Should Sparkling Red Wine be Chilled?

From a sparkling rosé to a crisp and fruity Lambrusco, the variety of sparkling wines available on the market is vast. Sparkling red wine is no exception, and with an intense and unique taste, it is often enjoyed chilled. But is this the correct way to enjoy this wine, or should we serve it at a different temperature?

Varied Temperature Preferences

When it comes to chilling sparkling red wine, opinions vary as much as the flavor of this type of wine. With many people enjoying a chilled glass in summer and slightly warmer temperatures in winter, you'll find your preference by experimenting with the temperature. And that’s the beauty of drinking sparkling red wine – it can be enjoyed in different ways and temperatures!

Serving Temperature: Get It Right

When serving sparkling red wine at the right temperature, the answer may vary slightly depending on the variety, aging process, and production method. Generally, this type of wine should be chilled between 11℃ and 14℃ to get the most out of the delicate flavors. If it’s kept colder than ten °C, the complexity of the aromas will be lost, and the taste will be far too chilled.

On the other hand, if the wine is served too warm (above 19°C), the flavors will break down, leaving the wine tasting too flat and dull. A tricky temperature range indeed!

Factors to Consider

When determining the ideal temperature for your sparkling red wine, it is essential to consider the specific characteristics of the wine itself. For example, lighter wines usually taste best a little warmer than darker, full-bodied vintages.

Lighter wines, such as a Barolo Chinato, might benefit from a slightly warmer serving temperature, between 16°C and 17°C. At the same time, a bolder bottle, like a Barbera d'Asti, might need to be chilled a little lower between 11°C and 12°C.

In addition to considering the type of sparkling red wine, measurements like its alcohol by volume (ABV) should be considered. Generally, the higher the ABV, the colder you should serve it. Sparkling red wines with a higher ABV should be done at temperatures closer to 11℃, whereas sparkling red wines with an ABV of 12.5% or less should be served closer to 14℃.

Optimum Temperature

Ultimately, the best way to find the optimal serving temperature is to experiment with different temperatures to see which one you prefer.

When serving sparkling red wine at home, it is essential to make sure that you chill the bottle for at least 2-3 hours before opening it and serving. If you don’t have enough time, you can quickly cool your sparkling red wine by placing it in an ice bucket filled with equal parts water and ice for about 30 minutes.

Generally, if you’re looking for the perfect temperature to serve sparkling red wine, it should be between 11°C and 14°C. However, it’s also essential to consider the variety, aging process, ABV, and personal preferences when determining the best serving temperature for your sparkling red wine.

Enjoying Sparkling Red Wine

Serving sparkling red wine can be challenging, but with the right temperature and accompaniments, it can be an incredible experience that will leave you wanting more.

Accompany your sparkling red wine with a light and flavourful dishes for an unforgettable dinner, like a fresh salad with crisp pear slices and lightly roasted hazelnuts. Add a sweet touch with dark chocolate ganache tartlets and a glass of sparkling red.

Although Sparkling red wine can be enjoyed on its own, why not pair it with savory food? Try it with strong cheeses or a light and creamy risotto to bring out the flavor of the wine.

Final Thoughts

When finding the right temperature to serve your sparkling red wine, it is essential to consider the factors affecting its taste. While there is no definitive answer to this question, experimentation is your best bet for finding your perfect temperature. Please try, find what works for you, and confidently enjoy a chilled sparkling red wine!