In general, sparkling wines should be served at temperatures of 7°-9°C, whites (both dry and sweet) at 9°-12°C, rosés at 11°-14°C, and reds at 14°-18°C. Special attention must be given to the latter, as the common belief that they should be served at “room temperature” often leads to them being served too warm. This misconception stems from the term “Chambre” which was established in the 18th-19th century when French buildings were unheated and had thick walls, resulting in room temperatures of 12°-14°C, not the much higher temperatures of modern interiors.
Thus, every wine benefits from proper chilling, and there are various methods to achieve the right temperature. The effectiveness and convenience of these methods vary, but they all ultimately get the job done. The time required to chill a wine also depends on its initial temperature; for example, chilling a white wine to 10°C from a cellar temperature of 16°C takes less time than doing so from a bottle left in a hot car during summer. Below are some common methods and their associated times.
Properly Cooling Wines in Hot Summer
Wine Fridge
A specialized wine fridge with dual zones for separate temperature control is the most luxurious and efficient way to bring wine to the perfect serving temperature. By setting one zone to 8°C for whites and the other to 15°C for reds, you can have any wine ready to enjoy at any time. It’s no surprise that many top restaurants use these fridges.
Conventional Refrigerator
The classic method of chilling wine in a regular fridge is simple but slow. If you plan to drink a bottle on a whim, placing it in the fridge for just half an hour won’t suffice. A white wine requires at least 4-5 hours to chill properly, and even a red wine needs about 2 hours. Remember, wine is an alcoholic solution and takes longer to cool than water. A timer and thermometer can help manage this process effectively.
Freezer
Although some people advise against using the freezer, claiming that the sudden temperature change “shocks” the wine, this is mostly a concern for older, delicate wines. Fresh wines generally withstand freezing well, making it a convenient method. However, it still takes longer than expected: a white wine from a cupboard needs at least 1-1½ hours, and a red wine requires at least 20 minutes. The biggest drawback is the risk of forgetting the bottle in the freezer for too long.
Ice Bucket
Using an ice bucket is the fastest and most elegant way to chill wine. Ensure the bucket is filled with plenty of ice and enough water, as contact with liquid significantly lowers the temperature. The bottle should be almost fully submerged to avoid temperature differences. If needed, gently shake the bottle a few times to homogenize the temperature. This method can chill a white wine in about 15 minutes and a red in about 5 minutes. It also helps keep the wine cold after opening, unlike other methods that require frequent trips to the fridge or ice packs.
By following these guidelines, you can properly chill your wines and enjoy them at their best, even in the hottest summer months.
