Serving and drinking temperature: are they the same?

When it comes to the ideal temperature for drinking wine, many believe the old rule that reds should be kept at room temperature, while whites should be chilled.

Although it is a good starting point, it is important to understand that serving temperature and tasting temperature are not the same, which is key to enjoying a good wine correctly.

Tasting: learning to enjoy the qualities of good wine

Tasting a wine tends to be a more immersive experience than casual consumption. It is a ritual in which we seek to identify the details that make each bottle different, something for which it is necessary to consider the three phases of all tasting: visual, olfactory and gustatory.

For the first, we must have a good light source that allows us to observe the color and opacity of the liquid to determine its body and age.

For the olfactory phase, it is advisable to be in a place where other odors do not converge that could confuse the primary, secondary and tertiary aromas of the wine. At this point we begin to perceive the role that temperature plays in the experience, since this factor affects the aroma of the wine.

It is also one of the key factors for the taste phase, where it is necessary to appreciate specific elements such as acidity, sweetness or bitterness and the various fruit or herbal notes that the wine may contain.

Temperature: an aspect to consider when drinking a glass of wine

It is important to point out that the serving and tasting temperature of wine are not the same, a wine should always be served slightly cooler than its ideal tasting temperature, this considering that the handling of the glass and the time it takes to drink it will increase its heat gradually.

In this regard, experts recommend that, when tasting a wine, the temperature does not exceed 19 °C -since the presence of alcohol increases- nor does it go below 4 °C, since this prevents the nuances of the product from being noticed.

Ideal temperature of white wine

In the case of light white wine – such as Muscadet, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – they should always be served between 7 and 10 °C; while those with more body -such as the Fum© Blanc- reach their maximum expression between 10 to 13°C.

These rather low temperatures help bring out the freshness and acidity that characterize white wines.

Ideal temperature of red wine

For its part, red wine is usually served a little warmer than white and for good reason, since serving it at a higher temperature helps to highlight its fruity aromatic profile.

For reserve and grand reserve reds, it is ideal to serve them between 15 and 17 °C, while medium-bodied and light ones -such as Pinot Noir- enhance their qualities between 13 and 15 °C.

The world of wines is extremely wide, and each variety has unique characteristics that stand out when served and tasted at the correct temperature.

Whether you want to enjoy a good Pinot Noir or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, by serving it at the right temperature you will be able to appreciate all the details and qualities of each variety of wine, which translates into a unique experience.