Wine Serving Temperature Guide
Select a wine type below to see the ideal serving temperature and exactly how long to chill it in the fridge or an ice bucket.
Select a wine type above to see its ideal serving temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Red wine is best served between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius (54-64 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the body of the wine. Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir taste best slightly cooler at 12-14 degrees C, while full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon shine at 16-18 degrees C. Serving red wine too warm can make the alcohol taste harsh and overpower the fruit.
Yes, white wine should always be chilled before serving. Light-bodied whites such as Sauvignon Blanc are ideal at 7-10 degrees C (45-50 degrees F), while richer, oaked whites like Chardonnay do well between 10-13 degrees C (50-55 degrees F). Chilling brings out the crisp acidity and bright fruit flavours that make white wines refreshing. Simply place the bottle in the fridge for 1-2 hours before opening.
Chilling time depends on the target temperature and starting temperature of the bottle. From a typical room temperature of 22 degrees C, a standard fridge (4 degrees C) takes roughly 2-2.5 hours for sparkling and light whites, 1-1.5 hours for fuller whites and rosé, and 30-60 minutes for light to medium reds. An ice-water bucket chills about three times faster than a fridge, making it ideal for last-minute preparations.
Champagne and other sparkling wines are best served well chilled at 6-8 degrees C (43-46 degrees F). This preserves the delicate mousse, keeps the bubbles fine and persistent, and highlights the wine's bright acidity and toasty complexity. Chill the bottle for about 2.5 hours in the fridge or 25 minutes in an ice-water bucket before serving.
Serving wine too cold can mute its aromas and flavours, making it taste flat and one-dimensional. This is especially noticeable with red wines and full-bodied whites, where cooler temperatures suppress the complex bouquet. If your wine is over-chilled, simply cup the glass in your hands for a minute or two and the aromas will start to open up as the wine warms slightly.