Wine Serving Basics

Wine might just be the new “in” drink. In fact, recent increases in sales show that it’s become hugely popular, especially with younger consumers. This might have something to do with the way those great big wine glasses you see everywhere encourage people to enjoy a bigger pour, but it’s more likely that today’s foodies have come to realize what generations of gourmands have always known: Everything tastes better with the right glass of wine.

Of course, red and white wines only taste their best when they’re served at the proper temperature. Pour your favorite bottle too hot or too cold, and you’re likely to miss many of the complexities and notes that make each vintage and varietal special. Even if you’re not a card-carrying member of the official wine world, you can enhance your enjoyment of wine by knowing the right temperature for serving and for long-term storage.

Serving Temperatures: A Quick Guide

To get started, it’s helpful to keep in mind a few rules of thumb to help you serve wine at the optimal temperature for enjoyment:

• Red wines are traditionally served at room temperature. Keep in mind that Americans tend to keep their homes much warmer today than they did in the past. While the right room temperature for you may be a toasty 72 degrees, when it comes to your wine, it typically means something more along the lines of 60 to 65 degrees.
• White and rosé wines are traditionally served lightly chilled. These wines taste best at a refreshing 50 to 60 degrees, but it should be noted that this is significantly warmer than your standard kitchen refrigerator. Your kitchen fridge is probably set somewhere between 36 and 40 degrees, which can dull some of the flavors of your favorite white.
• Sparkling wines are traditionally served ice-cold. No matter what color your sparkling wine is — red, white or pink — these are the bottles that belong in your ice bucket to serve them at a brisk 40 degrees. They’re the only wines that belong in your standard refrigerator, where the colder temperatures will make the carbonation feel crisp on the palate instead of causing them to foam.

Because most wines are served at temperatures warmer than your standard food refrigerator, a dedicated wine cooler is the best way to make sure you have full control over the temperature of your wine before serving. Choose a dual-zone wine refrigerator to store both red and white at the perfect temperature for serving, and you’ll never have to guess again.

Wine Storage Basics

Regardless of the variety, color or age of your wine, experts recommend storing wine at a cool 55 degrees — the same temperature the earth naturally is underground. That should come as no surprise since wine has been stored and aged for years in caves and cellars. You don’t have to build an official wine cellar in your basement to make this happen, though.

A wine refrigerator set at 55 degrees will provide the perfect temperature and humidity levels to ensure your wine ages gracefully, without worrying about dried corks or spoilage. A freestanding unit with adjustable wine racks will provide the most versatility and allow you to keep many bottles in a compact space for long-term storage.

Whether you plan to keep bottles for short-term storage or age them for several years, wine is best stored in the dark as well, since sunlight can degrade the flavors over time. For this reason, it’s a good idea to look for a cooling system or wine cabinet that offers UV protection for wine bottle storage.

The Ideal Temperature for Every Varietal

For beginners and casual drinkers, the general guidelines above will allow you to store wine appropriately and sip it at the right temperature to maximize flavor and aroma. If you’re a real wine enthusiast, however, you may be ready to take a deeper dive into the world of temperature control for your wine. Oenophiles and sommeliers have spent years honing their skills to decide on the optimal temperatures for each and every bottle they work with, and their knowledge can be very helpful in getting your wine served perfectly every time. There are very fine shades of difference here, but sometimes a bit of perfectionism is what your wine requires to taste its best.

Fortified Wines and Antique Reds

These wines, such as Port, Madeira, and Sherry, have higher alcohol content due to the addition of liquor. Traditionally exposed to high temperatures during transport, they are meant to be enjoyed warm to appreciate their complexity fully.

Ideal Temperature: 66 to 67 degrees

Full-Bodied Red Wines

The richest red wines, such as Bordeaux, Shiraz/Syrah, and Cabernet, are served warm to enhance their complexity and texture. These wines benefit from being served at the warmest end of the red wine spectrum.

Ideal Temperature: 64 to 65 degrees

Medium-Bodied Red Wines

Medium reds, such as Merlot and Malbec, benefit from slightly cooler temperatures to balance their acidity and fruit flavors. These wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of foods.

Ideal Temperature: 60 to 62 degrees

Light-Bodied Red Wines and Rosés

Light reds like Pinot Noir and Chianti, along with all rosés, shine at cooler temperatures. These wines are perfect for warm weather and light meals.

Ideal Temperature: 55 to 60 degrees

Full-Bodied White Wines

Rich whites, such as Chardonnay and Viognier, taste best when slightly warmer to bring out their creamy textures and bold flavors.

Ideal Temperature: 52 to 55 degrees

Light and Sparkling Wines

Wines like Pinot Grigio and Prosecco are enjoyed ice-cold to preserve their brightness and crispness.

Ideal Temperature: 40 to 48 degrees

Managing Your Wine Cooler

Consider dual-zone storage for reds and whites, or dedicate one cooler zone for serving-ready temperatures and another for aging. Experiment with arrangements to simplify access and serving precision.

The Bottom Line

Wine tasting can be as simple or as refined as you desire. With basic temperature knowledge, you can enjoy each sip or elevate it with meticulous serving details. Explore your preferences and perfect your experience.