Ideal Serving Temperatures For Every Wine Slideshow

Generally speaking, most sparkling wines and Champagnes are best served at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many recommend that the temperature for better quality, aged vintages be not quite as cold, about 50 to 52 degrees.

It is usually recommended that rosés, the summertime favorite, be served between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Certainly it is well known that most white wines are best served chilled. Still, it is important to emphasize that chilled is not the same as ice-cold. Why? Because all too often white wines are served at a colder temperature than they should be, something which unfortunately mutes the flavors and characteristics of the wine on the nose and overly accentuates the acids. 

If you're drinking a simple, inexpensive white, serve it somewhere between 48 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you're opening a nice bottle of dry white wine, like perhaps an aged Chardonnay, it's best to serve that at a slightly warmer temperature, between 58 and 62 degrees.

Fans of fruity, light-bodied red wines, like the popular French Beaujolais, for example, should stick to serving them between 57 and 60 degrees.

Most red wines, from Chianti and Cabernet to Merlot and Pinot Noir, are best enjoyed between 62 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Some contend that the bigger, bolder reds can be served at up to 68 degrees, but most agree that anything about 70 is too warm.

Dessert wines, which can include everything from sweet and semisweet German wines to sweet Vouvray, are generally served on the colder side, between 45 and 50 degrees. However, some will argue that really good quality dessert wines, like a fine Sauternes, should be served at 58 degrees.

Some types of fortified wine, like Port, are mostly served at the same temperature as the majority of red wines, between 62 and 65 degrees. That said, some will make the case that the tawny and ruby Ports can be served slightly cooler, between 50 and 60 degrees.

Sherry too is commonly served between 62 and 65 degrees, with the exception of fino Sherry which is served at about 55 degrees.