storing wine

[Conductor Bill]

I'm extremely novice when it comes to selecting wines and knowing how to store them. Is there a rule of thumb on which wines should be refrigerated once opened or is it just based on a persons preference.

[wondersofwine]

I recork and refrigerate any wine that I will be consuming over two-four days (except for fortified drinks like Port that can hold up a week or two without refrigerating). With wines that should be served closer to room temperature (most reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz or Syrah), I usually take them out of the refrigerator 20 or more minutes before I will be drinking them. Beaujolais I like slightly chilled. White wines should usually be served slightly chilled (but not frosty) so those I may take out of the refrigerator right before drinking. Still, I pour a second glass or let the wine sit a few minutes in the glass to allow the aromas to release. You miss part of the pleasure of the aroma/bouquet if the wine is overly chilled.