Wine Accessories and Glasses

The temperature at which a wine is served has an immense impact on its taste. Most red wines should be slightly chilled at about 65 degrees F. Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before serving will improve the bouquet and taste as it warms. If this seems surprising to you, it’s due to the old adage - serve reds at “room temperature”. This originated in Europe many, many years ago, when room temperature was much cooler than today.

Champagne and sparkling wines should be completely chilled. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours before serving or put in ice bucket with ice and water for 20 minutes. For your best vintage and high quality bubbly, allow bottle to warm a bit after refrigeration to bring out the character for which you are paying extra.

Refrigerator temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s,  are too cold for most white wines. Allow the wine  to warm for 20 minutes before serving, and this is an excellent opportunity to pour the wine into a wine decanter,  which will also aerate the wine properly. A temperature of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit will enhance the flavor upon serving.

The perfect temperature for any wine depends on how much alcohol, fruit and tannin it contains. It is safe to say, that wine should never be stored or served above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.