We’ll be discussing how chilly a typical wine cooler gets in this article.
It’s important to note that there are various types of wine coolers, and each brand and model has a different cooling capacity before we get into the temperature ranges.
We can, however, offer a general response to this query along with the ideal wine cooler temperatures that are most suitable for storing particular wines.
So let’s get started without further ado!
How Cold Does A Get?
First off, compressor-powered and thermoelectric wine coolers are the two main categories, as we mentioned above.
The more popular compressor wine coolers are found in appliances with greater bottle capacities.
This is because more powerful compressor systems are able to handle cooling a larger internal space. The trade-off is that because these systems have actual moving parts, they are noisier to use than thermoelectric devices.
Having said that, they are able to achieve a wider temperature capacity as a result of this increased power.
Compressor – Typical Range
The temperature range of a typical compressor-powered wine fridge is roughly 40°F to 66°F.
Due to its wide range, it can hold any type of wine, including reds (light, medium, and full-bodied) like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Bordeaux, and others.
All of your white wines, such as your Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, and others, can also be stored in it.
Thermoelectric – Typical Range
The typical temperature range of a thermoelectric wine cooler is between 47°F and 65°F.
White wine should be stored at a temperature of about 45°F, so while a thermoelectric cooler can accomplish this, it’s probably best to use a compressor-powered model.
Such a unit is perfect because reds can be stored at a temperature of 48 to 50°F. However, wine coolers with a small bottle capacity typically use thermoelectric systems (less than 12 bottles).
Storing Wine – Important Aspects
There are a number of things to keep in mind when storing wine, particularly when looking to buy a wine fridge.
These are:
- Vibration level
- and stability
- Light exposure
Vibration Levels
According to a 2008 study by Hyun-Jung Chung et al. titled “Effect of vibration and storage on some Physico-chemical properties of a commercial red wine,” there were associated “changes in organic acids, tannins, and refractive index” when red wine was exposed to more vibrations over a longer period of time. This, in essence, means that there were changes in the wine’s flavor.
Therefore, if you’re a wine collector looking for a long-term wine storage solution, it’s crucial to select a wine fridge that offers zero/low vibrations.
and stability
When evaluating the viability of a storage solution, in this case, a wine cooler, wine storage temperature capacity is another crucial consideration.
Making sure the appliance has a sufficient temperature range makes it versatile enough to hold both red and white wine.
Furthermore, it’s essential to understand that the fridge can sustain a constant temperature over time because, in the absence of that, the wine’s flavor will change.
Humidity can also be a problem when it comes to how your wine tastes and is made overall.
The term “too much humidity” refers to the amount of moisture in the air that encourages the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. This moisture can stain bottle labels and permeate porous surfaces.
Even though it’s unlikely to have a significant effect on the flavor of your wine—unless the bottle has somehow been opened and improperly corked—you still want it, especially if you’re handling the wine bottles when serving.
Light Exposure
Similar to too much oxygen or high temperatures, light exposure can cause a wine’s chemical components to change. As a result, the wine has prematurely aged, giving it a “off” color, taste, and aroma.
How exactly does this happen? Well, it happens because the light speeds up the formation of sulfurous compounds in the wine.
Specific Guidelines
For storing various types of wine, we’ve listed specific temperatures directly below.
Store at approximately 45 degrees
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Rose
- Pinot Grigio
Store between 50 & 55 degrees
- Chardonnay
Store between 55 & 60 degrees
- Merlot
- Malbec
- Zinfandel
- Port
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Conclusion
In conclusion, when compared to thermoelectric units (47°F – 65°F), compressor-powered wine fridges have the widest temperature range (40°F – 66°F).
They are therefore perfect for storing both red and white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
View our list of the best wine compressors right here.
Roseanne is an avid wine enthusiast, and has been our expert wine connoisseur since day 1. She’s extremely informed about all varieties of wine and different types of wine fridges.