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(Giveaway) Summertime Whites and Reds (How to Stock Your Wine Fridge!)

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Noble Pig Subzero Wine Fridge 1

As many of you know, I am a winemaker. It almost sounds like a confession instead of a profession. And really, if we had to analyze it, it’s more of a passion than an actual job. It’s never work when you are doing what you love. Lucky, lucky me.

My days are mostly filled with technical and scientific mumbo-jumbo, the aspect of the wine business people don’t care to know about. It’s not as romantic as most imagine, but it is a lot of fun. I get asked lots of questions about wine. However, what I hear often is what wines to serve a crowd? Funny thing, that is a tough question, only because there are so many right answers and really no wrong ones. It’s hard to point to a specific wine and say it will solve all of your entertaining problems, it’s just not possible.

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However, before you go out and purchase wine for summer entertaining, you should know how to keep the wine you already have fresh, drinkable and at the right temperature. Even the best wine served at the wrong temperature will give “off” flavors. 

So, before we talk about what to buy, let’s learn to care for what we have and the importance of a good quality wine fridge.

Noble Pig Subzero Wine Fridge 4
I have had many wine fridges throughout my adult life. I have gotten rid of all of them since my current Sub-Zero Undercounter Wine Fridge you see above. My requirements were specific when it came to picking the right storage for my wine. At the top of the list was quietness.

It might sound silly, but if you’ve ever had a noisy wine fridge in your kitchen, you know how absolutely annoying it can be. The Sub-Zero model is almost silent with its very quiet compressor. This type of thoughtful technology reduces vibration and does not damage or cause wine to “throw sediment” as we say in the industry. The shelves also glide out easily, creating very little agitation to the wine. This might seem a non-issue, but it’s really an important quality when it comes to storing wine for any length of time.

I also needed a compact unit (they have many choices) to keep white and red wines at varying temperatures. Let’s face it, most of us only have room for one wine fridge so it needs to do double duty.

Having dual temperature zones for different types of wines means I have perfectly chilled wine for planned and impromptu entertaining. The temperatures are easily changed depending on what I plan on storing. The whites are cold to my liking and can be served immediately. The reds I keep slightly below serving temperature and let them warm up as we sit at the table. It’s honestly the best of both worlds. The temperature zones are controlled precisely by microprocessors within the fridge itself. 

 Noble Pig Subzero Wine Fridge 2
These precise temperature zones will give your wines a longer shelf life. Storing wine in a rack or in a closet allows for too much temperature variation. It is those fluctuations that age your wine prematurely, bringing unwanted oxygen into your bottles through its closure. Storage at constant temperature protects your wine investment. 

Contrary to popular belief, red wine should not to be served at “room temperature.” Back in the day, room temperature averaged about 55 degrees F (think of a cold and drafty stone home). Now, average room temperatures run about 70 degrees F with modern insulation and are too warm for red wine. Another reason a wine refrigerator is paramount for storing wine.

Noble Pig Subzero Wine Fridge 3
Sub-Zero wine storage also provides light protection from UV damage. Just as we bottle our wine in dark bottles, the Sub-Zero wine refrigerator is equipped with UV-resistant bronze-tinted glass. This extra layer of protection keeps out unwanted sunshine and light, which can also create a premature aging environment.

And last but not least, humidity (too little) can dry out your corks. Steady and moderate humidity is preferred in a storage situation. Luckily, the Sub-Zero system maintains this as well.

Noble Pig Subzero Wine Fridge 5
Here you can see the placement of my wine refrigerator in reference to the whole kitchen. It sits under the counter at the far, right corner. 

Noble Pig Subzero Wine Fridge 6
And now we know what it requires to keep your wines safe and drinkable, so it’s time to fill your fridge with your favorites.

Before stocking up for summer, consider where this wine will be served. Outdoors in the heat? Choose light style wines that taste good cold; Beaujolais, Rose, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are all great choices for an afternoon get-together. 

As the afternoon leads into evening, bring out the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to pair with light, summer fare. Both wines are a little heavier and complex, but still light enough for summer entertaining on the patio.

Another option is to pick 2-3 “house wines” and serve these all the time. These are your personal favorites and always found in your wine fridge. This lets you stock up without stress and you know when you are getting low and what to buy.

Ultimately, stock your fridge with what you like and a few things you know your guests might enjoy. Do not go out of your way to please everyone’s different tastes. Most people are gracious enough to enjoy what you serve and will likely bring a favorite bottle to share.

Regardless of whether you pay $15 or $100 for a bottle, wine is an investment and needs to be protected if we want to enjoy all of its nuances. Let’s face it, that’s why we bought it.

Join in the conversation and follow Sub-Zero and Wolf on Facebook. For more information on their appliances, visit Sub-Zero or Wolf online.

This post was sponsored by Sub-Zero appliances as part of their “What’s Cookin’ in My Kitchen” campaign. Thank you for supporting companies I truly love, it allows me to continue creating content I can share with all of you. 

Do you have a favorite wine? What will you be toasting with during the summertime holidays? Leave a comment below for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the [email protected] email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

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This sweepstakes runs from 5/22-6/19.

Be sure to visit the Sub-Zero and Wolf  brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

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Comments

  1. LOVE this! I just bought a house and need a fridge, so I’m trying to convince my husband we NEED a Sub-Zero fridge…. he doesn’t seem to understand :/ However, we also just took a trip to Napa and brought back a ton of wine, so maybe I could convince him on the wine fridge. We drink mostly reds, so I’ll have to show him this post 🙂

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  13. My favorite wine is the kind that fits in my glass! lol! A nice Pinot Noir or Malbec is great too! Every day is the perfect time to celebrate with wine…sometimes you just need to celebrate that the day is over!

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  16. My Favorite Wine is the Black Box Zinfandel by Kelsey See Winery (San Luis Obispo, CA). They are about to run out, if they have not already. A very sweet Zinfandel, nearly a dessert wine. Incredibly rich and smooth and complex.

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  26. My favorite wines are the award winning muscadine wine from the Duplin Winery in Rose Hill, NC. Sweet and refreshing. Usually drink Scuppernong White or Hatteras Red. Not easy to find here in Virginia, but we do.

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  29. My favorite wine depends on my mood. Now that it’s warming up, I tend to go for a Rose more often. I love Hogwash Rose. But I’ll never turn down a nice Zinfandel or Pinot Noir!

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  33. During the warm, summer weather I love a glass of white sangria made with a delicious wine and summer fruits (peaches, strawberries, etc.). Yum!

    When enjoying a bone-in rib eye or other yummy steak, I enjoy a glass of red Zinfandel.

    I need a wine refrigerator. Love the looks of the Sub Zero.

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  37. I am learning more and more every day about good wines and the wines I like to drink and cook with. I can’t wait to keep experimenting and learning! <3

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  40. I prefer American wines especially to support local small businesses. Over a steak dinner with a lovely summer white, we will be toasting to the soon arrive, second Grandchild.

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  43. I like my sweet red wine. And I will be celebrating my sister welcoming a new baby into the world this summer & I will be hosting a house warming party for my brothers first new home.

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  49. My favorite wine is made in Wisconsin, it is the Prairie Fume by Wollersheim Winery. It is slightly sweet and very crisp! I would drink it all summer long if it wasn’t only sold in WI.

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  52. I like Chardonnay, Pino Grigio and champagne. For reds, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz and every once in a while a Cabernet. Your kitchen looks lovely and the wine refrigerator is a great addition to it!

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  54. I honestly don’t have a favorite, or even a name that pops out! I love most all reds. I’ve had a white zinfandel before that was nice. Our neighbors are making wine and brought me over a bottle of raspberry wine – their choice on flavor – for Mother’s Day. They call the “name” of their group, Brothers From Different Mothers…….small town America – you can’t beat it!!

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  63. My favorite wine – anything but Chardonnay. Maybe I have only hit bad ones, but Chardonnay really is my least favorite wine … something in the taste that my taste buds want to get rid of. I actually think Reisling would be at the top of my likes, that and Pinot Noir Blanc.

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  66. I love all wines and it does depend on what I am having to eat or just my mood. But my very favorite are Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Wines.

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  72. we’ll be toasting many birthdays!! My favorite wine right now is Cupcake – any and all of theirs! In the summer I like to take one of their white and put frozen fruit in.

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  74. I frequently am asked for wine recommendations, since I live in the heart of Oregon wine country. And with Noble Pig and others located just a few blocks from my house, it’s easy for me to point friends in the right direction.

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  75. A favorite wine – so tough! If pressed, I’d have to say sav blanc. I do love a vinho verde for summer but this summer I have to pass – I’m pregnant. I’ll be sure to make up for it in the fall!

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  76. Thank you so much for putting this contest on. Good luck everyone!

    My current favourite wine is Matua Sauvignon Blanc…so yummy 🙂

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  77. I’m a Love-the-Wine-You’re-With kind of gal… this time of year I’m all about Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, Riesling and anything with bubbles!

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  82. I fell in love with Christopher Bridge Wines last year. They have a wonderful 2006 Pinot Noir, that is most likely sold out by now. I also enjoy their Pinot Gris. Sometimes on a hot lazy summer day, as long as it’s cold, a jug of chardonnay straight from Winco will do! Amazingly, the discount grocery stores often have an amazing array of good to great wines at bargain prices.

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  86. During the summer (well year-round, really) I LOVE Moscato Di’Asti! So sweet, refreshing, and bubbly, and one that needs to be chilled! 😉

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  102. For summer, I like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. In winter, I usually choose cabernet sauvignon, valpolicello, or malbec.

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  106. We brought a bottle of the 2009 Pinot Noir to Florida with us when we moved. It was DELICIOUS…it is one of our favorites!

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  107. My favorite summer wine is vinho verde – has a slight effervesence and is low in alcohol, but high in refreshing flavor. Another bonus is that it’s quite inexpensive! Can be combined with pomegranate or cranberry juice for a light summer spritzer as well – the little black dress of wines!

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  113. i know nothing about wine but i think i like merlot and miscado.. even though i think i spelled those wrong !:) lol when it comes to wine, i’m not picky!

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  118. Well…I have to admit as a military spouse and mother of two, my days of uncorking a bottle of wine are limited to when my husband is home…which is not often. I do really like a wine called Educated Guess. I can’t remember what winery it comes from, but I like it. I also really like Trader Joe’s prosecco, but we live in Hawaii- so no TJs.

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  131. I’ve just started drinking wine again, and am so in love with Spanish reds! I don’t have a favorite (yet) but maybe after a few more bottles….

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  137. My favorite out of the past few years was a Merlot from Maryhill Vineyards in the Columbia Gorge. I also really liked a dessert sherry from Hood River Vineyards (they have several nice dessert wines). Both of these things surprised me, as I had always favored white wines before. It’s an interesting profession you have, and your love for it shines through. This summer, my family will be holding a celebration and toasting my father, who passed away last October.

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  141. I enjoy a nice Cab and I’m proud to say I live within 5 miles of the award-winning Benton-Lane Winery (their Pinot Noir is fabulous!)

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  143. Thank you for the tips and suggestions! We live in Hilo and the weather fluctuates. We are planning a get together with friends and just might add wine to the menu!

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  144. I love wines that are sweet & light, A late harvest Riesling or a moscato. We will soon be toasting to a new house…perhaps I should order some of yours! 🙂

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  148. I love all this information! Especially the comments about ‘room temperature’ for reds – I like my pinot noir just slightly chilled.

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  149. I would love this! You give great information tor us that need it. Well wishes for husband and you have it right with your boys for future info. if needed.

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  150. I will be sticking to my standards- Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay- but Summertime always leads me to search for light and sparkly spritzer recipes! I love to make cocktails with herbs so I will definitely be harvesting my garden for mint, rosemary, basil to include in my refreshing drink!

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  151. I don’t have favorite, anything decent works for me, not picky for wine. We would be toasting for birthdays and weddings with friends and family during the summertime holidays.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

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  161. I am far from a connoisseur when it comes to wine, but I do enjoy a glass of white wine occasionally–usually a pinot grigio. I also love champagne. Thank you!

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  163. I was thinking about getting a cheap wine fridge. Would something be better than nothing in the case where I love wine but don’t make enough to buy expensive things?

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  167. My husband and I love wine and the refrigerator would be great to have. Our favorite year-round wine is Pinot Noir but in the hot summer a chilled glass of Pinot Gris is mightly fine.

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  172. It usually depends on the temperature outside or what is on the menu. Pinot Noir suits many meals, if you get lucky with price. A crisp white wine is a great match for cold salads and summer picnics.

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  173. Well I live in Canada so I can’t win but was really happy to read this post because I am buying a wine fridge in the near future as we are moving into a new home with a space for one. I can never get the red wine to the right temperature in the hot summer months and look forward to opening some that have been stored properly.

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  178. Sadly, I’m not much of a wine drinker. The sophistication gene skipped me. But I love it cooking with certain sauces and stews.

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  187. I do not have a favorite wine. I do like a white zin but not one in particular. To toast the summer holidays because children are involved it will be sparkling fruit juice.

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  190. My favorite is White Zifindel wine. I’ll be celebrating my birthday and my husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary.
    Thanks so much.

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  201. I am into malbecs lately. Nothing too expensive. I like a wine that goes down easy without a food pairing like Apothic Red. And for the hot summer, a good “pool” wine like Kung Fu Girl.

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  205. Fave wines Pino Noir and smooth Cabs… now that summertime will enjoy some Chardonnays by the pool to compliment the hot days in Florida. Will be toasting to friends and family that come to visit all summer long. So thankful! Love your blog I just found. Will come visit one day for a tasting in Willamette Valley!

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  211. I have been slowly learning more and more about different wines. The physician I work with is president of the IWFS branch here so he is a wonderful teacher! Since it is so hot and humid here in So Florida I have really been into all the different rose’ that is available… light and refreshing! This post is great since I do not know much about wine refrigerators and would love to start looking into one.

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  214. I had this really delicious plum wine once… and I’ve never tasted anything like it again. It’s the only wine I’ve ever really liked! I only wish I could find more of it. This summer, I’ll be toasting my daughter. She graduated high school is is turning eighteen 🙂

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  223. I am not really a wine person but it would have to taste fruity if I did. I am more a beer kinda gal. I would be toasting a fun filled summer with my awesome family 🙂

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  230. I really do not have a favorite wine, just like the reds most of the time but some white in the summer. Probably toasting with kendall jackson chardonnay this summer.

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  243. My husband and I really enjoy our wine. Rieslings, Pinot Noirs and Merlots tend to be our go to. We are hoping to buy a house this year and will more than likely purchase a wine fridge. I never thought about room temperature not being the right temperature for red wine. We always slightly chilled ours because we liked it better that way.

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  246. Eventhough I live in MN, I discovered the Orca wines from Hoodsport. So I try to keep their Chardonney for the summer in my fridge. I live about a 1/2 mile from a local winery who has developed rhubarb wine. And so many folks are making their own wine here in Minnesota with Frontenac grapes which were winterized by the U of M.
    I read your blog religiously and plan a visit to OR and WA in July!
    Cathy, we have a turtle tunnel here as well, just finished south of my little town in Scandia, MN.

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  252. I have never chosen a favorite wine so no, I don’t have one. 🙂 What I’ll be toasting with throughout the summer activities will be whatever looks best or suits my mood when I go to buy it.

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  254. I think that Laurent Miquel Rose (Cinsault Syrah) is a lovely summer wine. In the cooler months, though definitely prefer Zinfandel/ Primitivos.

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  259. I do not have a favorite wine. In fact, I have not found a wine that I really enjoy just yet. I keep trying different wines during special occasions because it would be good for my heart health. Right now, I am not sure if I will be toasting with a glass of wine during the holidays unless I discover one that I really enjoy.

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  260. I don’t drink wine because it has too much sugar for me. But, I love a gin martini straight up. I will be toasting my nieces’ twins at their first birthday party. This is coming up later in the month.

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  268. I do not particular care for traditional wine , but I do love fruit flavored wines. My ultimate favorite is blackberry wine, but then again I love anything with blackberries in it.

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  269. Oh my there are so many 😉 Though currently some of my favorites are Ghost Pines and Unruly. but yes, there are oh so many more lol. I usually stick with the red but have been know to have a glass of white here and there 😉

    Reply

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