Putting your wine in the refrigerator: is it a good idea?

Storing Wine in the Refrigerator: A Sensitive Topic for Wine Enthusiasts

Storing wine in the refrigerator is a sensitive topic for wine enthusiasts. For some, it's out of the question; for others, it's only for opened bottles or white wines. So, what is the reality? Can you put wine in the fridge?

There are actually several answers to this question, depending on what you mean by "storing" and the type of wine in question.

When Is It Preferable to Store a Bottle in the Refrigerator?

Storing wine in the fridge is not a substitute for a specialized wine cellar. Very specific conditions are required to keep wine over time without altering it. The term "storing" often refers to three types of storage:

• Storage for aging: for long-term aging.
• Storage for medium-term consumption: for wines you plan to drink in the near future.
• Storage once the bottle is opened: for short-term consumption.

The longer the aging period, the more strictly the storage conditions must be adhered to. A refrigerator is suitable only for short-term storage because its temperature and humidity levels are too low.

This is particularly true for an opened bottle from dinner that you want to finish the next day, or a bottle that needs chilling before the evening meal. The fridge is also suitable for storing wines that are served close to the temperature inside the refrigerator.

Which Wines Are Best Stored in the Fridge?

Wines that are served at lower temperatures are naturally better suited for refrigerator storage. This includes:

• Sweet white wines (served between 46-50°F or 8-10°C)
• Sparkling wines (served between 46-50°F or 8-10°C)
• Dry white wines and rosés (served between 50-54°F or 10-12°C)

Red wines are served at higher temperatures. While you can store red wine in the fridge for a short period, it has limited benefits: a dark place in your apartment may be better suited for storage. Additionally, storing red wine in the fridge means you will need to wait for it to reach a suitable serving temperature (around 59°F or 15°C) after removing it.

It's important to note that the temperature in a refrigerator is not evenly distributed. The bottom of the fridge is the coldest, and the temperature increases as you move up. Similarly, the temperature will be colder at the back of the fridge compared to the door.

Ideally, your bottle should be placed as high as possible and in the door to benefit from milder temperatures (around 45°F or 7°C).

How Long Can You Keep a Bottle in the Refrigerator?

Regardless, never store your wine in the fridge for too long. Wine is sensitive to light, which is activated each time the fridge is opened, and to the subtle vibrations caused by the fridge's operation. The cork is also sensitive to the dryness in a refrigerator.

For long-term storage, a wine cellar remains essential.

An opened bottle should always be closed tightly to prevent oxidation during refrigerator storage. When stored this way, it can last between 1 to 3 days.

An unopened bottle of white wine or sparkling wine can remain in the fridge for one to two weeks if necessary. For longer storage, it’s recommended to find a proper storage location and only place it in the fridge a few hours before serving.

FAQ - Wine in the fridge

Can you put red wine in the refrigerator?

Yes, but the benefit stays limited. Red wine is served warmer, around 15°C (59°F) or above. A dark spot in your home often works better for storage, and you will need to take the bottle out ahead of time so it reaches serving temperature.

How long does an opened bottle keep in the fridge?

Sealed tightly to prevent oxidation, an opened bottle keeps for 1 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the wine oxidises and starts to lose its aromas.

Which wines are best kept in the refrigerator?

The wines served cold are best suited: sweet whites and sparkling wines (8-10°C / 46-50°F), dry whites and rosés (10-12°C / 50-54°F). Their serving temperature is close to that of the fridge.

How long can an unopened white or sparkling wine stay in the fridge?

An unopened bottle of white or sparkling wine can stay one to two weeks in the refrigerator. For longer, use another storage spot and chill it only a few hours before serving.

Where should you place the bottle in the refrigerator?

The temperature is not even: the bottom and the back are the coldest. Place the bottle as high as possible and in the door to benefit from a milder temperature, around 7°C (45°F).