Berserkers - what is your criteria for wines that warrant offsite storage? Is there a certain price per bottle minimum? And how about temperature-related factors?
I have 3 wine fridges that probably hold about 250 bottles in total, and I have some overflow in my basement which ranges from 65 in summer to 69 in winter.
I am trying to figure out if offsite storage makes sense. I am thinking maybe bottles should be at least $50 and that I do not intend to drink for at least a couple years - meaning, having less expensive bottles or bottles $50 and over that I intend to drink in the next couple years will be ok.
Thoughts?
My criteria is not related to Price. It is related to whether or not I care if I see the bottle for two years or longer.
I guess it depends on how $$$ are your overflow bottles, and whether you ever want to send them to auction. A four degree temperature range is negligible, in my opinion. Maybe the bottles will age a teeny bit faster, but if you’re planning to drink them then it’s not that big of a deal.
I got into wine in 2002, and so I am currently opening bottles that have been in my passive storage for over twenty years, avg temp (been tracking since June 2006) is 66.5F with 52.6% avg humidity.
I’ve not noticed any significant amount of overly advanced, stewed or bad bottles that I would attribute to the storage conditions. The only consistent thing I have noticed is that my Sauternes kept in the passive cellar are a little darker compared to those in controlled storage, but they taste just fine and I’ve had no cork issues (dried out/crumbly, etc.).
So in my opinion, since you’re talking a couple of years, don’t waste money on offsite storage. If you find that you are wanting to hold bottles for 15/20+ years, then it’s certainly worth considering.
They are definitely aging quicker than bottles stored at 55°. Which will age quicker than bottles stored at 45°. For some wines over some drinking periods, faster aging might be preferred, or you might not really notice. But don’t fool yourself into thinking that it’s not a different aging curve.
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Obviously, and no one has suggested otherwise.
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