Wine is arguably one of the more widely consumed alcoholic beverages across the globe. France, Italy, Spain, and the United States are the top four producers of wine, with each country producing in excess of two million tons of wine yearly. France, in fact, being the top producer of wine, produces almost five and a half million tons of wine each year.
Because of its popularity and ubiquity, the wine industry has continued to grow over time. Wine has become increasingly more important in the cultures of many countries, and has certain religious applications and uses.
One of the most important issues that any wine aficionado must contend with is the process of wine storage. Wine storage tips are as varied as they are necessary for the proper storage, serving, and enjoyment of wine. If wine is not stored properly it can, like any other perishable natural beverage, spoil under improper conditions. Because of this, a collector of wines must make sure that he follows certain fundamental tips for the storage of wine. Temperature is certainly the most important of these factors that must be taken into consideration when storing wine.
Temperature Tips For Wine Storage
Since there are many different types of wine, there are just as many different temperatures that must be maintained if each type of wine is to best keep its flavor. Since wine is a perishable good, warm temperatures are to be avoided. Still, the same is true for the opposite extreme: excessively cold temperatures can be just as damaging to any kind of wine.
One particular wine, Vintage Port, is stored at a generally higher temperature than other common wines. A helpful tip: this wine’s storage and serving temperature is best kept between 65 and 70 degrees. Other wines, however, such as Bordeaux, Pinot, Chardonnay, and Spumanti all thrive at very different temperatures.
Bordeaux does best at temperatures around 64 degrees. Pinot should be stored at slightly lower temperatures, most often at or around 60 degrees. Chardonnay and Spumanti should be kept at 48 and 41 degrees, respectively.
These may seem like oddly specific temperatures, but they are only meant as ballpark numbers; wine is relatively forgiving. The most important thing to remember is to maintain constant temperatures. Even if your wine is not kept at the exact temperatures named above, they should do well if the temperature is constant. Remember, these wine storage tips are ballpark temperatures only. All wines should be kept in a dark, dry place with a constant temperature.
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Posted on March 19th, 2008 by Robert
Filed under: wine rack
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