What is the most suitable serving temperature for drinking wine?

“At room temperature!” This is generally the most common answer given by less experienced people. So, room temperature would mean that if I am in Sicily in August, I serve a red at 40°, while if I am in Stockholm in winter I serve the same red at -20°C??? Nothing could be more WRONG!!!

Each wine has a precise temperature at which it must be served and this serves to best enhance its organoleptic characteristics. Put more simply, serving a wine at the right temperature allows aromas and flavors to be highlighted, determining the sense of taste-olfactory pleasantness during drinking.

Temperature plays a fundamental function, that of strengthening some organoleptic characteristics and attenuating others. A moderately higher temperature increases the sensitivity of the taste buds to sensations such as body and softness, while attenuating "harder" sensations such as freshness and flavor. Consequently, the greater the structure and softness of the wine, the relatively higher the serving temperature will be. Furthermore, a higher temperature also has the effect of "softening" perceptions of hardness such as those induced by tannins. Conversely, the greater the flavor and freshness of the wine, the lower the ideal serving temperature will be. Furthermore, a lower serving temperature allows you to better appreciate sensations such as sweetness, which if it were reinforced by an external sensation of heat would be unpleasant, even cloying at the limit.

Let us now see in detail what are the different temperatures, or the different temperature ranges, at which the different types of wine should be served.

Serving temperature of sparkling wines

Sparkling wines should be served at a temperature of 6-8°C. By sparkling wines we mean all wines with bubbles, including Champagne, Franciacorta, Prosecco, but also a Sweet Moscato or other wine with bubbles.

Serving temperature of white wines

Young and fresh white wines, aged in steel, should be served at a temperature between 8-10°C and should be drunk within a few months, while more structured white wines with aging should be served at a temperature between 10-12°C. a longer one, also in wood, and more evolved scents.

Serving temperature of rosé wines and orange wines

Rosé wines and macerated wines also known as Orange Wine should be served at a temperature of 12-14°C. Their response to temperature is intermediate between that of white and red wines. Many rosé wines have floral and fruity hints and aromas like white wines but a more important structure, almost like light reds. This middle ground means that rosé wines should be served at an intermediate temperature between white wines and red wines.

Serving temperature of red wines

We can also divide Red Wines into 3 categories in reference to the ideal serving temperatures. The younger red wines should be served at a temperature between 14-16°C, of ​​which the vinous scent and the delicious floral and fresh fruit notes are appreciated, while the red wines are served at a temperature of 16-18°C. of medium structure and refinement, characterized by a young but not too impetuous tannic component. At a higher temperature, between 18 and 20°C, important, evolved Red Wines with great structure and tannins and long aging are served. This allows us to enhance not only its elegance, but also the tertiary aromas and the balance of the soft and hard components of the wine.

The correct serving temperature is always indicated on the back label of our wines.

Cheers!!!