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JANE’S CHOICE: A WINE FRIDGE If you want a separate cooler to keep wine and fizz in tiptop condition, here’s everything you need to know
As the evenings turn chilly and the festive season looms, there are plenty of excuses to crack open a bottle of wine. If you’re stocking up, it could be worth investing in a wine fridge – not only will it free up prime real estate in your fridge, it’ll also take special care of every bottle.
Q Why buy a wine cooler?
Unlike a standard fridge, a wine cooler gives the precision chill needed to keep your bottles at their best. It will have at least one temperature-controlled zone, which you can alter depending on the wine type you want to store – ideally, you’ll want whites at 10-12°C, and reds at 12-16°C.
Q How does it preserve wine?
Any cooler worth its salt needs humidity controls to keep enough moisture in the air to stop corks drying out, but not so much that mould will grow. Anti-vibration technology will keep wine still so it’s not spoilt by loose sediment, while a charcoal filter removes nasty odours that could taint the taste. If you’re choosing a fridge with a glass door, make sure that it has UV protection, as exposure to sunlight will speed up the ageing process and potentially ruin wine.
Q What size do I need?
It depends on whether you’re building a collection or just want a place to stash a few bottles for parties, and also on how much space you have. Capacities range from a few bottles up into the hundreds, with a wide choice of freestanding and built-in options across the board. Just remember that the space inside any fridge is measured by how many Bordeaux bottles it holds, so you’ll fit in less if you’re storing Champagne or Burgundy. Look out for a tilting presentation shelf, too, if you want to show off prized vintages.
“Wine coolers store wine at its optimum humidity of 60-70%, whereas standard fridges have a humidity level of just 30% ” TWARITA ARYA, PRODUCT MANAGER WHITE GOODS, HAIER