Why is it important to avoid temperature variations in storage?

Why should temperature variations be avoided when storing wine?

Storage temperature is undoubtedly the most critical factor in wine preservation. However, it's not just extreme temperatures that are problematic, but above all temperature variations, even moderate ones. These fluctuations, if repeated, can alter the quality, stability and ageing of the wine. Here's why a constant temperature is essential, and how to ensure it with the right wine cellar.

1. Wine, a living, sensitive material

Wine is not an inert product. Even after bottling, it continues to evolve under the effect of various factors:

• Micro-oxygenation through the cork,

• Internal chemical exchanges (between acids, sugars, tannins, etc.),

• Enzymatic reactions.

All these dynamics are directly influenced by temperature. The more stable the temperature, the slower, more controlled and more positive the evolution.

2. What are the effects of temperature variations?

a. Acceleration of chemical reactions

A rise in temperature stimulates molecular activity in the wine, resulting in :

• Loss of aromas (particularly volatile ones),

• Premature evolution of tannins and color,

• Accelerated oxidation.

b. Liquid contraction and expansion

Wine is sensitive to expansion:

• Upward: liquid expands, exerting pressure on the cork and even causing it to ooze.

• On the downside: the liquid contracts, creating a vacuum that can let air in through the cork.

These repetitive mechanical phenomena promoteoxidation, loss of freshness and irreversible organoleptic alteration.

c. Cork detachment or drying out

Frequent temperature changes dry out the cork or cause micro-leaks:

• The wine loses its seal.

• It becomes vulnerable to external contamination and ambient odors.

3. Critical thresholds to be aware of

Daily fluctuations of more than 2 to 3 °C are already problematic for ageing wines.

4. Why is a wine cellar essential?

Climadiff wine cellars are designed to neutralize temperature variations, even in unstable environments (garage, laundry room, veranda, etc.).

Key technologies :

• High-density insulation: limits heat loss.

• Electronic thermostat: maintains target temperature to within a tenth of a degree.

• Recirculating cooling system: ensures temperature uniformity throughout the cellar.

• Adapted climate class: some cellars can operate in rooms with ambient temperatures from 10°C.

For unheated environments, models equipped with a winter system can stabilize the interior temperature even when the ambient temperature temporarily drops.

5. Case study: cellar in kitchen vs. cellar in garage

• Cellar in kitchen:

• Constant ambient temperature (20-23°C),

• Few variations: excellent stability,

• Service or double-zone model recommended.

• Cellar installed in unheated garage:

• Significant variations (5-25°C depending on season),

• Risk of loss of thermal control,

• Ageing model with winter system and climate class SN or ST required.

Conclusion

Temperature variations are the silent enemy of wine conservation. Invisible in the short term, they slowly but surely alter the quality of your bottles. A well-chosen wine cellar maintains a stable, even temperature, adapted to each type of wine. This is the sine qua non for controlled aging.