The general rule of thumb is that white wines are served chilled and red wines are served at room temperature. Unfortunately, today’s normal room temperature is around 70oF. Therefore, it is recommended that all wines be refrigerated before serving.
Although, wine served too cold masks the true flavor and bouquet, it will also hide any imperfections. If it is served too warm, the wine will have a dull, flabby taste and be hot with alcohol. Given the choice, it is better to serve wine colder than warmer. Holding a glass of wine in your hands will allow your body heat and room temperature to warm the wine up.
Optimal serving temperature of:
Beaujolais 55 | Merlot 63 |
Berenauslese 43 | Pinot Noir 63 |
Bordeaux 63 | Port 63 |
Burgundy, Red 63 | Riesling 46 |
Cabernet 63 | Rose 46 |
Champagne 46 | Sauterne 46 |
Chardonnay 50 | Sauvignon Blanc 46 |
Chianti 59 | Shiraz 63 |
Dessert Wine 43 | Tokay 43 |
Ice Wine 43 | Viognier 50 |
Madeira 55 | Zinfandel 59 |
7 comments:
Too many people have no idea how to serve wine. This is some great info on how to have the best experience possible.
nice info: during summer I like my white chilled just a bit more.
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This is great information that most people don't know. There are a lot of people out there that believe all reds should be 70ish degrees for serving, but this information disputes that. I wasn't aware of some of these varietals serving temps, I am learning myself.
Great info: Will have to test out.
One of the great benefits of wine appreciating is the testing.
i loved red wine, i remember those days with my friends...celebration w/o red wine is incomplete...i have tried house red wine at room temperature i don't like...i prefer it chilled
Ahh, the wine temp debate.
My father is a national wine judge and very opinionated, lol. He would demand that reds be room temp and would look down his nose at anyone who would refrigerate them. He then learned better (several years ago) and then went on a rampage in the other direction, insisting that , especially in cold restaurants put the bottles on ice for exactly 5 minutes, spinning the bottle frequently. You should've seen some of the looks he would get from that request. I admit room temp is fine for me, especially in cold weather. I also have a chiller, it just depends on my mood.
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