Ideal Serving Temperature for Different Types of Wine

Just like the precise control of heat in cooking, wine also requires the right serving temperature to bring out its full character. The ideal temperature allows the wine’s aroma and flavor to be expressed at their best.

Ideal Serving Temperature for Red Wine

In general, red wine should be served slightly below room temperature. When the temperature is too high, the phenolic compounds in the wine oxidize more quickly, and the aromatic substances evaporate too rapidly—causing the wine to lose its robust body, distinctive bouquet, and nuanced flavor. Once the temperature rises above 18°C (64°F), most red wines begin to lose their character and balance. Therefore, it’s better to serve red wine a little cooler rather than too warm, since the warmth of your hand can gradually bring it to the ideal drinking temperature.

Depending on the style of wine, the ideal serving temperature for red wines also varies.
Light-bodied, fruit-forward reds such as Beaujolais Nouveau are best served slightly cooler, around 13℃ (55℉). Medium-bodied reds like Chianti, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel perform better at a moderate temperature of about 16°C (61°F). Full-bodied wines — including Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz — show their best character when served a bit warmer, between 17–18°C (63–64°F).

Ideal Serving Temperature for White Wine

For white wines, serving them slightly warmer can help release their natural aromas and enhance their flavor profile. When served too cold, the wine’s inherent fragrance and taste become muted and restrained. However, compared to red wines, the ideal serving temperature for white wines is still considerably lower.

The ideal serving temperature for most white wines ranges between 10–13°C (50–55°F). Lighter, crisper wines like Riesling are best served slightly kitchen cooler than Pinot Gris or Chardonnay. Since most household refrigerators are kept at around 4–7°C (39–45°F), it’s not recommended to drink white wine immediately after taking it out of the fridge. Instead, remove it 30–60 minutes before serving to let it warm up naturally, or gently raise the temperature by holding the glass in your hand.

If your white wine has been stored at room temperature, place it in the refrigerator or an ice bucket 30–60 minutes before serving to chill it to the ideal temperature.

Ideal Serving Temperature for Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are best enjoyed colder than still whites, typically around 7°C (45°F). You can serve a bottle straight from the refrigerator, but chilling it for an additional 15–20 minutes before opening will help enhance its freshness and flavor.

Ideal Serving Temperature for Fortified and Sweet Wines

Fortified and sweet wines vary greatly in style, so their ideal serving temperatures can differ as well. As a general rule, lighter, fruitier, and younger wines should be served slightly cooler, while full-bodied, aged, or more complex wines benefit from a slightly warmer temperature. Most fortified wines are best served at around 17–18°C (63–64°F).