Bottle Storage
- Bottles are stored horizontally to keep corks moist and swollen. This prevents air from entering the bottle, thus avoiding oxidation.
- It is always better to have the cellar well stocked. More mass (bottles) controls the temperature better, preventing the compressor from running too frequently due to having to cool an excess volume of space.
Temperature and Humidity Settings
- For red wines, maintain 55 - 60 degrees F (55F ideal) and humidity between 60% and 75%.
- Sparkling wines and most white wines generally develop at a faster rate than reds, and can be stored at lower temperatures (45-55 degrees F) to slow the maturation and provide a longer "drinking window."
Storage Times for Opened Wine (Very general aging guidelines for corked bottles of opened wine)
Wine | Aging Guidelines |
Sparkling Wine | 1-3 Days |
Light White Wine | 5-7 Days |
Rose´ Wine | 5-7 Days |
Full Bodied White Wine | 3-5 Days |
Red Wine | 3-5 Days |
Fortified Wine* | 28 Days |
* Ex. Port, Sherry, Marsala, and Madeiras wines
Storage Times for Unopened Wine (Very general aging guidelines for unopened wine)
Wine |
Aging Guidelines |
Barolo | 5-15 Years |
Bordeaux | 5-15 Years (or Longer) |
Burgundy | 2-10 Years |
Cabernet Sauvignon | 3-10 Years |
Chianti | 0-5 Years |
Merlot | 0-5 Years |
Pinot Noir | 1-6 Years |
Port - Vintage | 10-30 Years |
Rioja | 3-10 Years |
Syrah | 5-10 Years |
Zinfandel Red | 1-5 Years |