The Right Temperature for Serving Each Type of Wine
How important is the temperature when serving or chilling wine? Let’s find out today.
Each type of wine, and even each grape variety, has its own ideal serving temperature. For example:
- Sparkling wine is best served at around 6°C
- White wine is generally served between 8–12°C
- Red wine is usually served between 12–18°C
Even within the same category, different grapes require different temperatures:
- Sauvignon Blanc is best around 8°C
- Chardonnay performs better closer to 12°C
Trying to remember all the details can be overwhelming. So here’s a simple and effective method that I use myself:
The 10 · 20 · Ice-Cold Rule
Why “Ice-Cold” Makes Sense
Imagine coming home tired and hot. You open the fridge and grab a chilled soda. Would you prefer it:
- At room temperature?
- Lightly chilled?
- Or ice-cold, almost frozen?
Most people would say ice-cold. That’s the same idea behind how to serve sparkling wine.
Sparkling wine contains carbonation, just like soda. The colder it is, the better it holds its bubbles and crispness.
I recommend serving sparkling wine as cold as you can. That’s it. Simple but effective.
Room Temperature Isn’t What You Think
Some people believe that red wine should be served at room temperature. That’s only partially true.
Room temperature in wine guides refers to Bordeaux, France, which averages around 18.5°C.
In warmer climates like Thailand, “room temperature” could mean 28–30°C, which is far too warm for red wine.
If you serve red wine too warm, here’s what happens:
- The alcohol evaporates more aggressively, making the aroma harder to detect and enjoy
- The warmth enhances the alcohol burn, making it less pleasant on the palate
So yes, serving wine at the right temperature really does matter.
Final Thoughts
Every bottle of wine deserves to be chilled or properly rested before drinking. The right temperature brings out the best aroma and flavor balance.
- White wine: 10°C
- Red wine: 20°C
- Sparkling wine: As cold as possible
Written by: Boy Smiling Wine
