Choosing the Perfect Storage Solution
Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, investing in a wine cooler is a wise decision to preserve and enhance the flavours of your favourite wines. Wine coolers are designed to store wine bottles at optimal temperatures, ensuring they mature gracefully and reach their full potential when it comes time to uncork and savour them. One crucial feature that sets wine coolers apart from regular refrigerators is the presence of multiple temperature zones. In this blog, we'll delve into the concept of different temperature zones in wine coolers and their significance in preserving their taste and ensuring they are served at their perfect temperature.
Why Different Temperature Zones Matter
Wine is a delicate beverage that can be significantly influenced by temperature. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can damage the delicate compounds that contribute to its taste and aroma. Therefore, storing wine at the right temperature is essential. Different types of wines require distinct temperature settings for optimal ageing and enjoyment. This is where the concept of multiple temperature zones in wine coolers becomes crucial.
All wines should be stored at between 53-57 degrees F (12-13°C). This allows the wine to evolve and age as the winemaker intended, however, serving temperatures differ depending on the type of wine.
White wines should be served between 49-55 degrees F (7–12 °C), depending on the variety—and reds between 62–68 degrees F (15–20 °C). The rule of thumb is the lighter the wine, the colder it should be served. The bigger the wine, the warmer it should be served.
Below is a useful guide on the ideal serving temperatures:
- Sparkling and Light-Bodied White Wines: “Ice Cold” between 38–45°F / 3-7°C
- Rosé and Full-Bodied White Wines: “Fridge Cold” between 44–55°F / 7-12°C
- Light and Medium-Bodied Red Wines: “Cool” between 55–60°F / 12-15°C
- Bold Red Wines: “Slightly Cool” between 60–68°F / 15-20°C
- Dessert Wines: Depends on style.
What is a Dual Zone Wine Cooler?
A dual-zone wine cooler offers two spaces that are independently temperature-controlled. This means that you can store your white and red wines in the same cooler, each at their respective ideal serving temperature.
Dual-zone wine coolers are also popular for simultaneously storing and aging wine. Collectors can use one part of the unit at serving temperature, and another for long-term storage.
What is a Single Zone Wine Cooler?
A single-zone wine cooler is a unit with one zone of temperature control. The entire unit is kept at the same temperature.
Why Different Temperature Zones Matter
Wine is a delicate beverage that can be significantly influenced by temperature. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can damage the delicate compounds that contribute to its taste and aroma. Therefore, storing wine at the right temperature is essential. Different types of wines require distinct temperature settings for optimal ageing and enjoyment. This is where the concept of multiple temperature zones in wine coolers becomes crucial.
Dual Zone vs. Single Zone Coolers
Dual-zone coolers are built to accommodate multiple types of wine. Although all wine should be stored at the same temperature, reds and whites should be served at different temperatures. Dual-zone coolers make it easy to serve both types of wine out of the same unit. You can also use a dual-zone unit to store and serve wine at the same time.
Single-temperature coolers are intended for only one type of wine. If you are serving reds and whites simultaneously, you will need a second unit to serve both types of wine at their ideal temperatures.
Which suits you best?
If you have a robust wine collection (or anticipate having one), a dual zone cooler is the ideal choice. Dual-zone units are much more versatile, with the ability to accommodate both red and white wines for serving simultaneously. With a dual-zone cooler, you can also store sparkling wines in the same unit. Users who enjoy hosting wine tastings or who entertain guests regularly will benefit from the added versatility of a dual-zone unit.
On the other hand, single temperature units offer their own share of benefits. Some casual wine drinkers only enjoy either red or white wines. These collectors won’t have any need for a dual-zone cooler. If you are only interested in reds or whites, a single-temperature cooler is perfect.
