Thanks for asking!
According to Michael's (At the Citadel) the ideal storage temperatures
for Cabernet Sauvingon are:
Cabernet Sauvignon, California - 65°
Cabernet Sauvignon, Northern Italian - 57°
Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington - 57°
Cabernet Sauvignon, Australian - 63°
Cabernet Sauvignon, New Zealand - 50°
The coolest recommended temperature for any still wine is 41°.
Chasselas, Swiss
Gruner Veltliner, Austrian
QBA German Whites
Rose, Inexpensive
Soave
Vinho Verde
The only wines listed that are to be stored in that temperature range are:
Sparkling Wines, Inexpensive - 36/39°
Wine Storage Tips 'n Temps
http://www.michaelsrestaurant.com/wine_temps.html
In the best of all worlds, once put down, wines shouldn't be
disturbed. However, we know there are exceptions. 38° seems a rather
radical change. Another consideration would be humidity. Wines need
approximately 75% relative humidity. Most refrigerated coolers remove
humidity automatically. Under low humidity conditions, the cork can
dry out, allowing oxygen to come in contact with the wines.
Aging Wine
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"Very generally speaking, Old World wines last longer than New World
wines and Cabernet Savignon-based wines last longer than Pinot Noirs.
Most whites evolve faster and don't last as long as reds. Keep in mind
that these are general rules of thumb. The slower maturing and longer
lasting wines may reach their plateau in about 10 years and last for
another 10. With proper storage, most California Cabernet Sauvignon
will improve for ten to fifteen years after the vintage date. Pinot
Noir and Zinfandel wines continue to improve for up to five to ten
years after the vintage date."
"Whether your needs are for long term or short term wine storage, the
conditions that you are trying to avoid are; heat (AND ESPECIALLY
TEMPERATURE CHANGES), light, insufficient humidity and excess
movement. The longer you plan to store your wine the more important
proper storage conditions become." [Emphasis, mine]
Wine Rack, Wine Storage, Aging Wine
http://www.inetours.com/PagesWT/Wine_racks.html
Wine 101 | Storage Temperature and Humidity
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"Temperature is by far the more important of the two factors to watch.
The "golden temperature" for wine is 55°F. Wine should normally be
stored between 50-60°F, although a range of 45-65°F is considered
acceptable and the most easily maintained by the normal collector. A
lower, colder temperature causes the aging process to slow down,
preventing the wine from aging properly. A higher, warmer temperature
causes premature aging, although not in a "good" way.
If a wine is kept over 85°F for even a single month, irreparable
damage is done to it. What hurts wine the most is temperature
fluctuation. Even a steady storage at 65°F is better than storage that
every day goes from 45°F - 65°F and back again. One of the effects of
this gyration in temperature is that the cork is pulled in and out,
and air has a better chance of getting in to the wine. Once that
happens, you can kiss your aging goodbye. A good digital gauge makes
this much easier to watch.
Note that cold temperature can be just as bad. Don't store a bottle of
Champagne in your fridge, waiting for the perfect day to drink it.
When that day arrives, the Champagne won't be much to celebrate. You
can keep wine in the fridge for a day or two, but if it looks like
you'll need longer before you're ready to open it, bring it back down
to your cellar."
Wine Storage
http://www.awinestore.com/storage.htm
Professional Storage
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As an alternative to changing the temperature for temporary storage,
have you considered using a professional storage facility for those
several months?
"The WineBank offers quarterly, semi-annual and annual rent of
individual storage lockers, or larger areas, exclusively for wine with
convenient access and state-of-the-art technology. Your finest
vintages deposited in The WineBank will be assured easy, clean, safe
and secure storage."
http://www.winebank.us/pricing.asp
Los Angeles Fine Art and Wine Storage: "Computer controlled at optimum
55°F and 70% relative humidity. 24-case lockers to 500-case rooms."
http://www.lafineart.com/wine.htm
Local Google [ http://local.google.com/ ] may be able to help you
locate a wine storage facility nearby. Try search terms:
"wine storage"
I hope you find this information useful. Should you have any questions
about the material or links provided, please, feel free to ask for
clarification.
---larre
Answer Strategy | Search Terms
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A tiny bit of personal experience/experimentation with California Reds
and a disastrous attempt at overchilling. Plus Google Search Terms:
"wine storage" cabernet
"wine storage"
cabernet storage temperature |
