Serving temperature fo red wine
Summer arrives and temperatures rise, and red wine does not seem to go well with these conditions; but is that true?The usual temperature for red wines is between 14 and 17 degrees, depending on the type of wine.
Summer arrives and temperatures rise, and red wine does not seem to go well with these conditions; but is that true?
The usual temperature for red wines is between 14 and 17 degrees, depending on the type of wine.
Young wines, i.e. those with little ageing, where the aromas of fresh fruit predominate, can be drunk at a lower temperature.
Red wines with long ageing, hich we could understand as Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, require higher temperatures. This is due to their delicacy and complex aromas that are generated during their long storage times, and that may be muted by the cold.
Did you know that the temperature of the wine has a great influence on its flavours and aromas, and even on the texture?
Think of a soup that you eat cold; does it taste and smell less than when you eat it hot? Those aromas that are released from the food while cooking change completely if we then put it in the fridge; they almost disappear by magic. The same thing happens with wines, the colder they are, the more nuances we will miss.
Let's see how temperature can act on the wine:
- At a higher temperature (approximately 16-17º): the alcoholic sensation, the warmth and maturity of the wines are accentuated.
- At a lower temperature (approximately 7 - 8º): the astringency of the wine is accentuated (tannins), the aromas are perceived to a lesser extent, and the acidity is accentuated.
We have already seen in previous articles that temperature also influences the storage and preservation of wines. The ideal thing is to have a wine fridge; there are many sizes and prices depending on our needs.
The right temperature to store wine is about 10-12º. Therefore, we only need to take out our red wine for a while before consuming it and let it reach the desired temperature.
If we do not have a specific wine cellar for them, it is advisable for them to be kept in the coolest place in the house, away from noise and direct light. Never on the countertop of the kitchen next to the hobs.
If we need to cool it down for a while before drinking it, the most suitable thing is to use an ice bucket with water and ice, as these are very good conductors of cold. Never in the freezer, and never put ice cubes in the wine; if you do, the only thing we will manage to achieve is to dilute it and our precious wine will lose its flavours.
So, what do we do in summer, when temperatures are very high, and our body is asking us for drinks to cool us down?
Well, we have already seen that temperature affects the flavours and aromas of the wines, but it also affects each person’s habits, situations, and tastes, so the best thing is to look for the right wines for each moment. Summer is the time to go for fresh, young, carefree red wines that are in keeping with the cuisine of the moment.
Our advice: follow each ones’ taste.
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