Wine refrigerators/coolers are made specifically to keep your wines at the desirable temperature to conserve taste as well as prolong its life. Using other means to store wine can be problematic.
Problems can arise with the use of a regular refrigerator to store your wines. When the refrigerator door is opened often the temperature can go up and down, often throughout the day and evening. This is combined with the normal colder temperature setting.
Storing wine in a closet, garage, etc. is contraindicated as it allows the wine to be exposed to higher temperatures that fluctuate continually.
Both can lead to deterioration of the wine’s integrity due to chemical reactions.
different varieties and types of wine call for assorted storage temperatures. Light bodied sweet dessert wines and white sparkling wines call for the lowest temperatures (41-50 degrees F); light bodied aromatic white and full bodied dessert wines need 46-54 degrees F; red sparkling, medium body whites and light bodied reds require 50-54 degrees F; full bodied white wines about 54-61 degrees F; medium bodied red wines call for 57-63 degrees F; and full bodied red wines require 59-64 degrees F.
Because of the disparity of temperature requirements a 2-Zone wine cooler is better.
Another advantage to weigh is that wine chillers can control the humidity, another detriment to wine storage. The cooler will also help protect your wine from the various odors that exist in normal refrigerators, like food and other beverages.
It also is a good idea to store wine on its side so the cork can remain moist.
Be sure to attend to the reputation of the company and the quality of the model of wine cooler. Look at how it cools (thermoelectric helps reduce unecessary vibration and does not use ozone-depleting chemicals like CFC’s or HCFC’s, which is better for the environment), whether ts has at least 2 zones (to give more flexibility in storing different varieties of wines), and if it is backed by a complete satisfaction guarantee.
A great Wine Refrigerator is a fantastic investment if you value your wine and your tasting experience.
