Not sure at what temperature to serve your wine to get the best aromas and flavors possible? Domaine du Goût explains everything and shares its tips for serving all wines at the optimal temperature.
An important point not to overlook
The temperature at which you serve your wine is very important and can completely change the aromas and flavors of your wine. It can change so much that if you serve the same wine twice in the same evening but at different temperatures, your guests will likely think they are two different wines. So, at what temperature should you serve your wine? Domaine du Goût explains everything!
At what temperature should white wine be served?
For white wines, as for all other types, there are different categories: sweet wines, dry wines, sparkling wines, etc. Each subcategory has a different serving temperature that allows all its flavors to be released.
For fortified wines, the ideal serving temperature is 6°C. Simple sparkling wines and Champagnes require a slightly higher serving temperature, around 7° to 8°C. Then come Alsace late harvest wines, light dry white wines, and sweet wines. These wines are served between 9° and 10°C. Next are fine Champagnes, dry and semi-dry white wines such as Alsace Pinot Gris or Gewürztraminer, and finally fine fortified wines. These subcategories require a higher serving temperature, between 11° and 12°C. Before finishing with white wines, there are wines served between 13° and 14°C: the best dry white wines, yellow wines, and oxidative wines. Lastly, aged wines and oxidative style wines should be served at a temperature between 15° and 16°C.
At what temperature should rosé wine be served?
There are fewer subcategories of rosé wines than white wines, but each requires a specific serving temperature. Rosé Champagnes, crémants, and other sparkling rosés require a serving temperature of 7° to 8°C. For light rosés and other easy-drinking wines, serve between 9° and 10°C. Fine rosé Champagnes and classic rosés require a serving temperature of 11° to 12°C. Finally, to finish with rosés, the fuller-bodied ones such as Bordeaux Clairets or Burgundy rosés should be served between 13° and 14°C.
At what temperature should red wine be served?
Finally, let's finish with red wines, which can also be served slightly chilled. For light and fruity red wines, aim for a serving temperature between 11° and 12°C. Beaujolais and relatively low-tannin wines, as well as natural sweet wines, are served between 13° and 14°C. At a serving temperature of 15° to 16°C, you have Burgundy, Rhône, Loire, and other medium-bodied red wines. The ideal serving temperature for all well-structured red wines, Bordeaux, and port wines is 17° to 18°C. Lastly, so-called exceptional or mature wines should be served between 19° and 20°C.
Why is it important to choose the right wine temperature?
Indeed, it is important to serve wines at the right temperature, but why? Temperatures that are too low will prevent most aromas from expressing themselves properly and will make your wine taste dull, causing it to lose all its flavors. Conversely, a wine served at too high a temperature, especially above 20°C, will make the alcohol too prominent. It is beyond 20°C that the alcohol really starts to overpower and mask the flavors. In short, serving wine at the wrong temperature will have a harmful effect on the wine’s aromas and flavors, creating an imbalance on the palate.
Our tips on mistakes to avoid
Domaine du Goût’s first tip is not to forget that wine can warm up within minutes once poured into a glass. Wine can even rise by up to 2°C very quickly. We therefore suggest using an insulating sleeve to limit the bottle’s temperature increase. Using an insulating sleeve is recommended year-round for rosé and white wines and in summer for red wines. The main mistake to avoid is subjecting your wine to sudden temperature changes, either up or down. Also avoid intense heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, which will surely make your wine too warm. Instead, let your wine warm up in open air or soak the bottle in water at a moderate temperature, around 25°C. The same goes for intense cold sources. Putting your wine bottle in the freezer is a no-go. Prefer a cooling sleeve or an ice bucket instead.
