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