02 Jul How to properly store wine this summer

The heat of July doesn’t just challenge those working in the vineyards. It also challenges the wine already waiting at home for the right moment to be enjoyed. High temperatures, sudden temperature changes, and direct sunlight are the biggest enemies of a bottle of wine during summer. Taking proper care of it can make the difference between enjoying it at its best or not.

This is not a new concern. For centuries, the wine world solved this challenge underground: with calados—traditional underground cellars carved into the earth that maintained a constant temperature throughout the year without any mechanical cooling. These historic cellars, also found in Rioja Alavesa, existed long before refrigerators. Today, without having to dig a cave beneath our homes, we can follow the same principles.

Temperature: the most important factor

Wine prefers stability over extreme cold. Ideally, it should be stored between 12 and 16°C (54–61°F), away from heat sources such as sunny windows, radiators, or appliances that generate heat. Frequent temperature fluctuations are far more harmful than a consistently slightly higher or lower temperature.

Avoid direct light

Light—especially sunlight—can damage wine over time. That is why many wine bottles are made from dark-colored glass. Store them in a dark place or, at the very least, away from direct sunlight.

Be careful when transporting wine by car

A car trunk in the middle of July can reach extremely high temperatures in a very short time. If you need to transport wine, try to do so during the cooler hours of the day, avoid leaving bottles inside a parked car in direct sunlight, and, for longer journeys, use an insulated bag or portable cooler whenever possible.

Once the bottle is opened

A white or rosé wine will stay in good condition for 2–3 days if properly sealed and refrigerated. A red wine can last slightly longer, especially if tightly recorked, although it is always best enjoyed as soon as possible to appreciate its full range of aromas and flavors.

Serve it at the right temperature

In summer, it is tempting to serve wine ice-cold, but a white wine served too cold loses much of its aroma, while a red wine served at room temperature on a hot day can feel heavy and overly warm.

Our Blanco Joven, fresh and fruity, is at its best when served between 8–10°C (46–50°F). Our Maceración Carbónica, for example, becomes even more refreshing when served slightly chilled, between 14–16°C (57–61°F). Wines with greater structure, such as our Selección Privada or 7 Varietales, are best enjoyed a little warmer, between 16–18°C (61–64°F), allowing their complexity to fully express itself.

With these simple precautions, every bottle will reach the glass in the best possible condition—ready to be enjoyed exactly as it deserves, even on the hottest days of the year.