Wine Storage Guide
Not all wine improves with age. This overview shows recommended drinking windows by wine type and region, so you always uncork at the right moment.
Red Bordeaux
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cru Classé | 10–40 years | Best from top vintages (2010, 2009, 2005, 2000) |
| Cru Bourgeois | 5–15 years | Well-structured, can surprise with age |
| Generic Bordeaux | 2–5 years | Drink young and fresh |
Red Burgundy
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cru | 10–30 years | Chambertin, Romanée, Musigny |
| Premier Cru | 7–20 years | Depends heavily on producer |
| Village | 3–10 years | Best within first decade |
Barolo & Barbaresco
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barolo | 10–30 years | Needs time to soften tannins |
| Barbaresco | 8–20 years | Slightly more approachable young |
Rhône
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hermitage | 10–30 years | Northern Rhône Syrah at its finest |
| Côte-Rôtie | 8–20 years | Elegant and aromatic |
| Châteauneuf-du-Pape | 5–15 years | Southern Rhône blend |
White Wines
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cru Burgundy | 10–25 years | Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne |
| Riesling Spätlese/Auslese | 10–30 years | German and Alsatian |
| Sauternes | 15–50+ years | Almost indestructible |
| Village White Burgundy | 3–7 years | Drink relatively young |
Fortified Wines
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Port | 20–60+ years | Declare years only |
| Tawny Port | Ready / decades | Already aged in barrel |
| Madeira | 50+ years | Virtually immortal |
Champagne
| Wine Type | Drinking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Champagne | 10–25 years | Dom Pérignon, Krug, Bollinger |
| Non-vintage | 1–3 years | Drink on release |
Storage Tips
- Store wine horizontally at 12–14°C and around 70% humidity.
- Avoid direct light and vibrations — a dark, quiet cellar is ideal.
- White wines and champagne are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than red wines.
- Have bottles that have peaked? Consider selling them via House Wine.