What impact will storing Reds at room temperature (75-77 constant) have on the wine? Does it age faster? slower? quality issues?

I keep them dark, quiet, humid, and vibration free. However, I have not made that big investment in a Eurocave yet to keep them at 57 degrees.

Very interested in any help.

75-77 degrees? Hmmm....that's pretty warm for a wine that should be stored at 55. From what I understand, heat accelerates the aging process but not necessarily in a good way. Sometimes, unwanted flavors begin to manifest themselves. Example...I had a poorly stored bottle that smelled and tasted like soap...and no, it wasn't the glass I drank it from.

If you are serious about storing wine especially long lived ones, the Eurocave or Silent Cellar is a good thing. Consider it a protection of your investment especially if you have expensive bottles. You will be happier in the long run.

I was in the same situation as you and the soapy bottle made me change my attitude toward storing wine. Good thing it was one of the less expensive ones.

Hi Brian,

Yes your to warm. 55 - 57 degrees is a good temp. You can buy very inexpense wine coolers to start on ebay. A short term storage is fine a a wine rack. My wine rack only holds a dozen bottles, and that is the wine I usually drink during the week, common "best buys" end good scoring wines. My "special" wines go into the "cheapo" wine fridge. I do take the wine in my rack (stored in the living room) and pop it into the fridge for 20 minutes or so, just to cool it and then open it.....mmmmm Cheers!

Tracey

Thanks guys. Huge help. I found a DANBY 75 bottle cooler that looks like it will do the trick. Anything I should know about this brand?

Just about any brand will have its pros and cons. Like most anything else out there (clothes, wine, cars, etc.) you get what you pay for. You can always upgrade down the road - but sounds like you made a good choice!