Serving Temperatures
One of the most overlooked aspects of wine appreciation is the temperature in which wines are served. Conventional and general advice used to be: drink white wines chilled and red wines at room temperature; this advice has resulted in many wine drinking experiences not achieving their potential.
Drinking white wines too cold (under 45 degrees) will mask the many nuances that good wine possesses. Drinking red wines too warm (over 65 degrees) will accentuate components such as tannin and alcohol. But how do you know what wines are best at what temperatures? Think of it in terms of style of wine. Lighter bodied wines (both white and red varieties) are higher in acidity, which benefit from drinking at cooler temperatures. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fuller bodied wines are lower in acidity, which which benefit from drinking at higher temperatures.
Knowing these 4 categories of wine will help you identify what temperature range is best for the wine you are drinking:
Light-medium bodied, aromatic whites and sparkling wine: 45-50 degrees. This temperature range accentuates the high acidity in the wine. In addition to sparkling and Champagne, these wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Assyrtiko, Muscadet, Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner.
Medium to full bodied white wines: 50-55 degrees. This temperature range brings out the nuances and range of flavors present. These wines include Chenin Blanc, Kerner, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Marsanne, Rousanne.
Light-medium bodied red wines: 56-61 degrees. This temperature range accentuates the bright fruit and acidity. These wines include Gamay, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Dolcetto, Syrah, Sangiovese
Fuller bodied red wines: 61-65 degrees. This temperature range brings out the nuances and flavors while tempering the tannin. These wines include Bordeaux varieties (most notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec), Aglianico, Nebbiolo, Grenache.
Here are useful troubleshooting tips for getting wines to the desired temperature in a short period of time:
If your wine is stored at room temperature (67-70 degrees), put your red wine in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes before opening. Put white wines in the refrigerator for 50-60 minutes before opening.
Need to chill white wine or sparkling wine quickly? Place it in an ice water and salt bath or freezer for 10 min
We have a FREE GUIDE for you to further your wine study that goes along perfectly with this topic!
Grape Varietal Guide
This guide offers you a list of over 40 different white and red grape varietals from around the world in order from lightest body to fullest body. Use this guide in conjunction with the tips above and become a pro at serving temps in no time!