Wine Serving Temperatures
Wine, an item that is simple enough to select at a restaurant, yet when purchasing for yourself or as a gift, the details can be overwhelming. For example, consider wine temperature. How many times have you sampled a great wine at a wine tasting, only to find that tasted different at home? It is not rose-colored memories that make it seem different. Most likely it was the temperature at which it was served. (Click here for tips on how to chill wine quickly). Wine temperature is one of the most commonly overlooked guidelines when serving wine. Temperature affects the taste and the nose of wine. In fact, most people serve wines either too warm (red) or too cold (white). Wine is a complex combination of unstable compounds, alcohol being a primary element. If a wine is served too warm, the alcohol tends to evaporate quickly, unbalancing the wine and causing it lose structure and body, along with a distorting of the nose. Serve a wine that is too cold, and aromas can be withheld, also affecting nose & taste. In the case of red wines, the tannins have insufficient time to breathe and soften, resulting in a more bitter taste.
Chilling Wine
Why chill wine? First of all, the term 'room temperature' should not be taken literally. The average room temperature is 68-77 F, yet red wine should be served between 50-64 F, and white wine should be much cooler. Instead of adding ice cubes to your wine, which water down all of the flavor notes, it is best to chill it down before serving. Warm or room temperature wine can be chilled in a number of ways, depending on how much time you have. A wine cellar is optimal for wine storage. To chill further, refrigeration is suitable, if time is not a factor. A freezer is also an option, but only if it remains inside for a short amount of time If a bottle must be chilled quickly, the best utensil to use is a metal wine bucket. In it, add ice, water, and salt. The salt helps breakdown the ice, thus making the water chill faster. Submerge the wine in the bucket. The following chart lists a few quick guidelines for wine serving temperature from www.timeforwine.com. Follow these standards and you are sure to be happier with the next bottle you serve.
Sparkling Wine and Rose
Crémant, non-vintage, Classic Rosé, White Zinfandel 42-45 F
Sweet Sparkling Wine 39-43 F
Vintage Sparkling Wine 43-46 F
Light Red Wines
Beaujolais Nouveau 48-52 F
Late Harvest and Sweet White Wines
Eiswein, Sweet Vouvray 42-44 F
Côtes du Rhône 53-56 F
Classic Red Wines
Muscat 43-46 F
Chianti, Sangiovese, Barbera 56-58 F
New World Riesling 43-46 F
Young Bordeaux, Young Cab 58-61F
Gewürztraminer 43-46 F
Merlot, Light Zinfandel 58-62 F
Crisp, Dry White Wine
Loire Valley Whites (Sancerre) 43-46 F
Sauvignon Blanc 43-46 F
Alsace Riesling 43-46 F
Italian Whites 43-46 F
Complex Red Wines
Red Burgundy, Pinot Noir 61-63 F
Chianti Riserva, Barolo 61-63 F
Merlot (oak-aged) 61-63 F
Full-Bodied, Mature Red Wines
Classic White Wine
Grand Cru Bordeaux 61-64 F
French Chablis, Chardonnay 48-52 F
Mature California Cab 61-64 F
White Burgundy 48-52 F
Mature Rhone, Zinfandel 61-64 F
Viognier, Condrieu 48-52 F
Port
Tawny Port (chilled) 50-54 F
Tawny Port 59-62F
Vintage Port 61-64 F
Complex White Wine
Full Bodied Chardonnay 50-54 F
This post was contributed via Seed.com, AOL's new platform for freelance writers.
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