March 28, 2023 | Jack Thompson

A lot can be said on the subject of wine. It’s one of those subjects where words take on different meanings. “Nose” is no longer that thing holding up your glasses, it is a term that encompasses the aroma and bouquet encountered when sampling a good glass of wine. A bouquet is no longer an arrangement of flowers but the essence of the complex mixture of compounds in the glass.

It is a world where a “must” isn’t something on a to-do list that you have to get done; it is the unfermented grape juice, seeds, skins, and stems that will become wine. This guide will serve as an aid in finding the right cooler. And regarding wine, the proper temperature is a must… well, you understand.

Temperature and Palette

The serving temperature of wine makes a significant difference in how the wine is received. There is a lot going on in a bottle of wine. It’s all a matter of chemistry; serving it too cold slows down reactions and deadens the bright and lively flavor.

On the other hand, wine contains alcohol which is volatile and has a lower boiling point than water which means it evaporates faster than water. When wine is warm, the evaporating alcohol can mask flavors that would be present otherwise. That is why temperature is important when serving wine.

It’s not just the wine that is affected by temperature, your taste buds are affected as well. Research has shown that warmer food and beverages create a more intense flavor profile than if they were cold. Reactions in the taste buds happen faster when the temperature is higher. This is why ice cream tastes sweeter when it has melted and why warm beer has so much more flavor than a cold beer.

When it comes to wine, the flavor profile is delicate enough that even a slight difference in temperature can emphasize some flavors enough to begin to taste bitter or in some way unpleasant. Red wine, for instance, has more tannins in it than white wine. The tannins come from the skins which are left in the must longer than they are with white wine.

In addition to leaching the red color out of the skins, tannins are also leached out. Tannins are great, they give red wine that bold flavor and the dry mouth feel you get when you sample a Cabernet or Chianti. If served too warm, however, the balance is thrown off, and the tannins present as the main act instead of a supporting role. This makes the wine bitter and unpleasant.

Temperature Tidbit

There is an interesting little factoid that very few people know. It seems to be common to think that red wine is supposed to be consumed at room temperature. Well, room temperature is a relative term and could mean anywhere between 60ºF (15.5ºC) to 75ºF (24ºC). That’s quite a swing in temperature!

In reality, the perfect serving temperature for red wine depends on the type and none are suggested to be served as warm as 75ºF (24ºC). Lambrusco, for instance, is a sweet red and should be served at the same temperature as white wine, 8ºC to 12ºC. On the other hand, Pinot Noir is less sweet but not quite as dry as Cabernet so it is served slightly warmer than Lambrusco but slightly cooler than Cabernet.

Fruity, light-bodied wines should be served around 55ºF (12ºC), on the high end of the white serving temperature. Medium-bodied wines like Merlot and blended reds are served as high as 60ºF (16ºC) while full-bodied wines like Chianti and Cabernet Sauvignon can be served between 60ºF to 65ºF (16ºC to 18ºC).

There is an Historical Basis

One would think that iced, or otherwise cooled, beverages didn’t come into play until after Willis Carrier did his thing in 1902. But, to the surprise of many, or perhaps not, Romans were big on drinks made with snow and ice. The more opulent households had seafood and oysters brought in on beds of ice from the Italian Alps.

There is archaeological evidence showing ancient Greek and Roman houses that had cellars dug to keep ice for the purpose of storing wine and cooling drinks. The Chinese and Persians got involved as well, making special buildings to store ice and packed snow. These buildings could be as high as a 3-story building and sat atop a hole dug in the ground. The whole structure would be packed with ice and snow which was used to serve cool “snow drinks”.

This practice wasn’t a means to preserve food… There were already established methods of doing that including pickling, salting, drying, smoking, and others. The purpose of storing ice was pure luxury. They fancied cool beverages and wine tastes better chilled so they found a way to chill it.

There are a lot of opinions whirling about online and otherwise regarding the reasons to chill wine. Some are based on solid science and it makes sense while some are conjecture and the rest are hyperbole with a little superstition sprinkled on top. This guide will stick with verifiable science if for no other reason than to keep things simple. 

For instance, serving Champagne and other sparkling wines above 50ºF will cause the CO₂ to escape from the drink more quickly because the gas stays trapped longer in cooler liquid. In warmer liquids (and anything else) the molecules are moving around faster than in cooler liquids. The carbon dioxide in the wine is trapped between other compounds keeping it locked away in the wine. When everything is moving around faster, it allows the gas to slip by and escape. 

On the flip side, serving it too cold will mute the bouquet and leave you feeling like you just sipped cold, alcoholic, sparkling water. This happens because just like warm liquid moves fast, in cold liquid, everything is moving slower and is packed a little tighter together. When things get packed together, they can bind each other up. You can’t taste them if they’re all kinda stuck together. So that leaves you with alcoholic water and you can’t toast properly using bubbleless bubbly or alcoholic seltzer.

The 9 Best Ways to Chill

Yes, you most likely have a refrigerator and yes, that is a perfectly fine place to chill your wine. You have to keep in mind, however, that a food refrigerator is designed to keep food cold, it’s not designed to keep wine at the right serving temperature and it’s not designed to store wine long term. So, for those who like wine and want to keep a number of bottles on hand to complement whatever they may be serving, having a decent way of keeping your wine chilled is a good idea. 

You never know when you’ll stumble upon a great recipe where a glass of Pinot Grigio would be the perfect compliment. It’s nice to know you can easily have one on hand. Here are 9 such coolers that can have you sipping chilled sparkly at the drop of a hat:

1. Wine Enthusiast’s Vino View 28-bottle Compressor Wine Cooler – This little refrigerator is designed to be smaller and compact while still holding a reasonable number of wine bottles. It has the capacity to hold the larger Bordeaux bottles as well as the standard 750ml bottle and even the slim Riesling-type bottle. It has only one zone, which is a drawback for some but its price tag is very good, coming in at under $400. It is an excellent economical pick and has a temperature range from 39ºF to 65ºF (4ºC to 18ºC).

2. EuroCave’s Artevino S Wine Cellar – This 98-bottle capacity, single-zone wine cooler is truly a cellar-like unit keeping wines at what most consider “cellar temperature”, 48ºF – 59ºF (9ºC – 15ºC). This temperature is perfect for storing wine and the tinted doors allow viewing without opening while protecting wine from the damaging UV radiation from sunlight. 
   
   The slightly higher temperature range may not be optimal for some but they shouldn’t be drinking your wine anyway! The cooler is also engineered to minimize vibrations which is much preferable, especially if you tend to keep wine for a while or collect older vintages. It is a bit pricier, coming in at just under $2,000 but it is a quality cooler.

3. EuroDib’s 168-Bottle Single Temperature Full Glass Door Wine Refrigerator – At around the same price as the EuroCave and about half the price of a similar EuroCave unit, this single-zoned beauty has over half again as much capacity as the Artevino S. The temperature can range from 41ºF to 64ºF and comes with good quality wood shelving and an LED display.
   
   This refrigerator would fit just as perfectly in your home as it would behind a bar. Whether you’re storing wine for long periods of time or cycling through bottle after bottle in rapid succession, it will hold enough to make both avid collectors and high-volume bartenders quite happy.

4. N’Finity’s LX Dual Zone Max Wine Cellar – The higher price of this refrigerator ($2,699) is due in most part to the dual-zone feature and the higher quality construction. 20% of the capacity can be stored at a different temperature than the remaining 80%. Each of the zones has a temperature range of between 41ºF and 66ºF. If you’re looking to store wines at different temperatures, say, the reds in one area and the whites in the other, this is definitely worth considering.

5. EuroCave Pure L Wine Cellar – This could be considered the first-level professional wine cooler. It uses all premium construction materials and has 3 zones that can be kept at different temperatures. Its bottle capacity is nearly 200 and at around $5,395+ it is right in the middle of the price range.
   
   This model would be excellent for the more serious wine collector and would be right at home in a restaurant to keep the fine wines and Champagne perfectly cool for thirsty patrons. With 3 zones you can easily have your reds, whites, and your sparkling wines all ready to pour without the need for extra chilling… just grab it and go. 

6. WhisperKool Self-Contained Extreme 8000ti Cooling System – This unit, which is priced at $5,589, is not a free-standing refrigerator but rather a cooling unit for a cellar. It is designed to be installed and is powerful to keep a 2,000ft² cellar at the appropriate temperature, provided the cellar is properly insulated. 
   
   Clearly, this goes beyond the needs of a basic wine enthusiast or someone who throws the occasional dinner party. This is meant for serious collectors or winemakers who need the extra capacity a cellar provides. Having a cellar provides a few benefits, one is that the storage doesn’t take up any otherwise usable room in your house. Second, it’s easier to control temperature and humidity, especially if the cellar is underground.

7. EuroCave Pure Double L Wine Cellar – This cooler is a stand-alone just like the Pure L except at a capacity of 256 bottles is twice the size. The double glass doors in front allow you to view the collection and make a selection without opening the doors and letting the cool air escape while you decide. At $10,790+ the Pure Double L gives you the capacity you need for a serious wine collection without the expense of building a wine cellar. Not everyone can build a cellar such as apartment or condo residents, this solves that problem.

8. CigarLoong Cooler Humidor – For those who like a fine cigar to go with their carefully chosen wine this combination humidor and wine cooler is a match made in heaven. The storage capacity is a bit on the light side but 15 bottles and 50 cigars are also nothing to scoff at. This model is priced below $400 so it will fit your budget. It comes with a few interesting features like Bluetooth monitoring and colored backlighting.
   
   It is a small price to pay to ensure both your wine and cigars stay fresh. They are comparable in a number of different ways, not the least of which is that some of them can have a hefty price tag and it would be a shame to let something like that go to waste over something as preventable as improper storage.

9. Empava WC04D 24-inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler Beverage Fridge – This 46-bottle capacity cooler can be either used as a free-standing unit or as a built-in unit. The hinges were designed with a capacity for being built-in in mind. Its compact design and dual zone capability make it perfect for the kitchen and behind the bar. The wines that need to be kept cooler can be stored on top and the bottom portion is built with the larger Bordeaux bottles in mind. This Empava model is priced at just under $850.

Complete Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Right Wine Fridge

Storing wine properly is essential to its enjoyment. This is true of long-time connoisseurs and neophytes alike. A case could be made that it’s slightly more important for the latter than the former. A connoisseur has already established his or her expectations while a newbie has not. A wine that has been improperly stored may impart that will give the new taster the wrong impression of what that wine should taste like.

Putting a wine cooler in your home is the best way to avoid mistakes and guarantee the wine you’ve chosen will keep and taste like it should when it’s time to uncork and serve it. The only question to ponder now is, of the many coolers on the market, how do you choose the best one to suit your needs? There are a lot of factors to consider but fear not, this guide is designed to walk you through all that’s available and help you choose one that is right for you.

Even if you are brand new to wine, this will help you as the basic terminology will be broken down and explained. By the end of this guide, you will look like an expert. You’ll have the knowledge necessary to keep and serve the wines you choose like you’ve been doing it for years. You’ll find that having a proper way to store and serve your wine will also increase your appreciation for this amazing drink.

Wine Storage 101

Wine is more than just alcoholic grape juice. It is complex and nuanced with delicate aromas and subtle flavors. While proper storage is not difficult, it is also easy to destroy these subtleties and turn what once was an aromatic symphony into a droning note. Worse, improperly stored wine can change chemically and become vinegar. Vinegar is excellent if you’re making pickles or salad dressing, but you wouldn’t drink a glass of it with dinner.

If an excellent bottle of wine is the superhero, it has three ruthless villains who will stop at nothing to destroy it. The three villains in this scenario are light, temperature, and vibration.

Light

In the same way light can damage your skin, UV rays can also damage your wine. While there are some man-made sources of UV radiation, the largest source is sunlight. All light is a form of radiation, when the sun shines, it pours out this radiation in all sorts of different wavelengths. Most of these are fine and are far too big in wavelength to do any damage. 

Everything from radio waves to microwaves just fly right by with no interaction with the chemical processes taking place. Ultraviolet light however comes in packets small enough to interrupt material on a tiny, chemical level. This can cause compounds to break apart or it can cause new compounds to form. This alters the taste of wine and never for the better. Any storage for wine must be able to block out this harmful form of radiation.

Temperature

Wine is a mix of complex compounds suspended in water and a bit of alcohol. These compounds are constantly bumping against each other as they float around. At a steady 55ºF, the movement in the bottle isn’t enough to cause these delicate structures to become damaged but the higher the temperature, the faster everything is moving. 

This agitation can cause the compounds to break apart and that results in changes to the wine. It is the exact same aging process that mellows wine and makes it more drinkable compared to newly bottled wine. The problem is rapid aging can impart bitter flavors while slow, gradual aging just knocks off the sharp edges and makes the wine rich and smooth.

Vibration

As was previously mentioned, wine is a solution of compounds. Some of those can stick together and settle at the bottom. Also, wine is fermented with yeast, the yeast consumes the sugar and produces alcohol as a waste product. When a certain level of alcohol concentration is reached, the yeast begins to die off. 

Before bottling, the vast majority of the yeast is left behind so the wine is bottled as pure as possible but it is impossible to get it all. The yeast will settle in the bottom along with other structures and compounds. This sediment is undesirable and vibration will keep it stirred up in the wine altering the flavor, aroma, and mouth feel. Wine should be kept still.

Why Have a Dedicated Refrigerator For Wine?

Most people purchase a bottle of wine and put it in their standard refrigerator until it’s time to drink it. There is nothing wrong with doing that but a standard refrigerator is far from optimal when storing wine for longer periods of time. It is also not ideal to serve wine directly from the food refrigerator.

Food refrigerators have large compressors that vibrate the unit and with the door always being opened and closed, nothing in there really remains still for very long. Also with the door being consistently opened while people search for food, the temperature fluctuates wildly, especially if the wine is kept in the door.

Also, food refrigerators are usually kept below 40ºF to prevent bacterial growth and as has been previously discussed, this is about 15º below the best temperature to keep wine. These refrigerators also tend to run at low humidity which can dry out the cork and cause it to shrink. Even slight shrinking can break the seal enough to let in oxygen with will readily react with the delicate compounds in the wine and throw off its flavor.

Wine Serving Temperatures

Each different type of wine is best served at a slightly different temperature. The delicate nature of this drink practically begs you to be as careful as you can when storing it. Once the damage is done, there is no going back. These rules are not set in stone and can be somewhat altered based on personal taste but generally speaking, this is what is accepted:

White Wines

These wines are generally more acidic and have a light, delicate bouquet. The acid is what brings the brightness of flavor to the wine and the floral tastes and aromas are best brought out when properly chilled. They are commonly served chilled to somewhere between 50º to 60º. The lower temperatures are for the more acidic types like Pinot Grigio while the warmer temps are usually for the slightly heavier, buttery Chardonnay types.

Red Wines

In the past, these wines were served at room temperature but modern homes are kept warmer than they were in the past so reds still should be slightly chilled and served at “cellar temperature” which is between 60º and 65º. Again, the lighter the wine, the cooler it should be served so a Pinot Noir would be served at a cooler temperature than a robust Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sparkling Wine

Because of their CO₂ content, sparkling wines should be served cold whenever possible. 40º is a good temperature to serve these wines in order to preserve the bubbles.

Important Wine Fridge Features

It is not quite enough to just buy a box that gets cold, there are certain features to look out for. Some of these features are things everyone will want and some will be specific to your needs.

Noise

Pay attention to where you are going to put the cooler and how much noise it puts out before you make your final decision. If you plan to store your wine away from your living space, like in the garage or basement, the amount of noise it makes won’t matter much. If, however, you plan to keep it in the same room or near where you live, excess noise could become a problem.

There are two types of cooling systems:

• Compressors – These operate just like a standard refrigerator or air conditioner. A pump compresses a liquid refrigerant and shoots it through a small opening into a larger hose. The small opening is called an expansion valve and the sudden decrease in pressure on the other side of the valve dramatically reduces the temperature of the refrigerant. These types create both noise and vibrations.

• Thermoelectric – These use electricity forced through two different types of conductors, a temperature difference is created. This effect can be amplified through clever engineering and the result is a cooling unit that has no chemical refrigerant, pumps, or moving parts. It produces no sound or vibration. These heat pumps can lower a unit’s temperature by up to 40º below the ambient temperature. If the temperature is 80º, they can get as low as 40º.

Shelving

Make sure to choose a model that is specifically designed for storing wine so the shelves are spaced correctly to hold the bottles. Also, keep in mind that wine is best stored on its side. There are two reasons for this, one is that allowing the wine to remain in contact with the cork stops the cork from drying out. This can lead to cracks and leaks. 

The second reason is that on its side, the wine has more of its surface area in contact with the air in the bottle. This improves the aging process.

Appearance

Don’t get so caught up in the details that you forget to make sure the overall style of the cooler you’re getting compliments your home’s decor. Keep in mind also your future plans. The cooler you buy may be intended for the garage but may one day end up in the kitchen.

Efficiency

Before you make your purchase remember that your new fridge will always be on so choosing a cheaper but less efficient model today could actually turn out to be the most expensive one in 5 years. There are a few energy-efficient designs to be on the lookout for:

• Thermoelectric Cooling – This type of cooling system is far more efficient than the compressor type. Also, with no refrigerant or moving parts, they tend to last longer as well.

• LED Lighting – The use of LED light is better than conventional incandescent light because they use far less energy, the energy that is used is converted almost exclusively into light and therefore produces very little heat, and there is no filament to burn out.

• Triple Pane Glass – If you want a glass door, it is best to make sure it is very well insulated. Triple Pane Glass will keep the cool air in the fridge where it belongs.

Storage Capacity

If your wine collection is large or if you expect it to get large, be sure to plan for that. You may only have a handful of bottles to store today but if wine is something you are sincerely interested in, expect that number to grow. Just by virtue of having a place to store wine may inspire the purchase of a bottle or two.

Zones

Some models are just a cooler, there is one open space with racks and everything inside is the same temperature. Some models have two or more different zones where bottles can be stored at different temperatures. If you are storing red and white wine, you will probably want to store them at their respective temperatures so a multi-zonal cooler may be a good option.

Built-in or Freestanding

A good number of the refrigerator units you tend to see are the freestanding type but there are some models that are designed to be built into a cabinet. Because the compressor-type coolers require ventilation, not all units can be used as the built-in type. There is also the consideration of hinge design. Some of the freestanding units would be unable to open if they are built-in flush with a cabinet or counter surface.

Additional Features

There may be some additional features to look out for such as UV protection if the unit will be exposed to sunlight. Child locks are another common feature to prevent the little ones from disturbing the bottles or to keep the teen and their friends from throwing an impromptu party. Some models also have reversible doors so they can be changed to open from one side or the other.

Setup and Maintenance

Purchasing a shiny new wine cooler doesn’t do you much good if you don’t know how to set it up and maintain it. Properly installing and providing a bit of routine maintenance will help keep it running for years to come.

Choose a Good Location

A hard, flat, level surface is the best place to put a refrigerator. Take a look around most houses and you’ll see that the kitchen refrigerator isn’t on a carpeted surface. The reason is that cold can create condensation which can seep into the carpet. A constantly wet carpet makes a perfect spot for mold to grow.

Drip Tray

Check the drip tray every so often and clean it when necessary. The drip tray is designed to collect condensation so it doesn’t just run all over the floor. Sometimes if water is allowed to collect it can get musty.

Check for Condensation Inside the Unit

If the temperature difference is great enough, sometimes condensation can form inside the refrigerator. If this consistently happens, an open box of baking soda or desiccant and absorb excess moisture.

Keep It Clean

One of the most important maintenance items you can perform is to keep the unit clean both inside and out. A thorough cleaning should be performed once per year. It’s best to follow a checklist to ensure you’ve done a complete and thorough job:

1. Unplug the unit to avoid electric shock.
2. Carefully remove the bottles and store them in a secure location. Keep the bottles on their sides and move them slowly to keep from stirring up any sediment.
3. Remove the shelves or racks and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
4. Wipe down the walls on the interior paying careful attention to the corners.
5. If you detect a musty odor or see signs of mildew or mold, you can remove it with diluted vinegar or bleach and a sponge. If this is necessary, be sure to keep the door open and allow it to completely dry.
6. Replace the shelves or racks then replace the bottles being careful not to agitate them.
7. Wipe the outside of the unit with a cloth.
8. A vinegar-soaked newspaper can be used to clean the glass. Stainless steel can be cleaned with specialty cleaner or olive oil can be used to clean the stainless steel as well.
9. Use your vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool (if it has one) to clean any accumulated dust from the compressor coils and the vent.
10. Don’t forget to plug it back in and make sure it is on.

Conclusion

Wine is one of the most talked about beverages in the world. It has been around for thousands of years and while Georgia is accepted as the birthplace of wine, it has been independently produced by every major culture on earth. Without it, there would be no Coq au Vin, Burgundy Mushroom sauce, or perhaps even Balsamic Vinegar. It has been traded and used as currency. It can be a status symbol and used to celebrate the best parts of life. 

Something like this should be protected from the effects of damaging light, heat, and unnecessary vibration. Of course, it is impossible to safeguard it against every eventuality but with the proper amount of planning and forethought, you can certainly improve your chances of finally opening that bottle of 25-year-old Chianti to find it is just as delightful as you had imagined it would be.

A lot of thought has gone into the creation of these wine coolers, from the style of shelving, to whether it can be built-in, to an engineer’s considerations toward the effects of condensation and vibrational damage. Designers have considered the various styles that people might like or what would go well with existing decor.

The reason for your purchase of a cooler is to ensure the wine you serve is presented at its absolute best. Wine is a marriage of both art and science. It is a delicate balance of flavors and aromas. Some of the finest wines represent generations of hard work and gentle coaxing to get the exact blend that most pleases the palate. Storing it and serving it properly is how you can best pay respect to those who worked so hard to create it.

It really is an amazing industry. Imagine the soil, rain, and sunlight that all came together to produce the grapes. The sweat and hard work that went into maintaining and eventually harvesting that little red fruit. The generations of experimentation and learning that went into the methods used to convert the juice of those grapes to an exceptional wine.

Now that wine is bottled, aged, and ready for you to serve. It is no mean feat to make that bottle of wine. Now it is up to you to make sure it is enjoyed the way it was meant to be. Chilled to perfection, uncorked, poured into a glass that is raised to honor an achievement, a deserving person, or a special event. Cheers!