What is the ideal temperature for red wine? Which wines are served chilled? Why is it so important to drink wine at its optimal temperature? We’ll give you all the answers and even a few shortcuts to achieve the ideal wine temperature without spoiling it.
What is the ideal temperature for red wine? Which wines are served chilled?
Drinking red wine at the right temperature is essential in order to fully enjoy its flavor, aromas and qualities. Although there are many opinions about the ideal temperature of red wine, we’ve put together some very general recommendations to guide you:
- Young red wine: between 50°F and 57°F, depending on whether the wine is lighter or more full-bodied
- Crianza red wine: between 57°F and 61°F
- Reserva and gran reserva red wine: between 61°F and 64°F
Which wines are served chilled?
As a general matter, these are the types of wines that should be served chilled:
- Sparkling wine: between 41°F and 46°F
- Sweet white wine: between 43°F and 50°F
- Young, dry white wine: between 43°F and 50°F
- Crianza white wine: between 46°F and 50°F. For example, we recommend that our Anayón Chardonnay be chilled to around 46°F.
- Rosé: between 43°F and 50°F
In any case, remember that very cold wines are more acidic and that very warm temperatures significantly accentuate their sweetness and alcohol, so it’s advisable to drink them at the recommended temperature.
How to achieve the ideal temperature of red wine with a few tricks
If you order a bottle or glass of wine in a restaurant, they’ll likely have a wine bar to serve it properly – that is, at its optimal temperature.
But if you’re planning on drinking the wine at home and you don’t have a specific place to store and preserve it, there are a few tricks to keep in mind.
You may have read about how to chill wine quickly. But it’s important to note that not everything is fair game. You can spoil a wine, regardless of how good it is, if you don’t use the right method. Here are our recommendations:
1. The first thing you’ll need is a thermometer
If you want to control the temperature of your wine, the first thing you’ll need is a measuring device: a thermometer. You can use a standard mercury thermometer, an infrared thermometer or a special wine thermometer.
A mercury thermometer will do if you don’t have another kind. The same one you use to take your children’s temperatures. All you need to do is lower it into the wine and leave it there until it reaches the same temperature as the wine. However, this isn’t the most practical option if you have guests.
A wine thermometer is a type of bracelet that is placed inside the bottle. Remember to always add two degrees to the reading shown on the thermometer.
An infrared wine thermometer is very precise. If you don’t want to run the risk of an incorrect measurement, this is an excellent option. It’s more expensive than the others, but it will give you the exact temperature of the wine without even needing to be near the bottle. It works from a distance.
2. An ice bucket is a great option
The fastest way to do this is to place the wine in an ice bucket or other type of container with water, ice and salt.
3. The refrigerator
You can put it on a higher or lower shelf in the refrigerator. You can also use a bracelet wine thermometer to help you control the temperature.
4. Wine cooler bag
A special wine cooler bag is a great idea if you don’t have a refrigerator nearby and you want to chill the wine and keep it cold during the entire meal.
5. What not to do
- Don’t put the wine in the freezer.
- Don’t put ice in the wine – that’s the worst thing you can do! It can completely ruin the wine.
Now that you know the right temperature for red wine and other types of wine, make sure to keep this in mind so you can truly enjoy each glass in all its splendor.
