5 wine serving temperatures

To enjoy a wine to the fullest, we highly recommend paying attention to the serving temperature. It may sound like a detail, but it can actually make a big difference in your wine experience. The right serving temperature allows you to better appreciate the wine’s aromas, texture and taste. If the temperature is too low, we can hardly notice any aromas and acidity is accentuated. If it is too warm, you’ll basically just notice the alcohol.

How to get it right? It depends on the wine. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

What’s the best temperature for red wine?

Opposite to popular belief, “room temperature” is not the ideal temperature for red wines, especially considering that “room temperature” is not the same in every country. So here are the basics: if it is a light bodied red wine, like Beaujolais, you can enjoy it slightly chilled to 13°C.

Medium to full bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Bordeaux, Barolo, and others, are enjoyed between 15°C y 18°C. The Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is better enjoyed at 14°C.

The serving temperature for white wines

As a general rule, white wines are served chilled. But, just like reds, the temperature will depend on the body. If it is a medium or full bodied white wine, like a Burgundy or Fumé Blanc, or Bicicleta Gewurztraminer, you can enjoy it between 10°C and 13°C.

If it is a light bodied white wine, like Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, we recommend a little cooler, between 7°C and 10°C.

If it is a sweet white wine, don’t be afraid to chill, you can go as low as 6°C.

The serving temperature for sparkling wines

Sparkling wines should always be enjoyed chilled; the “sweet-spot” is between 6°C and 8°C. That’s why they are perfect for the summer or to kick-off your dinner party. However, this could change a bit depending on the variety and acidity level.

For example, a Cava (Spanish Sparkling wine) is usually served at 6°C; its acidity level tends to be a little higher that Champagne’s, which is better served at 8°C.

The serving temperature for sweet wines

Sweet wines are also enjoyed chilled, between 6°C and 8°C, this is mainly because of the residual sugar, which is very high in sweet wines. When served warm, the sugar is all you’re going to be able to taste.

The best way to chill a wine, red, white, sweet or sparkling, is to put the bottle on an ice bucket, with ¾ ice and ¼ water for a few minutes. It is the quickest and best way to chill your wine.

Rosé’s serving temperature

Rosé wines are between the whites and the reds. It can go from 8°C to 13°C, depending on the body, residual sugar, acidity level and fruitiness.

Cono Sur’s Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé, is best enjoyed at 12°C.