How to store wine correctly in summer?

Summer is the season for enjoyment, natural light, outdoor dining and toasts that linger as the sun sets. But it is also a delicate time for wine. At Vinozia, we are aware of one of the biggest concerns for lovers of this fermented drink: that heat is the enemy of the wines in our beloved collection.

In this article, we reveal how to maintain elegance in every glass during the warmest months of the year, taking care of temperature, service and storage as a true sommelier would.

Temperature is everything

The temperature at which a wine is served can completely change the tasting experience. When served too warm, the aromas become uncontrolled and the alcohol takes over; conversely, if it is too cold, its natural expression is blocked. In summer, this becomes even more important, as glasses quickly warm up in your hand or on the table.

Take note of the ideal serving temperatures for each type of wine. With this reference, you can adjust the temperatures according to the occasion and enjoy all the nuances and aromas of the selected wine. But remember that in summer it is advisable to adjust these temperatures slightly downwards, as the glass will affect the temperature of the liquid by between 1 and 3 degrees.

• High-end sparkling wines (Champagne, Corpinnat, Cava Brut Nature): between 6 and 8ºC. Cold but not ice-cold, to preserve the finesse of the bubbles and the bakery aromas.
• Young white wines (Albariño, Verdejo, Godello): between 7 and 10ºC. Very fresh, perfect for seafood, sushi and summer dishes.
• Aged white wines (Chardonnay from Burgundy, Rioja Blanco): between 10 and 12ºC. A temperature that allows you to appreciate the smoothness without losing liveliness.
• Quality rosés (Provence, Cigales, Navarra): between 8 and 10ºC, especially in hot environments. Refreshing but expressive.
• Light reds (Mencía, Pinot Noir, young Garnacha): between 12 and 15ºC, slightly cooler than usual to make them more agile on the palate.
• Full-bodied reds (Reserva, Gran Reserva): if you decide to open them in summer, serve them between 16 and 18ºC, although on hot days it is preferable to opt for lighter options.

The silent essential for wine preservation

If you consider yourself a lover of fine wine, a wine cooler is not a luxury: it is a necessity. Mid- to high-end models allow you to keep different types of wine in optimal conditions thanks to independent temperature zones.

It is important not to confuse storage temperatures with serving temperatures, as they are different aspects of wine preservation.

The temperatures recommended by Vinozia for storing different types of wine are:

• Sparkling and young white wines: between 6 and 8°C.
• Aged white wines and rosés: between 9 and 11°C.
• Light red wines: between 12 and 14°C.
• Aged or full-bodied red wines: between 14 and 16°C.

It is also important to maintain humidity at around 65–70% to prevent the corks from drying out and air from entering the bottles.

If you do not have a wine cooler, a well-ventilated indoor pantry or a low cupboard in a cool room can serve as a temporary solution. The main thing is to avoid exposing the bottles to sudden changes in temperature.

Elegance in service

At Vinozia, we know that in order for the experience of tasting wine in summer to be an unforgettable memory for you and your guests, it is essential to take care of small details such as the presentation and accompaniment of this drink.

With a few simple gestures, you can transform the atmosphere and make wine tasting a more comforting and pleasant experience on the hottest days of summer:

• Use an ice bucket for white, rosé and light red wines.
• Serve small quantities in glasses. Wine in glasses warms up quickly.
• Use fine crystal glasses with long stems. This prevents the wine from warming up in your hand and highlights the nuances of the wine.

A ritual that adapts to the season

Enjoying wine in summer is an art that requires a little more care, but the reward is well worth it. Imagine a sunset on the coast with a glass of sweet Tostado de Costeira wine from the Ribeiro Designation of Origin served between 10º and 12º, or an outdoor lunch with a Mar de Frades Finca Valiñas Albariño; complex, mineral and with aromas of white fruit, citrus and salty notes, perfectly chilled and accompanied by fresh oysters. Or a Rioja Aster Finca El Otero, accompanying grilled red meats or cured cheeses.

At Vinozia, we want to continue making every wine experience a unique moment. Don't miss any of our tips, analyses and recommendations.