Wine world is complicated, sophisticated and a “cannot- be-excused” one. Why we say this is because wine connoisseurs take pride in doing what they do. One must not just drink wine, but they must learn the tastes, notes, vintages, regions and well the list goes on. I personally have attended some interesting wine tasting and pairing events, but I would not consider myself a connoisseur.
Having said that, I know that certain elements must remain intact for me to enjoy my wine. I prefer proper glassware, I prefer a light-bodied red wine over others, and of course one more thing I really care about is the temperature. Because if you serve wine too cold or too warm, you cannot enjoy a good experience.
Just imagine serving Champagne, white wine or a rosé too warm! You already know that not only the flavor, but also the aroma is altered, because the temperature plays a big role. And this applies whether it’s a “Box of wine” or $100 bottle you received as a gift.
So here’s an image we designed to show the ideal temperatures for your favorite wines:
So what happens to wine when it’s too hot?
Did you know that if you keep your bottles in temperatures over 70 degrees (Fahrenheit) for a
Significant amount of time, it can cause permanent damage to it? So that means, on a hot summer day you shouldn’t be keeping your bottles in the car for too long. Because anything over 80 degrees, wine starts to cook. One way to look at wine is the way we look at dairy products. Would you keep your ice cream, or yoghurts in the car for too long? Since the answer is no, use that same principle when you buy your next bottle.
What if it’s too cold?
When it’s too cold, the liquid starts to expand, same like water when it tries to freeze- ice expands. With expansion comes the pressure – literally! It can even build enough pressure to pop the cork open or crack the glass. But to be honest, “too cold” would not harm the wine as much as “too hot” would.
Wine Thermometers
My personal favorite is the Kikkerland wine bottle thermometer. It is a steel ring, approximately 2.25 inches long, that you can easily put around the bottle, and has got a small digital screen to show the temperature.
Verdict
If you are a wine drinker, I think this item is a must have. This thermal flexible cuff fits most bottles. And it’s a perfect gift for a wine lover.
Original content written by: Michelle Perez
