Wine Cooler Temperature

On this page you will find:

• Choosing the right temperature for your wine cooler
• Properly monitoring the internal temperature of a wine fridge
• Internal temperature ranges for wine coolers
• Ideal temperature settings for storing red and white wines
• Why wine needs to be stored in a cooled environment

Choosing The Right Temperature For Your Wine Cooler

Simply choosing a wine cooler based on style and appearance is not enough to ensure maximum enjoyment of your superb vintages. In fact, the purpose of investing in a quality wine cooler is to properly chill your wines. So one of the main considerations must be the cooling capability of your potential wine cooler. There are several key pieces of information that should be taken into account before making your selection. But with the basic knowledge of wine cooler temperature rangesand the advisable temperature at which wine is most ideal, you will undoubtedly make an intelligent and educated decision.

Properly Monitoring Internal Temperature
All of the wine coolers we offer have effortless and precise temperature controls. Most are electronic with LED digital displays for easy monitoring. The internal climate of both the dual temperature and single temperature zones can be accurately adjusted between the indicated temperature range on each product page. The average internal temperature range for most wine coolers is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, many of the wine coolers have an ambient temperature range listed, so you can determine if a particular wine refrigerator can work optimally in a garage or basement.  Ambient temperature is the range at which the environment around the unit can be without affecting the internal temperature.

Internal Temperature Range
Temperature variance between zones and between the upper and lower portion of a wine cooler varies depending upon the size of the unit. Within dual-zone wine coolers that have an approximate capacity of 50 to 60 wine bottles the temperature fluctuates roughly two degrees between zones. Single zone wine refrigerators tend to vary 3 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit between the upper and lower portion of the interior compartment. This degree variance can be attributed to warmer air rising and cooler air remaining toward the floor of the wine cooler.

Red and White Wine Temperatures
Red and white wines are typically stored separately at their individual desirable temperatures. This can be accomplished by either purchasing a dual temperature zone wine cooler or choosing ideal placement of red and white wines within a single zone wine refrigerator. Because red wine is more enjoyable at a warmer temperature than white wine, it is advisable to store red wines near the top of the wine cooler and white wines toward the bottom. This is a particularly helpful suggestion for single zone wine coolers.

The best storage temperature range for red wine is recommended between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Most wine experts strongly suggest 55 degrees Fahrenheit as the perfect temperature for premium red wines. This temperature allows the red wine to age properly and accentuates the aroma and flavor characteristics of such wines. Contrastingly, white wines are best stored at cooler temperatures. In fact, a precisely chilled white wine is amazingly expressive. White wines are better stored between the temperature range of 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, most wine experts encourage white wine storage at less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The common temperature range of most well-made wine coolers is amply adequate at meeting the optimal degrees of both red and white wines.  

Why Does Wine Need To Be Stored In A Wine Cooler?
Storing and cooling wine at proper temperatures is important to preserve and enhance the details of each varietal. Wine that is not cooled or stored in a wine cooler can age prematurely and thus the flavors and aromas become undesirable quickly. On the other hand, wine that is stored in a freezing environment can age too slowly or not at all resulting in undeveloped flavor. Additionally, dry and severely cold climates can cause cracks in the cork which allow oxygen to penetrate the wine and compromise its characteristics. If you plan on starting or expanding your wine collection, investing in a wine cooler to properly cool and store your vintages is a wise idea.