Because white wine has a refreshing acidity and delicate flavors, it needs to be kept at the perfect temperature to keep its taste and smell. The best temperature to store white wine is usually between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C), but this can change a little based on the type of white wine. Keeping white wine at the right temperature not only keeps it's quality but also makes it taste better.
White Wine Types and Their Ideal Temperatures
Light-Bodied Whites (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
Ideal Storage Temperature: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)
Serving Temperature: 45°F to 49°F (7°C to 9°C)
White wines with a light body are known for being crisp, pleasant, and high in acidity. Keeping them at the lower end of the temperature range for white wine helps them keep their bright flavors and strong aromas.
Medium-Bodied Whites (e.g., Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc)
Ideal Storage Temperature: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
Serving Temperature: 50°F to 54°F (10°C to 12°C)
Medium-bodied white wines, which tend to have fuller textures and more complex tastes, do better when stored at slightly warmer temperatures than light-bodied whites. This range of temperatures helps them stay balanced and keeps the wine from getting too sharp or losing its subtleties.
Full-Bodied Whites (e.g., Oaked Chardonnay, Viognier)
Ideal Storage Temperature: 52°F to 55°F (11°C to 13°C)
Serving Temperature: 52°F to 55°F (11°C to 13°C)
White wines with a lot of body are usually kept in oak and have strong structures and flavors that are deep and complex. Keeping these wines at a slightly higher temperature within the range for white wines helps keep their richness and depth without changing how they taste.
Aromatic White Wines
Aromatic whites are known for their strong, distinctive aromas. They should be stored and served cool, but not too cold, to preserve their fragrant qualities.
Examples: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Torrontés, Muscat
Storage Temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Serving Temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
Sweet and Dessert White Wines
Sweet and dessert wines have higher sugar content and are best served well-chilled to balance their sweetness with acidity.
Examples: Sauternes, Ice Wine, Late Harvest Riesling, Moscato
Storage Temperature: 41-45°F (5-7°C)
Serving Temperature: 41-45°F (5-7°C)
Sparkling White Wines
Sparkling whites need to be served cold to keep their bubbles fine and persistent, enhancing the wine’s refreshing quality.
Examples: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Sparkling Riesling
Storage Temperature: 40-45°F (4-7°C)
Serving Temperature: 40-45°F (4-7°C)
Tips for Setting Wine Fridge Temp
Single Zone Wine Fridge Vs. Dual Zone Wine Fridge
Single-Zone Wine Fridge: If your wine fridge has only one temperature zone, choose a setting that accommodates the majority of your collection. For a mix of white wines, a temperature around 50°F (10°C) can be a good compromise.
Dual-Zone Wine Fridge: Dual-zone fridges allow you to set different temperatures for two compartments. For example:
Zone 1 (45°F to 50°F): Store your light-bodied white wines here.
Zone 2 (50°F to 55°F): This zone is perfect for medium to full-bodied white wines.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term
The optimal temperature can differ based on how long you plan to store the wine. For short-term storage (a few weeks to months), a slightly colder temperature can help preserve freshness. For long-term aging, a steady, slightly warmer temperature within the ideal range can be more beneficial.
