Q) Is a wine fridge a must? Does the low vibration, humidity and gradual temp grade really matter – and if so – for some or most wines?
Wine fridge is a must in India unless you are buying the regular daily drinker types – sub Rs 1500 wines, then you can get away with it.
But anything decent or above $20 outside should warrant a wine fridge.
If you don’t have the space, then put the wine in your regular fridge and let it sit out for 45 mins before serving. If you immediately drink a chilled red wine the tannins get over exaggerated and it tastes horrible. Good thing is that when it warms up the taste returns.
Ideally the temperature should be 16-18C degrees for big red wines (serving) while lighter Beaujolais types can go down to around 12-14C.
Wine’s a living breathing thing and will spoil in high temperature/humidity. 12-14C is optimal (even for reds).
I personally use the wine fridge by Sub-Zero. U-line, Marvel, Eurocave wine coolers are all up there in my opinion.
