Storing Wine in a Small House

I store a lot of my wine at about that temperature. It may not be best and it may not age well for 8 or 10 years but for a few years it is just fine.

Ray

Storing your wine properly is the best thing you can do to maximize the potentials of your wines. IMHO, I think 72 is too high - white or red. Wine is a living thing; all other variables constant, temperature has the most effect on wine quality over time. Most wine cellars are kept between 57 to 60 (F). As temp goes up into the 60's, wine will 'age' more quickly. as it goes even higher, you run the risk of wine 'aging' too fast, and even developing off flavors. Other environmental considerations include; humidity, light, and vibration.

Couple suggestions;

• If you can afford it, build a wine cellar. An old closet can be converted - there are plenty of "how to" books available.

• Less expensive, and easier, but still a few $; buy a wine cabinet. Basically, a refrigerator with a higher temp range and (usually) a humidity control.

• For small quantities and a more limited budget; get an old refrigerator and hook it up to an external temp control (many of the wine and home brew places sell them). Long term, this uses more $ in energy costs.