Finding the Perfect Weather (Temperature) for Your Wine

So often we drink wine without giving a second thought as to what temperature the wine is being served at.  Even when you order a glass of wine at a restaurant, rarely do they serve it to you at the correct temperature.  When you see instructions that specifically state to serve at room temperature, keep in mind that the room temperature in Europe they are referring to is a balmy sixty degrees.  Too cold for us T-Shirt and Shorts wearing Americans!  Believe it or not, the temperature you serve your glass of wine at can have a dramatic effect on the way it tastes and is perceived by you and your guests.   The higher the temperature the wine is served at, the more flavor particles and aromas are given off.  Call it wine gases if you will.  That is why the more flavorful and potent smelling red wines are usually served at a higher temperature than are the white wines.  In many white wines, you actually want to keep them cool because as the temperature rises, it loses that crisp acidity and freshness that make it so appealing.  Of course there are exceptions to the rule in both wine styles.  Red Beaujolais is best served slightly chilled, while great White Burgundy made from Chardonnay should be served just a touch cool.   Another benefit that cold temperatures bring to a wine is that because the cold restricts odors and flavors somewhat from escaping, it can mask the flaws in a wine.  Remember that important tidbit next time you are having a drink of something rather dreadful!  Cold temperatures also tend to preserve wine better after it has been opened.  Even red wines can benefit from being stored in the refrigerator after being uncorked.  Just put the cork back in your wine and set it in the refrigerator.  If you've had a red wine sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two, just sit it out on the counter for a while before you drink it. Here are some helpful temperature guidelines for serving your favorite glass of wine: White Wines White Burgundy – between 54 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit Chardonnay – between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit Pinot Grigio/Gris – between 43 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit Riesling – between 43 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit Sauvignon Blanc – between 43 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit Viognier – between 50 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit Blush – between 43 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit White Zinfandel – Below Freezing, preferably on a Popsicle stick! Red Wines Beaujolais – between 47 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit Pinot Noir – between 55 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit Red Burgundy – between 57 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit Merlot - between 61 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit Cabernet Sauvignon – between 61 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit Syrah/Shiraz – between 58 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit Chianti – between 54 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit Tempranillo – between 59 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit Zinfandel – between 60 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit Dessert and Specialty Wines Sparkling wine – between 39 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit Best Champagne – between 46 and 51 degrees Fahrenheit Muscat – between 39 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit Sauternes – between 47 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit Tawny Port – between 50 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit Vintage Port – between 61 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit

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