| VIN-SIGHTS |

STORAGE TEMPERATURES

OVER 80 ° F

Danger zone or wine storage

65 ° F to 75 ° F

Standard room temperature

50 ° F to 60 ° F Standard wine cellar temperature ( Ideal : 55 ° F )

35 ° F to 40 ° F

Standard refrigeration temperature

SERVICE TEMPERATURES

85 ° F

80 ° F

75 ° F

70 ° F

65 ° F

60 ° F

55 ° F

50 ° F

45 ° F

40 ° F

35 ° F

60 ° F to 70 ° F Best for serving red wines

40 ° F to 50 ° F Best for serving most white , rosé & fortified wines

35 ° F to 40 ° F Best for serving most sparkling & dessert wines

32 ° F Freezing point

BY MARNIE OLD

Temperature is an important factor for both the service and storage of wine .

Not only is wine a perishable product that needs to be kept cool to avoid spoilage , but it also tastes differently when chilled or warmed . Our experience of wine ’ s flavor is dominated by aromatic compounds that are volatile and vaporize at different temperatures , plus others that can alter perceived mouthfeel as well , like tannins .

If you try the same wine from two glasses side by side — one at room temperature and one at refrigerator temperature — the cooler glass will seem less intensely flavorful , but also more refreshing . The wine in the warmer glass will seem bolder in flavor , and may offer a wider range of scents . On the palate , it will seem less refined and boozier . If the wine features tannins from either grape skins or new oak , these will seem more harshly bitter and astringent in the colder glass , and more pleasantly plush in the warmer one .

Most wine is stored and served at either room or refrigerator temperature , because these are the easy-access temps that already exist in modern households . Neither is ideal for wine , however . Most wines keep and taste best somewhere in between ; a little cooler than the room for reds , and a little warmer than the fridge for everything else .

As for long-term storage , longer than a few months , the ideal temperature for allowing wine to age gracefully is 55 ° F , known as “ cellar temperature .” This is the stable year-round temperature found in any natural basement deep enough to escape seasonal swings — hence its well-developed track record . Nowadays , few have access to natural underground storage , so those who wish to keep wine at cellar temperature can invest in appliances , or install cellars that refrigerate to a perfect 55 ° F .

Marnie Old is one of the country ’ s leading wine educators . Formerly the director of wine studies for Manhattan ’ s French Culinary Institute , she is best known for her visually engaging books published by DK , such as Wine : A Tasting Course . Marnie currently serves as director of vinlightenment for Boisset Collection .

THERE IS NO ONE PERFECT TEMPERATURE Recommended temperature ranges for serving wines are shown on the right . But within any given category , those wines highest in alcohol tend to taste better a little warmer , while those with lower alcohol often show best with more of a chill . Try putting red wines in the fridge for 5 to 15 minutes before pouring , and do the reverse for other styles : taking them out of the fridge to warm briefly . Only sparkling and sweet wines taste their best straight from the refrigerator .

CHEERS @ HOME • WINTER 2020 | 13