Wine coolers – why bother – why not use the fridge instead ??
Traditionally wines are kept in a cellar and winecoolers are trying to replicate the storage conditions within a cellar. Temperature and humidity are controlled within the wine cooler, with the better coolers able to maintain red and white wines at different temperatures in different parts of the cabinet.
Optimum storage conditions for wine are: 
50-60% relative humidity
Champagne – 5 C
White wine – 8 C
Red wine – 12 C
Dark, still conditions
Wine bottles stored horizontally
Fridges, on the other hand, are generally:
– too cold
– have zero humidity
– can have odours from food stored within
– have most bottles stored upright
Wine storage units are available in a variety of sizes, either integrated into kitchen cabinets or free-standing
The larger the unit, the more temperature-controlled zones it is likely to have
The better quality wine coolers have low-vibration cooling units, so that any sediment within the wine is not disturbed
Vinoligists, please note:
- The capacity of a wine cooler is usually stated /measured in Bordeaux-style bottles. Bottles for sparkling wine are fatter and longer (the cork sits atop the bottle as opposed to inside the neck), so most will only store at an angle within a smaller cooler and will reduce the available space substantially.
- Having a wine cooler does not make you a wine expert!
- At Pentangle, we know a lot about drinking wine, a skill honed over many years of diligent and focussed practice and while we don’t claim to be wine experts, we can advise you on the appropriate wine cooler for you project.
Cheers!!