The weather heats up – what about the wine?

As the weather warms, we tend to up our consumption of white and rose wines, because inherently their taste is more refreshing than a hearty red. Hearty reds have their place as nothing goes better with a juicy steak, delicious burger or BBQ but the whole temperature thing becomes especially important here in Maryland where it can easily get to 90+ degrees.

Question is? What temperature for what?

Most white wines (Chenin Blancs, Rieslings, and most Chardonnays) should be served at 45 degrees. Anything colder than this will dampen the aroma and flavor, making them less enjoyable. 

Full bodied, high quality white wines (Sauternes, Condrieu and Burgundies) and as well as light red wines (Beaujolais and light Pinot Noirs) and Rose at 50 degrees to maximize your enjoyment.

With the weather warming up – if you keep any opened wine for later enjoyment try these tips to maximize freshness and/or increase enjoyment when it gets well over 80 degrees:

• When keeping extra opened wine for later enjoyment, transfer the remaining wine in a “split” or smaller bottle (12 oz) and always keep in the refridgerator – whether red or white.
• In the case of red – remove it an hour prior to serving and it will be just perfect.
• If it’s particularly hot outside consider keeping wines in a shaded location – or under the table – on ice, in the absence of ice – just use bags of frozen vegetables!
• Freeze grapes, berries, slices of orange, lemon, lime on a cookie sheet and keep in a plastic Ziploc type bag – when times comes to serve a glass of white or rose, add a few frozen pieces of fruit for a subtle taste enhancement without the diluting effects of an ice cube.

Enjoy & here’s to your good health!

Past Wine Tips