Exposure to light, vibrations or fluctuations in temperature and humidity can all
cause wine to spoil. However, temperature stability is the most important factor
when it comes to storing wine.
When properly stored, wines not only maintain their quality but many will actually
improve in aroma, flavour and complexity as they mature.
Wines kept at a higher temperature will age faster. Wine that is exposed to
temperatures that are greater than 18 C (64 C) will suffer from poorer flavour and
aroma. Wines kept at too low a temperature can result in the development of
harmful deposits. A humidity of 60%~70% is ideal for keeping corks from shrinking.
After a bottle of wine has been opened, the wine comes into contact with air. So it
is best to store the remainder of the bottle upright, to minimise the surface area of
the wine that is coming into contact with the air. The wine will remain in a drinkable
condition for two days for delicate whites or three days for rich reds, as long as the
bottle has been resealed. You should make sure that the seal is firm by checking
the stopper. Special stoppers that keep wine sparkling and Champagne bubbling
for one or two days after opening, can be bought at most good wine shops.
When stored correctly, white wines can keep well for up to two years. Full bodied
reds will age well for ten years and dessert wines will age well for up to twenty
years.
When you buy a bottle of wine, you should transfer it to a suitable storage location
immediately (if you are not going to store it in your wine chiller).
Cheaper bottles of wine will not age as well as more expensive ones.
To make the most of the bouquet and taste of your wine, never fill more than half
a glass at a time. It will also help if the shape of your wine glass is appropriate for
your wine. The size and shape of your wine glass’s bowl will determine the
intensity and complexity of the bouquet. The stem should be long enough to allow
you to avoid hand contact with the bowl of the glass and should be tulip-shaped
or tapered at the top.
3. The appliance is ideally suited to store 0.75 litre Bordeaux style wine bottles. The
maximum storage number is based on this bottle. As many bottles may differ in
size and dimensions, the actual number of bottles you are able to store may vary.
Make sure that these bottles DO NOT prevent the door from shutting properly.
4. When loading several bottles of wine at once, it will take longer for the appliance
to cool the individual bottles.
5. DO NOT place or use any electrical appliances inside the appliance unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
6. If the appliance is to be moved from one location to another, switch it off, unplug
the power cable from the electric mains, remove all contents from the cooling
compartment, and tape the doors shut.
7. If the appliance is to be left empty for a long period of time (more than 3 weeks),
switch it off, unplug the power cable from the electric mains, remove all contents
from the cooling compartment, clean, dry and leave the door open to prevent
mould from developing within the appliance.
