I have a case of red wine in my apartment (on the third floor). For the next few days, the temperature is supposed to be up into the 90's. I have two choices...keep the wine in my air-conditioned bedroom, which will be around 75 degrees F, or in the refridgerator. Which is the lesser of two evils? Thank you, Laura
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
This is a tough call as there is justified concern about the effect of heat on wine, but at the same time the brutality of refrigerator conditions is not a good alternative. So here are a few points to consider. This issue is relevant mainly for wines destined to be aged for years, or for delicate white wines which are far more sensitive than concentrated reds. An air conditioned bedroom sounds just fine if you can be confident the temperature will not go much above 75 F during these few days. A wine would normally be affected during a short period only at higher temperatures - say, above 90 F -possibly forcing an expansion of the liquid and leaking along with changes in the wine itself. Temperatures in the mid-70s for an extended period (weeks or months) are liable to lead to accelerated aging, but not outright and immediate damage. Of course, there is no way of knowing in advance exactly how a specific wine will be affected. I would look for the coolest location in your bedroom, perhaps the bottom of a closet facing the flow of cold air, keep the shades drawn at all times, and set the air conditioner on its lowest setting. For the future, you might think about investing in a refrigerated wine cabinet if you intend to maintain a small collection. There are many models available, so you should shop around for one that suits your needs - a little larger is always better so you can indulge your interest in wine!
