Nothing compares to that first sip of fine wine – unless it wasn’t brought to the perfect serving temperature beforehand. Then, even the best vintage can seem lacking. Banish disappointing drinks once and for all by delving into our ideal wine temperature guide.
There’s no definitive answer regarding the best temperature to serve wine. Simply put, it varies: reds, whites, rosés and bubblies all have different requirements.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at the best temperatures for enjoying an array of wines –and explore some hacks to quickly acclimate wines that are too warm or cold.
New wine enthusiasts might think: ‘That sure is a lot of trouble to go to before enjoying a bottle of wine!’ If you fall into this category, rest assured – bringing wine to the correct temperature is well worth it.
Consider this: wine’s aroma, flavour and mouthfeel all change according to the temperature it is served at. Due to the alcohol’s spike in intensity, warm wine can become hollow and bland. On the other hand, wines that are served too cold often lose their deep flavours and aromas. In overly chilled red wines, the tannins become particularly harsh and astringent.
Although many people follow the basic guidelines of serving red wines at room temperature and white wines chilled, true wine aficionados are far more discerning. After all, “chilled” doesn’t hold the same meaning for everyone, while “room temperature” is often impacted by factors like air-conditioning or central heating.
For the best wine-drinking experience, serve light-bodied reds slightly chilled at a cool 13 ˚C. Medium to full-bodied red wines’ optimal serving temperature range is between 15-18 ˚C, so this is a good guideline to follow.
If too cold, take care not to warm up red wine too quickly, as exposing it to sudden heat may instantly (and permanently) ruin your wine. Instead, pour yourself a glass and gently warm its contents by cradling the bowl in your hands.
When dining out, you’ll notice that many restaurants have a policy of bringing ice buckets to tables that order white, sparkling and rosé wines. Interestingly, these all benefit from being chilled – but not to the same degree.
Serve light to medium-bodied white wines well chilled at around 7-10 ˚C. When it comes to medium to full-bodied wooded whites, only serve them slightly chilled at 10-13 ˚C.
As with light-bodied white wine, you want to enjoy your rosé slightly chilled to chilled. Serve it at no lower than 7 ˚C and no higher than 12 ˚C. This temperature range will accentuate the trademark characteristics of this crisp, bright style of wine.
A well-chilled glass of bubbly is a thing of beauty. Sparkling wines benefit from being served at between 6-8 ˚C. When cool and crisp, sparkling wine’s bubbles boast a delicate rather than fizzy mouthfeel.
Did you know? Sweet dessert wines are best served at 8-10 ˚C.
Those familiar with how to store wine at home will know that the best option for a temperature-regulated bottle is either a wine fridge or a home cellar. These wine storage solutions will keep your collection safe from temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the content is perfectly preserved every time you open a bottle. Furthermore, when stored properly, getting your wine to its ideal serving temperature should be much quicker.
However, if you lack a wine fridge or home cellar and need your wine at its optimal serving temperature, consider the following:
Brush up on your wine etiquette with renowned local wine fundi Junel van der Merwe, who expertly demonstrates how to pour wine in the first episode of our Taste What’s Possible video series. Also, be sure to join our Alvi’s Drift Wine Club for bonus content, invitations to exclusive events, members-only offers and more.
Browse our online shop to explore an array of award-winning wines. After all, you now have the know-how to serve the perfect glass. It’s a grand opportunity to impress your family and friends with your taste in wine, served at just the right temperature.