Wine Serving Temperatures

Ideal Wine Serving Temperatures for
Wine and Champagne

When it comes to wine serving temperatures, serving wine at the ideal wine temperature will enhance the flavor, aroma, and the entire experience of wine tasting. Although there is no absolute requirement for keeping wine in temperature controlled wine storage, different temperature regions and barometric pressure at the time wine is being served can definitely play a factor in wine serving temperatures and may even affect the taste of the wine.

Red wines should be served at a chilled room temperature. For light and fruity reds such as Beaujolais and Pinot Noir wine, the ideal wine temperature is slightly chilled at 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wine is chilled above this red wine temperature, the wine can become too acidic.

For medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot and Chianti, the ideal red wine serving temperature is 60 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

For most full bodied red wines such as Cabernet, Shiraz, and Zinfandel, the ideal wine temperature is 63 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since “room temperature” can vary from home to home and region to region, adhering to these wine serving temperatures will ensure that the wine tasting experience is enjoyable. If red wine is not kept in temperature controlled wine storage, it can be stored in a cool cellar. Wine cooled in a cellar is often referred to as “cellar temperature”.

White wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are best served well chilled at 48 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Any wine temperature below this may affect the taste of the wine. This also applies to sweet white wines such as Reisling as well as Rose wines.

For fine, dry white wines such as Chardonnay or White Burgundy, the flavors of the wines are enhanced at 54 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

If white wine has been stored at room temperature, about sixty minutes prior to serving, place the bottle in the refrigerator or into an ice bucket filled halfway with ice, and a quarter of the way with water, to quickly chill to the ideal wine temperature.

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Serving Temperatures

Most Champagne and sparkling wines can be served at a wine temperature of 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Better quality, dry, Champagne and sparkling wine should be served a bit warmer at 52 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the Champagne and sparkling wine out of the refrigerator about ten minutes prior to serving for maximum flavor and taste.

With wine served at the correct wine temperature, try pairing wines with food: wines with food.

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