What is Optimum Drinking Temperature?
It is quite normal for the majority of people to serve their wine without really thinking about the temperature of it. The red is served straight from the shelf or storage area at room temperature, and the white is served completely cold straight from the fridge. However, just as you wouldn't enjoy a lukewarm cup of tea compared to a hot one, it is a lot more enjoyable to drink wine at the optimum temperature. While it is true that red wine should be served at a warmer temperature than white wine, there isn't really any truth to the notion of serving it at room temperature. And although white wine is delicious when it is chilled, it shouldn't be consumed too cold.
Why is Temperature so Important?
Experts believe the right temperature does more for your wine than the shape of your glass or letting it breathe. If red wine is too warm the alcohol dominates, and masks its subtle flavours. Chill a wine too far and the flavours are suppressed, the tannins become harsher and the acids too sharp. However, a wine lightly chilled to its ideal temperature reveals its delicious flavours, just as the winemaker intended.
The Myth of ‘Room Temperature’
Red wine should be served at room temperature right? Well actually the idea of drinking wine at room temperature or ‘Au chamber’ comes from the chilly drawing rooms of medieval French castles. While the Australian climate is great for wine making, it isn't ideal for wine drinking, with the average room temperature in Australia being a toasty 23 degrees.
What is the Optimum Drinking Temperature For My Wine?
Each varietal has its own perfect drinking temperature. Full bodied red wines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon should be served between 16 - 18 degrees, while lighter bodied reds like Pinot Noir should be served at a cooler 12-14 degrees. Aromatic whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are best enjoyed when lightly chilled to 6-8 degrees.
Take the simple 5 step temperature challenge today
We’re inviting you to experience the importance of temperature for yourself by taking part in the Taylors Temperature Challenge. There are five easy steps.
1. Pour yourself a glass of red wine as you normally would and enjoy.
2. Put the bottle in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the bottle from the fridge and look at the current temperature indicator on the back label.
4. Swipe the sensor to activate to see if the colour matches the perfect temperature range on the scale.
5. Once it's reached the perfect temperature, pour a glass and taste the difference for yourself!