Serving wine at the ideal temperature can feel like an art more than a science, but we want to make it as simple as possible for you to get the perfect glass every time. Wine serving temperature affects how a wine smells and tastes, and serving wine at the proper temperature can greatly improve your drinking experience!
Today we’re breaking down the ideal temperature to serve 14 common types of red, white, and sparkling wines, and answering some commonly asked questions about wine serving and storage temperatures.
Let’s start with the basics…
Should I serve different wines at different temperatures?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! In fact, every bottle has an ideal serving temperature based on its flavor profile, sweetness, level of tannins and more. We’ll keep things simple today and go over the most common ranges for ideal serving temperatures, and give you some common examples.
As a rule of thumb, you should serve red wines just below room temperature, with white wines slightly colder and sparkling wines even colder than that.
Red Wine: Serve between 55°F and 65°F (13 to 18 degrees celsius)
Red wine should be served between 55 and 65 degrees, with lighter reds on the cooler side and full-bodied reds closer to room temperature. Zinfandel, Chianti, and Pinot Noir fall on the lighter end of red wines, and you can serve them just a few minutes after removing them from your wine refrigerator. Heavier red wines like Burgundy, Cabernet, and Bordeaux can be served a bit warmer, so be sure to take them out in advance. We suggest a decanter to open up fuller-bodied wines while they reach the ideal temperature to serve.
White Wine: Serve between 45°F and 55°F (7 to 13 degrees celsius)
White wine should be served between 45 and 55 degrees, and much like reds, the more full-bodied wines should be served slightly warmer. Riesling should be served coldest, and depending on how sweet or dry a Riseling is will determine the exact ideal serving temperature. You should serve Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio between 45 and 50 degrees, and full-bodied Chardonnay from 50 degrees to 55 degrees. Serving lighter wines at colder temperatures helps to preserve the acidity and flavor, and serving full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay and Montrachet a bit warmer will give the best drinking experience.
Sparkling Wine: Serve between 43°F and 47°F (6 to 8 degrees celsius)
Sparkling wine like champagne, vintage Champagne, and Prosecco should be served nearly ice cold. This will keep the bubbles crisp and the flavor ideal for drinking. Bonus tip: be sure to get the right glass shape and size for your wine! This can also have a big impact on the drinking quality.
Should I store my wines at different temperatures?
Actually, no! Serving temperatures vary by wine type, but you can store nearly all wines at 55 degrees. In fact, the more consistent you can keep the temperature of your wines while storing them, the better. For more information about wine storage, see our guide to storing at home or professionally, or learn more about our professional wine storage program.
How should I chill or warm my wine for the ideal wine serving temperature?
We now know to store all wine at or around 55 degrees. So what’s the right way to get it to serving temperature?
For white wines, we recommend taking them out of storage and placing them in the fridge a few hours before serving. Then, keep them out on the table while you’re drinking with your guests. This will allow the wine to warm slightly as you drink it, and can help you find the perfect serving temperature for that specific bottle for next time.
You can take red wines out of storage or your wine fridge a few hours before serving. Consider decanting your wine while it warms for a smoother taste.
Put sparking wines in the freezer for a few hours before drinking. Careful not to freeze bottles overnight or for several days – this could cause an unwanted “pop” and you’ll risk losing some of your perfectly chilled sparking wine! We also recommend putting your sparking wine on ice in between glasses to keep it ice cold.
How can I measure the temperature of my wine?
The good news is, you’ll eventually develop instincts for how long to chill a bottle or let it stand before you drink it, especially for the particular bottles in your collection. To some degree, it also comes down to personal preference. But if you’re learning about wine serving temperatures or really want to impress your guests, consider purchasing a wine thermometer like this one.
We also highly recommend keeping a wine journal of the wines you’ve enjoyed. There are many options online, and some come with reference sheets for color and tasting, as well as ideal serving temperatures. When you record a wine, make note of the temperature you served it and how it changed as the bottle sat out after opening. It’s all about experimenting to find the perfect flavor for your bottles!
Want to learn the ideal wine serving temperature for your favorite bottles?
Save this image or bookmark this page to use as a quick reference for wine serving temperatures! For information about specific bottles, get in touch with our team of fine wine experts and we’d be happy to help you choose the perfect bottles and advise how to serve them.
Want more pocket guides and wine education? Check out our other posts!
Read: A guide to choosing the right wine glass
Read: A Guide to The Color of Wine (and what it can tell you)
