Red & White Wine Proper Storage And Serving Temperature

by Aaron Dolman

Red & White Wine: Proper Storage and Serving Temperature

Whether you're a casual sipper or a dedicated connoisseur, understanding how to properly store and serve your wine can dramatically enhance the flavour, aroma, and overall experience. Many people store their wine at room temperature or serve it straight from the fridge—but did you know that both red and white wines have ideal conditions that bring out their best characteristics?

In this post, we’ll explore how to store and serve red and white wines correctly, including the perfect temperatures for each variety, and how a wine cooler can help you achieve this with ease.

Why Storage and Serving Temperature Matters

Wine is sensitive to temperature, light, humidity, and vibration. The wrong storage conditions can:

  • Age wine too quickly (or not enough)

  • Flatten the aromas

  • Mute or exaggerate certain flavours

  • Damage corks or cause premature oxidation

Serving wine at the wrong temperature also affects how it tastes. Too warm, and alcohol dominates. Too cold, and flavours are suppressed.

Red Wine: Storage and Serving Tips

Ideal Storage Temperature for Red Wine:

  • 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F)

This stable, slightly cool range is perfect for ageing red wines gracefully without risking spoilage. Wines should be stored horizontally (if corked) and in a dark, vibration-free space with humidity around 60–70%.

Ideal Serving Temperature for Red Wine:

  • Light Reds (e.g., Pinot Noir, Gamay): 12°C to 14°C

  • Medium Reds (e.g., Merlot, Grenache): 14°C to 16°C

  • Full-bodied Reds (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah): 16°C to 18°C

Myth Alert: "Room temperature" is not ideal for red wine. Modern room temps (20–22°C) are usually too warm, dulling the wine and accentuating the alcohol.

Letting a red wine breathe for 20–30 minutes before serving can also help open up its structure and flavour profile.

White Wine: Storage and Serving Tips

Ideal Storage Temperature for White Wine:

  • 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F)

White wines benefit from cooler storage temperatures to preserve freshness, acidity, and crisp fruit flavours.

Ideal Serving Temperature for White Wine:

  • Light-bodied Whites (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio): 6°C to 8°C

  • Medium Whites (e.g., Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc): 10°C to 12°C

  • Full-bodied or Oaked Whites (e.g., White Burgundy): 12°C to 14°C

Pro Tip: Serve whites chilled but not icy cold—too cold and you’ll lose the aroma and flavour.

Remove white wine from the fridge or wine cooler about 15–20 minutes before serving to allow it to warm slightly to its ideal temperature.

Bonus: What About Sparkling and Rosé?

  • Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Prosecco): 5°C to 7°C
    Serve well chilled to maintain bubbles and crispness.

  • Rosé Wines: 7°C to 10°C
    Like white wines, rosé is best served chilled but not too cold.

Why a Wine Cooler Is the Best Solution

Wine coolers are designed to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels—something a regular fridge or cupboard just can’t do. Even better, dual-zone wine coolers let you store red and white wines at their individual optimal temperatures simultaneously.

At Chilled Solution, we offer a range of premium wine coolers that make it easy to store your collection like a pro—no matter how many bottles you have or how often you entertain.

Final Thoughts

Proper wine storage and serving temperature isn’t just for sommeliers. With the right setup—and a little knowledge—you can transform every glass into a richer, more rewarding experience.

Whether it’s a bold Cabernet or a crisp Chardonnay, respecting the ideal temperature makes all the difference.

Need help choosing the right wine cooler? Get in touch—we’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.

Back to LATEST NEWS & TIPS