| Now that we’ve sipped our way through the Fourth of July, it’s safe to say that summer is officially here. And boy, do we love it. Summer gives us a chance to show off our favorite bikini, try out that chic new sunhat we bought back in October and work on getting the perfect golden tan. But one of the not-so-great things about it? The insanely hot temperatures. We subscribe to the notion that any varietal of wine can be enjoyed at any point in time. However, its no secret that chilled vino during the hottest months of the year is one of life’s greatest pleasures. While quick-chill hacks can be done, slow and steady generally wins the race when it comes to ideal wine serving temps. Check out these tips on cooling down our favorite varietals during the steamy summer days: |
Sparkling WinesThis one’s for you, @Champagnepapi. Drake’s wines of choice – Prosecco, Champagne and Cava – are best served between 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparkling wine should be served super cold to keep those bubbles popping. Store your sparklers in the fridge to ensure that they’re always ready for a celebration. |
Whites & RoséWhite wines and Rosés are like the fling you had four summers ago and keep coming back to. There’s just something about them when the weather heats up. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Albariño, Verdelho, etc. should be stored in the fridge. Taking them out about 20 minutes before serving will bring them to their ideal drinking temperature of 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range helps bring out all the best flavors in the wine, and you’ll be enjoying your Summer Nights like Sandy and Danny (minus all the drama). |
Light RedsLight reds make an exceptional summer wine. Kinda like that boy band you were obsessed with when you were 16, these wines will make you fall in love all over again. Red wines like Pinot Noir, Grenache and Nebbiolo should be served slightly chilled. Put the wine in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to serving. This should get it to the optimal temperature of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Pro-tip: best enjoyed while listening to 98 Degrees. |
Full RedsFeeling like you’re all about that bass this summer? Thankfully full-bodied reds like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon know just what you need. These should be stored in a cool place like a wine cellar or a basement, away from direct sunlight. This should lead to a temperature near 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as these wines are cooler than room temperature, they can easily be enjoyed, no treble. |
| Following these guidelines for cooling down your wines will lead to your best vino experience yet. Afterall, chilled wine in the summer is like finding out that your favorite shoes (you know, the ones that you’ve been eyeing up for months now) finally went on sale. It just doesn’t get better than that. Cheers! |
