There are many different types of wine and probably just
 
as many different ways to bottle and market great
 
vintages. Many of my personal favourites are a part of
 
the red wine family. There are some unique red wine
 
characteristics that need to be considered to store and
 
serve red wine correctly. Important factors to consider
 
are the red wine type, the storage and serving
 
temperatures, the storage humidity, and red wine storage
 
environment.
 
The best rule of thumb to use for red wines is to store
 
them at a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees F. When
 
temperatures approach 90 degrees F., red wine can easily
 
be damaged.
 
Red wines are best stored in a wine fridge, bottles
 
properly racked in a horizontal position and with the
 
temperature precisely regulated. The horizontal position
 
will insure that the cork won't crack or leak from
 
drying out. Relative humidity should be around 70
 
percent. Leaking corks can cause premature oxidation of
 
the wine.
 
Your storage appliance should be placed out of direct
 
sunlight to maximize your wine cooler's ability to hold
 
a constant temperature. Most red wines should be served
 
at room temperature, which means an average of 60 to 65
 
degrees F. If the red wine is served too warm, the
 
taste will be dominated by the alcohol and if it is
 
served to cold, it will definitely be less flavourful.
 
Red sweet and sparkling wines should be served much
 
colder than room temperature, about 45 degrees F.
 
Use the serving guidelines, but good wine tasting often
 
comes down to personal preference in balancing flavour
 
and alcohol taste. It is best to experiment on your own
 
when serving your favourite red to find your personal
 
temperature niche.