The ideal temperatures to enjoy each wine
Tasting a wine depends as much on its aroma and taste as on the temperature at which it is served. A wine served too hot or too cold can lose subtlety and unbalance its flavors. Whether you're a lover of white, red, rosé or sparkling wines, knowing the optimum temperature is essential to sublimate the experience. Here's a practical guide to ensure you never miss an opportunity to enjoy your favorite wines to the full.
White wines
1. Dry white wines
Dry whites, such as Petite Arvine or Fendant, reveal all their freshness and aromas of citrus and white fruit when served between two glasses. 8 and 12°C. This temperature enhances their liveliness without masking their finesse.
2. Semi-dry white wines
For wines with a slight sweetness, such as some Johannisbergs, choose a temperature of 10 to 12°C. This balances their residual sugar while bringing out their fruity and floral notes.
3. Sweet and syrupy white wines
Mellow whites, such as Amigne, are perfect between 10 and 12°Cwhile sweet wines such as Malvoisie or Ermitage flétri are best enjoyed between 6 and 8°C. This freshness reduces their apparent sweetness and accentuates their complex aromas of honey, candied fruit and spices.
Sparkling wines
Sparkling wines, whether Champagne or Prosecco, are at their peak at 6-8°C. This freshness preserves the liveliness of the bubbles and brings out their delicate aromas. Too hot a temperature would make them heavy, while too cold a temperature would mask their subtle aromas.
Rosé wines
Serve a rosé between 8 and 12°C is ideal for preserving its freshness and aromas of red fruit and flowers. This temperature range enhances their acidity, making them the perfect companion for summer meals.
Red wines
1. Light reds
Light reds, such as Pinot Noir or Gamay, are best enjoyed slightly chilled, between 12 and 16°C. This temperature preserves their freshness while enhancing their fruity and spicy aromas.
2. Tannic reds
For more powerful wines, such as Cornalin or Syrah, a temperature of 16 to 18°C is recommended. This softens their tannins while revealing their aromatic complexity.
3. Young and old reds
Younger reds (12-16°C) benefit from being served cooler to express their liveliness, while older reds (16-18°C) benefit from higher temperatures to reveal their secondary and tertiary aromas developed over time.
Tips for reaching the ideal temperature
1. Refrigerator and wine cellar
A conventional fridge can cool whites and sparkling wines in two hours. For serious wine lovers, an electric wine cellar is perfect for keeping all your wines at the right temperature all the time.
2. Ice bucket and cooler bag
A bucket filled with cold water and ice cubes is an effective way of quickly adjusting the temperature of a wine. Isothermal bags, ideal for picnics, keep your bottles cool for up to an hour.
3. Cooler and thermometer
Cooling sticks or a wine thermometer guarantee precise control. These accessories are handy for adjusting the temperature without altering the quality of the wine.
4. Decanting
For red wines, decanting not only aerates them, but also helps them reach their optimum temperature.
In a nutshell
Each wine has its own preferred temperature:
Dry whites : 8-12°C
Sweet white wines : 6-8°C
Sparkling : 6-8°C
Rosés : 8-12°C
Light reds : 12-16°C
Tannic or aged reds : 16-18°C
With these guidelines, every tasting experience becomes an exceptional moment. Serve, enjoy and let yourself be transported by the nuances that the right temperature can reveal. Cheers!
