The holiday season is a time for toasts and convivial moments, often accompanied by excellent wines. If your stock isn’t yet depleted and you still have some unopened bottles, it’s important to store them correctly in your personal wine cellar to preserve their quality. We’re here to share some practical tips on storage, as well as suggestions on when and how to enjoy these wines with the perfect pairings.
Storing unopened wines: the golden rules
1. Consistent and Controlled Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important factors in wine storage. Ideally, keep your wines at a temperature between 10°C and 16°C. Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can alter the wine’s quality.
2. Humidity Between 60% and 80%
A too-dry environment can dry out corks, while excessive humidity can encourage mold. Aim for a balanced environment to protect your bottles and their contents.
3. Horizontal Positioning
Bottles with cork closures should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and letting oxygen in. Although we don’t produce wines with screw caps, if you have any in your collection, feel free to store them vertically.
4. Complete Darkness
Light, especially direct sunlight, can alter the wine. Ensure your cellar is a dark space or use minimal indirect lighting.
5. Absence of Vibrations
Wine needs rest. Store bottles in a stable location, away from appliances or sources of vibration.
The best part: when to open and how to pair our wines?
Every wine has its ideal moment for tasting. The choice depends on the type and its organoleptic characteristics. Here are some recommendations:
Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG – Roverò
Perfect for important dinners or events. This full-bodied wine, aged in barrels, pairs beautifully with red meats, roasts, and aged cheeses. We recommend letting it rest for at least 2-3 years after purchase to fully develop its bouquet.
Barbera del Monferrato DOC – Carisa
Ideal for convivial lunches with friends and family. Ready to drink immediately, it can also be aged for one or two years to gain greater complexity. Pair it with flavorful first courses or cured meats.
Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese
This light and versatile wine is perfect for aperitifs and brunch. Best enjoyed young to appreciate its freshness, it pairs well with fish dishes or white meats. We also suggest trying it with pizza!
Piemonte Chardonnay DOC – Mariulin
Ideal for toasts with friends, perhaps to celebrate a birthday. Serve it chilled and pair it with fish dishes, appetizers, or light desserts.
Monferrato Bianco DOC – Dedalo
A white wine with floral and fruity notes, perfect for summer lunches or outdoor dinners. Open it young to highlight its freshness and pair it with vegetables, fresh cheeses, or fish dishes.
Spumante Metodo Classico – Austin
This elegant sparkling wine is perfect for celebrating special moments—or simply for enjoying a moment of relaxation. Thanks to its 27 months of lees aging, it pairs wonderfully with seafood, sushi, or refined dishes. Enjoy it within 3-4 years of purchase to fully appreciate its freshness and complexity.
Practical notes: tips for a perfect tasting experience
Serving Temperature
Every wine should be served at the right temperature (and remember, maintain the temperature until the last sip!):
- Full-bodied red wines: 16-18°C
- Young reds: 14-16°C
- Whites and rosés: 10-12°C
- Sparkling wines: 6-8°C
Decanting
Our wines don’t require early opening. Simply uncork them at mealtime and enjoy every sip!
Proper Glassware
Use glasses that enhance the characteristics of the wine—this is always a great tip to follow. For full-bodied reds, choose wide goblets; for whites and sparkling wines, opt for narrower glasses. Alternatively, consider universal glasses, which are designed to highlight the features of any wine you pour into them.
Properly storing and tasting wine is a way to honor the work we, as producers, do every day, while also celebrating the territory where it was created. Take a look at our website to learn more and enrich your personal cellar:
👉 Our Wines – Cinque Quinti
Cheers, and see you at the next tasting—we look forward to welcoming you to Cella Monte! 🥂
