Wine Temperature Serving Guide: Perfect Temps for Red, White, Rosé & More
Wine Serving Temperatures (°C/°F) at A Glance
- Aromatic white wines: 8 - 9°C (46 - 48°F)
- Rich, oaked white wines: 10 - 12°C (50 - 54°F)
- Rosé wines: 9 - 12°C (48 - 54°F)
- Light to medium red wines: 12 - 15°C (54 - 59°F)
- Full-bodied red wines: 15 - 18°C (59 - 64°F)
- Sparkling wines: 6 - 8°C (43 - 46°F)
- Dessert/Sweet wines: 5 - 7°C (41 - 45°F)
👉 Planning a dinner or event? Knowing both serving temperature and how many glasses per bottle can help you serve smart.
Why Wine Temperature Really Matters
The temperature of wine can influence your experience:
- Aromatics: When wine is warmer, it releases its aromatic compounds beautifully, but if it’s too cold, those aromas can be quite subdued.
- Acidity and Tannin Perception: Cooler temperatures amplify acidity in wine, making it feel crisp, while a bit of warmth helps to soften off those tannins.
- Mouthfeel: If wine is served too warm, it can taste a bit flabby and lack structure; conversely, serving it too cold can make it feel sharp or dull.
Striking the right balance is key to enjoying everything a wine has to offer, whether that’s delicate fruits, lively acidity, or rich spices.
What Temperature Should Red Wine Be Served At?
Red wine should be served cooler than room temperature, usually between 12-18°C (54-64°F) depending on the style. Light reds are best around 12-14°C, medium-bodied wines at 13-15°C, and full-bodied at 15-18°c. Serving red wine too warm emphasises the alcohol, while too cold can mute the flavours.
Light Reds (Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grenache)
Ideal Temperature: 12 - 14°C (54 - 57°F)
Best served slightly chilled to highlight cherry, cranberry, and raspberry notes. This accentuates acidity and keeps the wine refreshing, especially in warm weather. If too warm, flavours turn soft and flat.
Quick Tips:
- Chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve slightly cooler than room temperature for freshness.
Medium-Bodied Reds (Merlot, Sangiovese)
Ideal Temperature: 13 - 15°C (55 - 59°F)
Balances ripe fruit with smooth tannins, showing plum, red berry, and spice. Too cold = tight and subdued; too warm = alcohol dominates.
Quick Tips:
- Refrigerate for 30 - 45 minutes, then allow 5 minutes at room temperature
- Decant to let the wine breathe and gently adjust the temperature
Full-Bodied Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec)
Ideal Temperature: 15 - 18°C (59 - 64°F)
A touch warmer helps soften tannins and release flavours like dark fruits, oak, and leather. Avoid exceeding 18°C or the wine may taste “cooked.”
Quick Tips:
- Leave in a cool room (not the fridge) for 30 - 60 minutes before serving
What Temperature Should White Wine Be Served At?
White wine should be served cool and chilled, typically between 7-13°C (45-55°F) depending on the style. Light, aromatic whites taste best at colder temperatures, while full-bodied or oaked whites are better slightly warmer to bring out their texture and oak flavours. In short, yes, white wine should be chilled, but not ice-cold, to maintain its aromas and balance.
Light and Aromatic Whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling)
Ideal Temperature: 7 - 9°C (45 - 48°F)
These refreshing wines shine when chilled, as it helps to keep their vibrant acidity intact and brings out notes of citrus, green apple, or even floral aromas. If served too warm, they can lose their lively character; on the other hand, too much cold can dampen their aromatic expression.
Quick Tips:
- Refrigerate for 45 - 60 minutes before serving
Full-Bodied or Oaked Whites (Chardonnay, Viognier)
Ideal Temperature: 10 - 13°C (50 - 55°F)
Slightly warmer serving temp brings out creamy textures and complex flavours like vanilla, baked apple, and toasted nuts. Too cold suppresses richness.
Quick Tips:
- Chill for 30 minutes, then leave at room temperature for 10 - 15 minutes before pouring.
- Avoid over-chilling, as it can suppress the creamy texture
What Temperature Should Rosé Wine Be Served At?
Ideal Temperature: 9 - 12°C (48 - 54°F)
Rosé is best enjoyed chilled, but avoid serving it icy. Keeping it cool helps maintain its refreshing character while letting those subtle notes of red fruit, think strawberries, watermelon, or a hint of citrus, shine through.
Quick Tips:
- Chill for 30 - 40 minutes
- Leave the bottle on the table to gradually warm and evolve
What Temperature Should Sparkling Wine Be Served At?
Serving Temperature for Prosecco, Cava, Crémant
Ideal Temperature: 6 - 8°C (43 - 46°F)
Sparkling wines come alive when served at cooler temperatures, bringing out their enjoyable effervescence and refreshing, crisp character. Keeping them chilled not only preserves their pressure but also balances their sweetness and acidity.
Quick Tips:
- Chill in the fridge for 30 - 40 minutes
- Keep in an ice bucket between pours to maintain temperature
- Serve in flute or tulip glasses to preserve bubbles
Serving Temperature for Vintage Champagne
Ideal Temperature: 8 - 10°C (46 - 50°F)
Vintage and prestige cuvées shine when served at a slightly warmer temperature, allowing those complex notes of brioche, toasted almonds, and stone fruit to come through.
Quick Tips:
- Chill for 25 - 30 minutes in the fridge
- Allow the bottle to sit for 5 minutes post-chill before opening
- Serve in a tulip glass to concentrate aromas
Serving Temperature for Dessert and Sweet Wines
Ideal Temperature: 5 - 7°C (41 - 45°F)
Dessert wines such as Sauternes, Tokaji, and late-harvest Riesling are wonderfully sweet and aromatic. Serving them chilled can balance out their richness and enhance their fresh, vibrant flavours.
Quick Tips:
- Refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours
- Serve in small glasses to focus on aroma and control sweetness
Wine Serving Temperature Chart
| Serving Temperatures for Different Wine Types | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wine style | Target temp (°C / °F) | Chill time guide |
| Aromatic white wines | 8–9° / 46–48° | Fridge 30–45 min · Ice bucket 15–20 min |
| Rich, oaked white wines | 10–12° / 50–54° | Fridge 20–30 min · Ice bucket 10–15 min |
| Rosé wines | 9–12° / 48–54° | Fridge 30–45 min · Ice bucket 15–20 min |
| Light–medium red wines | 12–15° / 54–59° | Fridge 15–20 min before serving |
| Full-bodied red wines | 15–18° / 59–64° | If warm, fridge 10–15 min |
| Sparkling wines | 6–8° / 43–46° | Fridge 45–90 min · Ice bucket 20–30 min |
| Dessert/Sweet wines | 5–7° / 41–45° | Fridge 60–90 min · Ice bucket 20–30 min |
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Conclusion
Serving wine at the right temperature isn’t just about precision; it’s about allowing the wine to express its true character. Just a slight variation in temperature can transform a decent sip into something memorable.
Get the temperature right, and you’ll experience wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
👉 Now that you know the right temperature, learn how to store opened bottles to keep them tasting great for longer!
FAQ
1. What is the ideal temperature to serve red wine?
Red wine should be served between 12°C and 18°C, depending on its body.
- Light reds (like Pinot Noir): 12 - 14°C
- Medium-bodied reds (like Merlot): 13 - 15°C
- Full-bodied reds (like Cabernet): 15 - 18°C
2. Can I chill red wine in the fridge?
Absolutely! Lighter reds are best enjoyed with a little chill. Just pop them in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes, or if you're in a hurry, a quick dip in an ice bucket will do the trick. Just be careful not to over-chill the fuller reds!
3. What’s the best temperature for white wine?
White wines perform best between 7°C and 13°C, depending on the style:
- Light & aromatic whites: 7- 9°C
- Full-bodied or oaked whites: 10 - 13°C
