Surely, on more than one occasion, you’ve wondered at what temperature you should serve that special wine you’ve been saving for so long, waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy it at its full potential. In fact, we confess that this is one of the most common questions asked by visitors who come to our winery every weekend. In this article, you will see that not only is this a relevant question, but also that the temperature of the wine is a critical aspect in fully appreciating its aromatic potential and flavors.
If you truly want to enjoy a great glass of wine and make it the star of your meal or dinner, follow these guidelines when choosing the optimal serving temperature.
As mentioned earlier, the correct serving temperature is essential to perceive all the characteristics of a wine and fully enjoy it. The first thing to understand is that there is no single ideal temperature; it depends on the type of wine you plan to open and the aging process it has undergone. However, there are two basic rules to keep in mind. One: below 5ºC (41ºF), it is very difficult to perceive any flavors or aromas. Two: above 18ºC (64ºF), the wine will generally present alcoholic notes that mask many of its virtues. With these general guidelines established, let’s explore the details.
The first step is to determine what type of wine you are opening to impress your partner, friends, or family on a special occasion. If you choose a white wine, the ideal is to serve it chilled, but be careful—there’s a difference between a young white wine and one that has been fermented or aged in barrels. For a young white, the ideal serving temperature is around 7ºC (45ºF). If you opt for a style like our PRADOREY Blanco (lightly aged in barrels with some complexity), we recommend serving it at around 9ºC (48ºF). Lastly, if you choose a long-aged white wine, the ideal temperature to appreciate its full aromatic and flavor complexity is around 12ºC (54ºF). In fact, if you serve it at 9–10ºC (48–50ºF) and let it sit for a few minutes, you’ll notice how it develops surprising complexity as it reaches its optimal temperature.
If you prefer other types of white wines, such as Manzanilla or Fino sherry, we recommend serving them below 10ºC (50ºF). For a frizzante or a semi-sweet wine, try chilling it down to 6ºC (43ºF)—you might be pleasantly surprised.
If you’re someone who enjoys taking risks with rosé wines, you’ll notice some similarities with white wines. If your choice is a pale rosé, like our PRADOREY Lía, we suggest serving it at around 6ºC (43ºF). However, if you consider rosé to have its own distinct personality, then your best bet is our outstanding PRADOREY Rosado Fermentado en Barrica. This explosion of aromas and flavors should be served at around 9–10ºC (48–50ºF) to be fully enjoyed.
For red wines, consider their production process to understand what the winemaker intended. In young wines like our PRADOREY Origen, fresh fruity and floral aromas stand out, and to enhance them, the ideal serving temperature is between 13 and 15ºC (55–59ºF). In contrast, for aged wines meant for cellaring (such as our Finca Valdelayegua, Finca La Mina, Finca RSV, Élite, or Adaro), which develop more complex aromas from the aging process, we recommend serving them at around 15–17ºC (59–63ºF) to fully appreciate their depth.
Finally, sparkling wines like cava should ideally be served between 5 and 7ºC (41–45ºF).
Not only is it important to know at what temperature to serve wine, but it’s also essential to chill it correctly to maintain all its organoleptic characteristics.
Never put a bottle of wine in the freezer. It should gradually reach the right temperature in the fridge before drinking. Additionally, you can maintain its coolness at the table using an ice bucket. This is particularly useful in summer, as the bottle’s temperature will rise while you eat.
A great trick for chilling wine quickly? Fill the ice bucket with both ice and water to ensure uniform cooling. Adding a little salt will speed up the process by melting the ice faster. You can also use cooling sleeves, which help gradually cool the wine.
It’s important to differentiate between the serving temperature and the drinking temperature of a wine.
Even if served at the perfect temperature, the glass will remain on the table for some time, naturally warming up by a couple of degrees. Serving it slightly cooler than desired can be key, as it will gradually reach its optimal temperature in a few minutes. Keeping an ice bucket nearby is a great idea, especially in summer.
Want to truly enjoy a good wine? Follow these tips to perceive all its qualities.
Plan ahead before consuming it. Wine needs to adapt to its surroundings before drinking, so let the bottle stand upright in the room where you’ll be drinking it. This allows it to adjust to the ambient temperature and express its best attributes.
Never serve wine at room temperature unless it’s a red at the correct range. If the ambient temperature is too high, you won’t perceive the wine’s aromas and flavors correctly. Heat increases the perception of alcohol, distorting the taste and masking secondary and tertiary aromas.
If you’re new to wine tasting, using a thermometer can be helpful. This will allow you to get accustomed to identifying the best serving temperatures for each wine variety.
Ultimately, as you’ve read, enjoying wine fully requires serving it at the correct temperature, which varies depending on whether it’s red, white, rosé, or sparkling, as well as its aging process. It’s also crucial to know how to chill a bottle correctly to ensure it reaches its ideal temperature. Respecting each wine’s cooling time, ensuring gradual chilling, and understanding that the serving and drinking temperatures may differ are key factors. The surrounding temperature can raise the wine’s temperature by a couple of degrees while it sits in the glass, meaning even perfectly chilled wine might not be as enjoyable if left unattended.
Now, all that’s left to do is raise your glass. With these simple tips, the wine you choose is sure to be a success.
Cheers!
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CL-619 Road, km 64, Gumiel de Mercado (Burgos), Spain
CL-619 Road, km 64, Gumiel de Mercado (Burgos), Spain
