Serving temperature can make a surprisingly big difference to how a wine tastes.

Too cold, and aromas can become muted while texture and flavour feel restrained. Too warm, and a wine can lose freshness, with alcohol becoming more noticeable.

The familiar rule of white wine cold, red wine at room temperature is a useful starting point, but it misses much of the picture.

That's why we've built the Second Glass Wine Serving Temperature Tool.

Search for a grape, region or wine style and find the temperature range at which to serve it.

Find your wine's serving temperature →

Why Wine Serving Temperature Matters

Temperature changes the way we perceive aroma, acidity, alcohol and texture.

Cooler temperatures can emphasise freshness and make a wine feel more precise, while warmer temperatures allow aromas and texture to become more expressive.

The ideal balance depends on the wine.

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc generally benefits from being served cooler than a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay. A light Pinot Noir can be delicious lightly chilled, while a structured Cabernet Sauvignon usually shows better a little warmer.

There isn't one temperature for every red or every white.

Forget "Room Temperature"

One of the most persistent pieces of wine advice is to serve red wine at room temperature.

The problem is that modern room temperature can easily be 20–22°C or warmer.

That's often too warm for red wine.

The expression comes from a time when rooms and cellars were considerably cooler. Many reds are more balanced and refreshing when served somewhere in the mid-to-high teens rather than straight from a warm kitchen or living room.

And yes, that means putting a bottle of red wine in the fridge for a short time can be a very good idea.

Find the Right Temperature for Your Wine

Our new serving temperature tool is designed to make the answer easier.

You can browse or search by:

  • Grape
  • Region
  • Wine style

Each wine has a recommended serving range, along with guidance to help you understand why it works.

So whether you're opening Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Champagne, Pinot Noir or something you've never tried before, you can quickly work out where to start.

Find your wine's ideal serving temperature →

One small change before you pour can make a bottle show considerably better.