Serving Temperatures
Serving Temperatures
To properly highlight a varietal’s unique bouquet and flavor profile, serve wine at the right temperature. After all, taste is everything.
White wine: Serve at 55-58° F
From room temperature, white wines need about an hour in the refrigerator to achieve this temperature.
- If the wine is too cold, it will mask the aromas and flavors making it seem simple.
- If the wine is too warm, it will seem fat (meaning lacking acidity and structure).
Red wine: Serve at 62-65° F
Remember that "room temperature" referred to drafty stone castles, not modern insulated homes. Cool room temperature red wines in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
- When red wines are served too warm, they become overly alcoholic and flabby.
- If reds are served too cold, their aromas and flavors will be muted.
Suggested Serving Temperatures by Varietal:
- Sauvignon Blanc - 45° F
- Pinot Grigio - 45° F
- Chardonnay - 50° F
- Rosé - 50° F
- Pinot Noir - 50-55° F
- Merlot - 55° F
- Cabernet Sauvignon - 65° F
- Red Bordeaux Blend - 65° F
- Syrah - 65° F
- Zinfandel - 65° F
