The South Beach Wine Club
We Know How To Party!

We aren’t just another wine club - we provide our club members with everyday wines along with a daily blog full of great wine information. Our articles are full of wine news, pairing suggestions, restaurant reviews, and party tips designed to help wine buyers ranging from complete novices to experienced drinkers looking for the next best bottle. Sure, we want you to purchase a membership to The South Beach Wine Club, but we also want you to stop by every day to see what's on our minds. And once you're here, we hope you comment on what you read.

The club is designed for those who like to enjoy wine every day and those who know that wine helps make a party great - no matter what size! But who has time to make that extra trip after work to the wine store, trolling through endless bottles of wine? You should spend your time enjoying the wine, so we pick great bottles at great prices for you. No more guess work!

We keep it simple - 3 different tiers: 2, 4 or 6 bottles per month.

The price is listed in the total price - no hidden shipping costs at check out.

Customize your shipment to be all reds, all whites, or a mix - because you never know.

Perfect gift for those busy friends who always like to have a bottle of wine around.

Regularly updated blog to provide you with helpful party tips, wine suggestions, and pairing ideas.

South Beach Wine Club Daily Blog:

Tailgate with wine and chili

Author: Randy  //  Category: Party Wine, Wine Stories, Wine Tips

 

This weekend is the Florida Gators’ first game of the season, and orange and blue will be running rampant through the streets of Gainesville. Sure, most of the college kids will be sticking to cans of cheap beer and plastic bottles of liquor that have “classy” names on them. But for us older alumni, wine can be the perfect pair with tailgate foods. And perhaps one of my favorite tailgate foods (that is also great for a tailgate party) is chili.

tailgate wine bottle

With its bold flavors and meaty appeal, chili may seem best suited to a cold beer – and certainly, you can’t go wrong there. But what about wines? Will they mesh with the Lone Star State’s most famous dish? In a word: Yes! Here are a few suggestions, and why they work:

beef chili

Zinfandel: A spicy, jam-packed red Zin will match the big, spicy flavors of your most robust “bowl of red.”

Syrah/Shiraz: Also possessing hints of spice, Shiraz will delight you. Try Shiraz-Cabernet blends from Australia if your chili is especially meaty.

Riesling: Rather than complementing the rich hearty chili flavors, go for contrasts with a sweeter style of Riesling from Germany. Its fruitiness and brightness will play well against the depth of flavors in the chili.

Sparkling Wines: Akin to beer, a nice fizzy wine will prove refreshing between bites. An inexpensive sparkler from Spain will offer the easygoing appeal you want with such a casual dish.

So add a few bottles of wine to your tailgate shopping list, and remember – GO GATORS!

So many pizza toppings; So many wines to pair them with

Author: Randy  //  Category: Party Wine, Wine Review and Pairing, Wine Stories, Wine Tips

 

I spent this past weekend in Philadelphia, and although I was hankering for a Philly cheese steak (with provolone and onions), only pizza seemed to be in the cards for me. Pizza with mushrooms, pepperoni pizza, Hawaiian pizza – it seemed all my friends who were on a diet where eagerly awaiting my visit just so they could grub on their favorite fast food!

And although some ice cold Coke was good with lunch, wine was what we had with dinner. For the best match of wine with pizza, take a tip from your toppings. Focus on the dominant flavors in the topping and look for a wine that complements them. As a general rule, heat and spices will take well to a sweet or sparkling wine, while toppings with strong, earthy flavors get along best with wines on the dry side.

gourmet pizza and wine

Start with the classic pairing: a pizza loaded with tomato sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni, alongside a bottle of Chianti, made from the Sangiovese grape. Chianti’s heartiness and acidity go well with the bite of the sauce, the creaminess of the cheese and the saltiness of the pepperoni. Chianti isn’t the only option, of course; Sauvignon Blanc, the near-universal wine, also works surprisingly well. But neither of these is right for every type of pizza.
Here are some pizza types and some wines that complement them. If your choice does not lead to love at first bite (and sip), just save the bottle for after dinner!

WHITE PIZZA WITH MUSHROOMS – The “white” means cheese with no tomato sauce base, so the usual high-acid choices that complement tomatoes will not do. If the cheese is only mildly salty and the mushrooms dominate, you could pair this pizza with the complexity and intensity of a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Or elevate the pie into a total gourmet occasion with Champagne. The effervescence will cut through the richness of the cheese and accent the mushrooms indulgently.

white pizza

SPINACH AND GARLIC – One of Brett Baxter’s favorites, this is one of the rare gourmet pizza types that can stand up to Chianti (a pesto topping is another). Why settle for the ordinary, though? Sangiovese, made from the same grape as Chianti but lighter, spicier and more complex, has a natural love affair with garlic. This earthy topping pair also goes well with the fragrant fruitiness of Valpolicella or the simplicity of a Pinot Noir.

GOAT CHEESE – Look for a dry Sauvignon Blanc, which has the versatility to support this cheese’s creamy mildness.

HAM AND PINEAPPLE – Usually referred to as a Hawaiian pizza, this style has a tricky one-two punch of salty and sweet. The combination requires a fruity white wine that’s midway between dry and sweet. Light, herbal Sauvignon Blanc fits the bill.

gourmet pizza

BARBECUE CHICKEN – One of my personal favorites, I suggest a German or California Riesling. This varietal  gets along with the peppery sweetness of this increasingly popular pizza.

THAI CHICKEN – The spicy peanut sauce calls for a sweet white wine, such as an Italian Pinot Grigio (or its West Coast relative, Pinot Gris), or a spicy, aromatic Gewurztraminer, which is widely produced in the United States now as well as in Germany. Don’t overlook a sparkling wine or Champagne. The bubbles bring a flair to sweet and spicy ethnic food.

Although I just returned from a weekend of eating way too much pizza, this article just put me in the mood for more. But now that I’m back on Miami Beach, my choices of quality pizza shops are quite tiny. I think I’ll head to Primo’s which is South of Fifth. If you don’t know it – find it. It’s the closest thing to New York style pizza on the beach!

Making sense of wine labels begins with the AOC

Author: Randy  //  Category: Wine Regions, Wine Stories, Wine Tips

 

What’s outside is your key to what’s inside a bottle of wine. The labels tell you essentials like the producer, the grape type, alcohol content, growing region and more.

Why is a wine’s place of origin so important? It starts with the French concept of terroir. Literally the French word for soil, terroir (tehr-WAHR) refers not only to the type of soil in which grapevines grow, but other factors that can influence the character of the grapes, including climate, wind and altitude. Those products made outside of name-protected regions may be of high quality, too, but they will not be the same as those that hail from within a name-protected region. That’s why, by law, such products must be called something else – sparkling wine rather than Champagne, and Meritage rather than Bordeaux.

french wine label sample

The French started their Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) system in 1935. The system has evolved over the years, and now wine with an AOC designation must meet strict criteria for seven categories that include everything from the patch of land on which the grapes are grown to the maximum yield of grapes per crop. Since 1979, all wines under consideration for AOC status must be approved by a tasting panel. Other countries have followed suit. In 1978, America launched the American Viticultural Area (AVA) system. Unlike France, America’s system is limited to geography, but it ensures, among other things, that a bottle labeled Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is made predominantly from grapes grown in Napa Valley. There are now more than 200 recognized AVAs in the country.

When it comes to wine, the tricky thing with the AOC/AVA system is that an appellation can also be carved up into many sub-appellations. For example, in France, wine can be from Bordeaux in general, or from one of its sub-regions, such as Pomerol, St. Emilion, Graves or Medoc. In America, a region such as Napa Valley also has its sub-regions, including Oakville, Stags Leap, and Yountville. Wines within a designated region are likely to share basic characteristics. After trying several, you can decide whether or not it’s worth your while to sample more wines within that region.

For example, perhaps you have been disappointed by Pinot Grigio, but a friend serves you one that exhibits a depth and finesse you’ve never before enjoyed in this wine. Grab that bottle and take a really close look. Try a few more Pinot Grigios from that region, and if you like them, you’ll know that’s generally a style of Pinot Grigio you’ll enjoy. Another example would be to try a variety of Cabernet Sauvignon including one from the general area of Sonoma, Napa Valley and another from a sub-region such as Rutherford or Oakville. Then, throw in a Cab-based wine from Bordeaux, perhaps from the Medoc and Graves appellations. You’ll then be able to get a better handle on what region produces the varietal in the style that best suits you.

spanish wine label sample

There’s no need to memorize exactly what the designations on wine bottles mean. Simply know that if you spot them, they’re an authentic link to place and, in most cases, standards and tradition. From now on, start casting a keen eye to where your favorite sips come from. Soon, you’ll start developing a new appreciation for what goes into making the world’s great wines. Here is the cheat-sheet you’ll need:

•    AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee), sometimes abbreviated to AC: the French system of geographically based wine regulation. Literally, “Controlled Appellation of Origin,” this system ensures that wines labeled by a particular region are, in fact, grown and produced in that region. In France, a wine labeled with AOC must also follow other guidelines, such as the varieties of grapes in the wine, the minimum alcohol content and winemaking practices.

•    DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata): the Italian version of the French AOC system. DOCG is a second, higher designation for Italian wine, with even more demanding laws.

•    DO (Denominacion de Origen): the Spanish version of the AOC system. DOCa is a second, higher designation for Spanish wine.

•    DOC (Denominacao de Origem Controlada): the Portuguese version of the AOC system. Portugal was the first country to implement such a system, in 1756.

•    AVA (American Viticultural Area): an American system that controls the geographical names used on labels. Unlike the French AOC system, however, the AVA system does not regulate other matters, such as grapes used, alcohol content and winemaking practices.

I give Finger Lakes wine a big thumbs up

Author: Randy  //  Category: Wine Regions, Wine Stories

 

After mentioning the Finger Lakes region as a wonderful producer of Ice Wine in a recent post, I wanted to expound on how great the region is as a whole. This touristic wine region is little more than a half day’s drive from New York City. It’s a string of 11 deep lakes sculpted centuries ago by glaciers. Today, green carpets of grapevines line the roadways, climb the hills, and cascade down to the lakes, supporting more than 100 wineries. New York State, primarily because of the lakes region, now ranks third behind California and Washington in wine production in the U.S. Once you find your way up to the Finger Lakes region, here are some places you may want to stop.
finger-lakes-wine

Hammondsport is a good starting point, and is home to the nation’s first bonded winery – Great Western.  This winery offers tours and historic exhibits in eight remarkable stone buildings dating back to 1860. After Great Westen, you can ead up the way to Bully Hill Vineyards, a small village unto itself, and close to two of the region’s finest wineries – Heron Hill and Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars. Further up and a short swing away from the lake is Hunt Vineyards, manned by a sixth-generation family of winemakers.

Seneca is the largest and deepest of all the lakes and has the most wineries lining its shores. Route 14 heads south along the lake, passing an inviting procession of wineries. Key stops include Hermann J. Weimer winery (producer of German-style Rieslings) as well as the Fox Run and Anthony Road wineries. Farther south is Glenora Wine Cellars, home also to a modern inn and restaurant overlooking vineyards and the lake. A little past Glenora, is Fulkerson Winery, which offers home winemaking supplies and lessons.

Climbing north along the eastern shore of Seneca, you’ll pass a baker’s dozen of wineries. Key stops should include LaFayette Reneau (famed for sparkling wine), the rustic Hazlitt 1852 Wine Cellars at Hector (with a huge selection of native New York wines and a massive tasting bar), Red Newt Cellars (notable for its cult-wine Cabernet Sauvignon) and the stylish Grecian-pillared Lamoreaux Landing in Lodi. Nearby is Wagner Vineyards, a winery and brewery.

The last stop on the trip could be the Cayuga Lake Area, where many of the wineries are making surprisingly good blends using European varietals, hybrids, and Native American grapes. That group includes Goose Watch, Swedish Hill, and Lucas Vineyards.

For more information or to plan a trip, check out www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com.

No, Prosecco, Asti, and Moscato d’Asti aren’t the same wine

Author: Randy  //  Category: Uncategorized

 

This past weekend I celebrated my grandmother’s 80th birthday AND the Fourth of July at Disney World. I was asked to bring “White wine that was low in alcohol, and perhaps something to toast with as well.”  In order to kill two birds with one stone, I immediately decided to pick up Italian sparkling wine.  And wanting to be able to please family members who enjoy different degrees of sweetness, I purchased bottles of Prosecco, Asti, and Moscato d’Asti. Everyone enjoyed the bottles, but I continued to hear the same question over and over: “Aren’t Asti and Moscato d’Asti the same thing?” My only response was to suggest taking another sip of each in order to decide the answer. But for you, my audience, I’m happy to go into detail about the wonderful world of light Italian sparklers.

An added benefit of these wines is that they offer a great way to bring a Champagne-esque feel to any occasion without draining your wallet. One reason these wines are less expensive than French Champagne or high-end sparkling wines from other regions in the world is because they’re made by the charmat process, a less time-consuming and labor-intensive process than the more elaborate methode champenoise used to make higher-end sparklers (I’ll save the specific differences between these two methods for another article).

It’s important to not to think of these wines as princely pretenders to the Champagne throne, but rather, more playful and less well-bred knaves with their own brand of charm. While Champagne can be rich and elegant, these wines are frivolous and refreshing. Champagne can be a little dry and little tight-fisted with the fruit, but these Italian sparklers playfully offer it to you in spades. Not to mention the fact that while Champagne is usually around 12.5 percent alcohol, Prosecco, Asti, and Moscato d’Asti are usually no more than 7.5 percent alcohol.

When chilled up nicely, Prosecco, Moscato d’Asti and Asti taste especially great poolside, dock-side or anywhere outdoors as the temperature climbs – such as Disney World in July. And, with their happy bubbles, they’re also shoo-ins for celebrations any time of year, as they offer an expensive yet highly respectable way to bring sparkle to grand occasions, such as holidays, weddings, New Year’s Eve – or your grandmother’s 80th birthday.

The three range in sweetness-Prosecco is generally a little drier than Asti, while Moscato d’Asti is usually the sweetest of the three. They also range in the intensity of bubbles. Asti is fully sparkling (spumante), while Moscato d’Asti is gently sparkling (frizzante). Prosecco can come in either spumante or frizzante styles.

prosecco

Prosecco is made from the Prosecco grape and most often produced in Italy’s Veneto region. Light, crisp and refreshing, this easy-to-love sparkling wine goes well with many foods. Chicken salad, Eggs Benedict and other light brunch and lunch dishes make for winning combinations. However, like many sparkling wines, Prosecco shines when paired with just about anything, not to mention that it is great for making Bellinis.

moscato-dasti1

Made in the Piedmont region of Italy near the town of Asti, Moscato d’Asti possesses just a hint of sparkle along with peachy flavors that appeal to those who enjoy a little sweetness in their sip. Light and refreshing, it’s usually low in alcohol, making it tailor-made for sipping on a warm day. It pairs especially well with fruit desserts.

asti

You have probably enjoyed Asti under another name; years ago it used to be called “Asti Spumante.” Now it’s simply “Asti.” Like Moscato d’Asti, this sparkling wine also is made near the town of Asti from the Moscato grape; the difference is that it’s a little less sweet and it sparkles more fully. It pairs well with dessert, though anyone who likes sweeter wines like White Zinfandel will enjoy it with their entree, too.

French wine helps beat the heat

Author: Randy  //  Category: Party Wine, Wine Regions

 

An abundance of high-quality wines hail from France’s Loire Valley.  These wines are light and refreshing, and are great to use for any type of outdoor entertaining. Yet because most Loire wines are named for places within the region, many of these superb sips remain a mystery to wine lovers. Check out this quick guide to help you make sense of them all.

Named after one of the most renowned regions in the Loire Valley, Pouilly-Fume is a world-class aromatic white made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Other regions that produce wonderful Sauvignon Blanc are Sancerre and Touraine.  Remember, when in the Loire section of your wine store, these wines will be listed by region, not varietal, so look for bottles that say Sancerre and Touraine, not Sauvignon Blanc (as they would if produced in the New World).

loire-wine-sancerre-and-vouvray

Vouvray lies at the eastern end of the valley near Tours. Slightly sweet but still delightfully dry, Vouvray wine is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc grapes. In addition to winsome dry wines, the large Vouvray district also produces excellent sweets and sparklers. If you’re looking for a tantalizing wine to serve with seafood this summer, give Muscadet a look. Some of the most interesting of these come from the sub-regions of Muscadet, which lies at the western end of the Loire Valley. Be sure to check for the words “sur lie” on the label, as these versions offer some of the most intense flavors of all Muscadets.

muscadet-sur-lie

The Loire also makes fantastic roses that range from slightly, to fully off-dry (that is, a little sweet). Because these roses are lighter versions of red wines such as Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay, the Loire’s roses make superb introductory sips for those who are new to wine. Some of the best can be found around the region of Anjou, about 200 miles southwest of Paris. Look for bottles labeled Rose d’Anjou.

rose-danjou

Second only to the Champagne region as a producer of sparkling wines, Loire sparklers are required by law to be made with the same labor-intensive technique as their sassy competitors to the north. For great quality at bargain-basement prices, sparklers with Vouvray in their names are very hard to beat. There are also sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes which represent the most outstanding incarnations of this varietal and style. As I mentioned above, Vouvray sweets are particularly notable.

Wine for Fourth of July Parties

Author: Randy  //  Category: Party Wine, Wine Stories

 

When inviting friends over for a Fourth of July barbecue, it’s easy to find a wine that everyone at the party will enjoy. You have to appeal to guests whose tastes range from light and fruity to heavy and complex. As the host of the gathering, remember to put both reds and whites out, as many wine-lovers prefer one or the other. That way, you’ll surely please everyone. Above all, don’t worry too much.

fourth-of-july-party

Remember that most people who come to your house aren’t going to furrow their brows over the wine you serve; they’re just happy to be invited to join in the fun. If you choose wines you enjoy and pair them with foods you like, chances are you’ll be just fine. Keep in mind, however, that some people exclusively drink reds, while others drink only whites. Therefore, it’s a good strategy supply plenty of each. Choose two go-to wines that pair well with a great range of foods – sandwiches and burgers, as well as steaks and ribs. If you order in or if it’s a potluck shindig, you can still choose from an assortment of food-friendly wines.

For white wine, try to stay towards bottles with good acidity. Picks from the whites include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Champagne and sparkling wines. Chardonnay, often rich and buttery with pear and apple notes, is the most popular white in the U.S. Although it does not pair perfectly with all foods, Chard fans simply won’t care. Pinot Grigio is usually a sure bet as well. This light, fruity, but subtle, pick will go with just about anything on your table. Viognier has the creaminess and body of Chard, but intriguing floral notes that guests will remembered.

fourth-of-july-wine

Some exciting red wine to try could include a Spanish Rioja, made mostly from Tempranillo, or Italy’s Chianti which is made mostly from Sangiovese. Pinot Noir is also a shoe-in. Merlot is a soft, rich, plummy wine that will flatter most foods and is easy to drink. Syrah/Shiraz offers plenty of personality; find vivid dark-fruit flavors with pleasing spicy notes. Blends are also a great idea. American wineries are bringing together unique blends of grapes, and these wines are the newest attention-grabbers to hit the shelves. Start with blends that feature grapes you like. Branch out from there.

Also be sure to offer plenty of nonalcoholic beverages – people will look for cans of Miller Light and Pepsi.

Plenty of wine to toast with

Author: Randy  //  Category: Party Wine, Wine Tips

 

My sister graduated from high school today, and in preparation for the graduation party, wine for toasting was bought in GREAT quantities. The decision was made to purchase a variety of sparkling wines, including some good Champagne. It is important to note that all sparkling wines are not necessarily Champagne. As a rule, only bottles from the Champagne region of France may be labeled Champagne. However, you can find outstanding sparklers from wineries around the globe. These wines must be labeled as something other than Champagne, such as sparkling wine, cava or cremant – but they are just as perfect for toasting a special occasion such as a graduation.

While some sparklers do a great job of standing in for Champagne’s elegant bottles, other bubblies are unique. Many of these great “alternative” sparkling wines come at much lower price tags than pedigreed Champagnes.

Selection of sparkling wine

Even in France, luscious sparkling wines aren’t only the domain of Champagne ; in fact, sparkling wines are made all over the country. Some fine examples are the sparkling wines from the Loire Valley; some are labeled Cremant de Loire, while other sparklers may be labeled by sub-regions, such as Vouvray or Saumur. Most will be made with the lush, fruity, brightly acidic Chenin Blanc grape.

Spain’s sparkling wines are produced predominantly in the Catalonia region of Spain and are most often labeled cava, which is the Catalan word for an underground cellar. Cava is primarily made from grapes typical of the region. Aside from being loved for their wallet-friendly price (you can easily find bottles for under and around $10), cavas are known for being nicely crisp and fruity, but not quite as acidic as a French Champagne.

Italy definitely has its illustrious high-end sparkling wines at high prices; however, when you’re looking for an easy-sipping crowd-pleaser, try Prosecco. It’s fruitier than Champagne and not quite as fizzy. Lighter in body, it’s also a good choice for holiday brunches.

For California sparkling wines, look for the word “Carneros” on your label, which is a growing region that straddles both Napa and Sonoma counties. It is one of the country’s best places to grow those quintessential Champagne, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The words “methode traditionelle” on the label means the wines were made in the same labor-intensive manner used to make French Champagne.

If you’re ready for something off the beaten path, look for sparkling Shiraz from Australia. It’s definitely a sparkling wine of a different color, but it’s a good choice when you want the festivities of bubbles, but crave the heft of something red.

Many of these bottles will be present at the graduation party, and I look forward to sharing them with friends and family. If she’s lucky, I may even allow my sister a glass (don’t tell the Voorhees police department).

Wine pairings for Father’s day

Author: Randy  //  Category: Party Wine

 

While Father’s Day parties often conjure up images of barbecue, sides, and beer, why shouldn’t wine be a part of the party too? After all, wine has now surpassed beer as America’s alcoholic beverage of choice. In addition to some ice cold beer, make sure some of dad’s favorite bottles are on the menu at your own quintessential Father’s Day party. Depending on your Father’s Day celebration style, some wines may be better than others. Here are a few suggestions:

Zinfandel for grillmasters. Whether you bring a simple little hibachi or or if you have a fancy grill with all the bells and whistles, chances are you’ll have some beef, chicken and/or pork sizzling over the coals. Red Zinfandel’s pleasant richness and heft will go particularly well with such meaty, robust foods. Dark, thick and rich with berries and spice, fuller-bodied versions of this wine particularly sing with anything slathered in barbecue sauce.  I don’t know if I’d go with any white wine (except perhaps a Chardonnay), because they won’t be able to stand up to most sauces.

barbecue-grill-wine

Shiraz for chips, dips, sandwiches and more. Like Zinfandel, Shiraz (also known as Syrah), will go great with anything hot off the grill; however, it’s also a smart choice to go along with meat prepared in the oven, such as roasts or meatloaf.  That’s because Shiraz is one of the food-friendliest reds around.  Its tantalizing berry-fruit flavors and peppery-spice notes mesh well with all kinds of party foods, from chili and pizza to hoagies and potato chips.

A little bit of bubbly never hurt anyone. It’s true-there’s plenty of gourmet action going on at many Father’s Day tables. If world-class cheeses and high-end cuts of meat are more your speed, a sparkling wine might just be in order. This isn’t the time to pull out the Champagne (you should have spent your money on a Father’s Day gift and card!). Instead, reach for Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain, or Prosecco, an Italian bubbly. Both are much less expensive than their French cousins. Most sparkling wines buddy up beautifully with a variety of foods, and Cava and Prosecco are no exceptions. Reach for Cava if you like a more traditional, brut-style sparkling wine-it’s toastier and drier than Prosecco, which can often be lighter and fruitier.

Dessert for dad.  Whether dad prefers cheesecake and creme brulee, or chocolate chip and Oreo cookies, dessert wines will certainly end the night on a great note. Port such as a Late Bottle Vintage and Perdro Ximenez Sherry will go great with anything chocolate.  But if dad likes creamier desserts, a chilled bottle of Late Harvest Semillon, Sauterne, or Ice Wine will go great with ice cream, cake, and my favorite – a fresh cannoli.

Cellaring and Storing Wine

Author: Randy  //  Category: Wine Tips

 

Living in Florida, I regularly get asked about proper wine storage.  Is it okay to put wine in the refrigerator, do those small wine cabinets work, and are whites and reds okay to store in the same temperature are the usual questions.  Concern over proper wine storage is warranted whether a person purchases a $10 bottle or $100 bottle. And I feel the best way to explain the storage of wine is to run the gamut of storage options.

The placement of your bottles during storage is more important that many think. Bottles of wine sealed with a natural cork should be stored on their sides, with their label side up. The cork is porous and should be kept moist so as not to dry out and spoil the wine. You should lay the bottle label up so you can tell what bottle you’re looking at. I realize this sounds silly, but if the label isn’t facing up, you have to roll the bottle around to see what it is and that is pretty disruptive to the wine. Bottles that have synthetic corks or screw-top bottles are best kept upright.

Storing and serving your wines at the correct temperature is also important. The optimal temperature to store wine is between 52-56° F (11-13° C). Both red and white wines can be cellared together as long as it is in this temperature range. When preparing to serve your wine, your reds should be approximately 59-64° F (15-18° C). Your white wine, sparkling wine, and rose should be served at approximately 50° F (10° C), so make sure you have an ice bucket on hand.

The wrong storage temperature will certainly damage your wine, as will too much light.  Too much heat will cause a wine to lose its liveliness and take on a cooked, toffee flavor.  Red wines will look brown and white wines will darken in color. Too much light or a dried out cork can cause the wine to oxidize and take on a woody flavor. Light can have the most significant effect on sparkling wines, causing them to lose their bubbles and darken in color.

Ideal storage for wine includes as little natural light as possible, no draughts, no vibration, and very little variation in temperature. This makes standard refrigerators a poor choice for storing wine over time. Wine cellars offer a great way to store wines, but can be very expensive. And it should be noted that a true cellar can be damp so don’t forget the humidifier if you go this route. A standard wine refrigerator seems to be the best idea. Just make sure that the wine refrigeration unit seals very tight to hold the temperature, and doesn’t vibrate too much. Wine refrigerators come in all sizes so as to house wine collections ranging from 10-1000 bottles. As an added bonus, you can purchase a unit that has dual temperature controls. This enables you to keep your white, sparkling, and rose wines slightly colder than your reds.