Keeping It Cool - The Optimal Temperature for Storing And Drinking Wine

It's important, but don't overthink it. Includes a special discount for readers!

Photo Credit: Cristen Casados, The Nap Time Reviewer

Today we're happy to bring you this special sponsored post from NewAir on the optimal temperature for storing and drinking wine. It's a question that comes up often with our readers and it's an important one for every person who drinks wine - even the least expensive bottle can benefit from being served at the right temperature! Read on for tons of practical info from NewAir that will help you take your wine drinking to the next level including a special 20% off discount code.

From NewAir:
A lot goes into pouring the perfect glass of wine. The flavor of your favorite vintage depends on many factors. While you don't have any control over the soil and weather conditions in the vineyard, you can definitely do your part to make sure you store the finished product at the optimal temperature. Great wines are complex animals, and their flavors and aromas will change based on the temperature at which you serve them.

So how do you do it right? Make sure you know how to store wine at the perfect temperature. Then all you have to do is pop the cork and pour — no special preparation or ice buckets required.

Red Wine Temperature

The general rule of thumb for red wine is to keep it at room temperature, but that's a moving target. Room temperature in the summer might be well above what's good for your wines long-term health, for starters. Red wine is best kept — and served — just slightly cool, at about 60 to 65 degrees. This is probably a bit cooler than your house temperature but significantly warmer than the average home refrigerator, which is kept between 36 and 40 degrees.

Serving Tip: No need to re-chill the bottle after the first pour unless you won't be finishing it in the same sitting.

White Wine Temperature

Unlike reds, white wines — and their pink rosé sisters — are served cold. The perfect temperature for whites is between 50 and 60 degrees, with the average of 55 degrees often cited as the perfect storage environment as well. Again, this is significantly warmer than a fridge designed for food storage, so it pays to have a dedicated wine cooler for keeping whites at their best.

Serving Tip: Whether you put a half-full bottle of white on ice while your guests sip the first glass is up to you. Keep it cold if you love the flavor as-is, or allow it to gradually warm up to see how the aroma changes.

Sparkling Wine Temperature

Bubbly wines — whether white or pink — should be kept even colder to optimize the snap of the carbonation. Temperatures closer to freezing help keep the bubble fine and distinct, instead of foamy. The right temperature for champagne and other sparklers is about 40 degrees. You could keep this in your standard refrigerator, but just make sure that's not for long-term storage: Arid conditions in your fridge are likely to dry out the cork and cause it to shrink over time, which damages the seal.

Serving Tip: If you don't pour all your bubbly in one shot, keep it on ice or pop it back into the fridge so it stays good and cold until you're ready for seconds.

Maintaining the Correct Temperature for Wine

Planning to store your wine for a while before opening it? The best temperatures to keep any variety of wine is somewhere between 53 and 57 degrees. You should also take care to store it in a dark spot with reasonable humidity to protect the corks and avoid UV damage.

Optimal Drinking Temperatures for Wine

	Temp. Low	Target Temp.	Temp. High
Red Wine	60ºF	62ºF	65ºF
White Wine	50ºF	55ºF	60ºF
Sparkling Wine	38ºF	40ºF	43ºF
All Wines	53ºF	55ºF	57ºF

For modern folks, a grotto is out of the question, but a NewAir Wine Cooler offers everything you need to keep your wine at its peak. With dual zones for red and white along with UV protection, you'll never have to worry about proper storage again — it's easy to keep your favorite bottles at the ideal temperature for both storing and serving.

You don't have to be a wine snob to be in the know about keeping your collection at the optimal temperature. Whether you're a budding oenophile or just want to unwind after work, having the right beverage cooler can make all the difference in your experience.

Learn More:
NewAir 29 Bottle Dual Zone Black Stainless Steel Wine Cooler/AWR-290DB-B
Your kitchen can be upgraded to a sommelier's dream with a built-in black stainless steel wine fridge when you use the code WINESNOB for 20% off! The sleek, modern look of black stainless complements nearly any decor, and a dedicated dual zone wine cooler cabinet keeps your reds and whites at the optimal temperature for pure enjoyment. Whether you're sipping alone or hosting a party, your wine will be ready to serve at the perfect temperature for optimal flavor.