights to let patrons, who come from Apple Valley, Farmington, Burnsville, and Prior Lake, sample multiple brands at once. Stop by for breakfast or lunch today. View their menu and wine list by visiting their website; or, call them at (952) 985-7650 for any questions about wine or their catering options.