AI-generated illustration — Wine cellar and bottles
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How to store wine

Light, heat and time: useful habits for looking after your bottles.

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How to store wine

Light, heat and time: useful habits for looking after your bottles.

01

Keep bottles in a dark place with a temperature as stable as possible.

02

Avoid heat sources, direct sunlight and prolonged vibration.

03

Not every wine improves with age. Enjoy simple wines young and check the ageing potential of special bottles.

04

For bottles to drink soon, choose a dark place without major temperature swings. Ageing potential varies; a high price or famous appellation does not guarantee improvement.

Serving temperatures: starting points

Practical references
TermReference
Full white, for example oaked Chardonnay10–13 °C
Full-bodied red15–18 °C
Long-term storage of a sealed bottle10–15 °C

Adapt these references to the wine. It warms in the glass; taste before adjusting temperature.

WSET — Wine service and storage ↗

Frequently asked questions

Does every wine improve with age?

No. Many wines are made for youthful fruit. Seek a drinking window for the exact wine and vintage, accounting for actual storage.

About the images

Illustrative images are AI-generated for FRANCE VINS. Landscapes evoke wine regions; grape images illustrate grapes without identifying a variety.