Newbie wine question: Storage

Somewhere dark, with a constant and coolish temperature. Your fridge should be OK, but I don't really think you want it there for years - do you have a dark cupboard in an unheated room?

Cool, dark place will work.... under the stairs? Back of a closet? The trick is to maintain a constant temperature, no vibration, and no light. Below 70 degrees is a must for longer-term storage and preferrably 60 or below. If you are planning on drinking around 2010, then the 70 degrees would be okay.

Cheers, Gary

Hi Vincent

sorry for this brief reply, I'll try and offer the facts, (without explanation). Sorry but I've got to go to bed..

Four things to worry about.

1. Light: keep the wine in the dark, even if that means wrapping the bottle in tin foil.
2. Temperature: don't worry too much about cold but don't let it freeze. Be more concerned with variation and very concerned with heat.
3. Movement: the fridge is out, I'm afraid. The vibrations cause something called bottle shock which mutes the flavours of all wines. Wines can recover from it if left stable for some time but six years in a domestic fridge is.......well, I wouldn't risk it.
4. Keep it on it's side: possibly the most important consideration.

Some subscribers might furnish you with some of the science behind this or I'll try to find time tomorrow if you're interested. BTW, what's the Sauternes?

I hope this helps Sammy