Difference between revisions of "Chill Wine"
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The temperature at which a wine is served has a significant impact on the wine's flavor, structure, and aroma. The body and style of a wine dictate its ideal temperature, with many wines - particularly light-bodied whites - benefiting from a cold chill. Chilling wine can be accomplished in several ways, each taking a different amount of time and effort to achieve the ideal temperature. Learning how to chill wine properly will allow you to serve wine at the temperature best suited to its flavor profile. | The temperature at which a wine is served has a significant impact on the wine's flavor, structure, and aroma. The body and style of a wine dictate its ideal temperature, with many wines - particularly light-bodied whites - benefiting from a cold chill. Chilling wine can be accomplished in several ways, each taking a different amount of time and effort to achieve the ideal temperature. Learning how to chill wine properly will allow you to serve wine at the temperature best suited to its flavor profile. | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Chill wine in the freezer for rapid results. From room temperature, white wines will need about 15 minutes of chilling, or 20 if they are light-bodied with low alcohol content. Medium-bodied reds will be ready after 10 minutes, and full-bodied reds can take as little as 5. Set an alarm if you are likely to forget about the wine, as it could freeze if left in too long. | #Chill wine in the freezer for rapid results. From room temperature, white wines will need about 15 minutes of chilling, or 20 if they are light-bodied with low alcohol content. Medium-bodied reds will be ready after 10 minutes, and full-bodied reds can take as little as 5. Set an alarm if you are likely to forget about the wine, as it could freeze if left in too long. | ||
#*The ice bucket method described below is even faster. | #*The ice bucket method described below is even faster. | ||
| − | #Use a thermometer for precise control by grape variety and vintage. If you want to maximize your control over the wine's temperature, use an infrared thermometer or contact thermometer from a kitchen supply store. Wine aficionados determine the optimal temperature to serve wine at based on its body, or the feel and apparent alcohol level in the mouth:<ref>http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/wine/buying-guide.htm?pn=4</ref> | + | #Use a thermometer for precise control by grape variety and vintage. If you want to maximize your control over the wine's temperature, use an infrared thermometer or contact thermometer from a kitchen supply store. Wine aficionados determine the optimal temperature to serve wine at based on its body, or the feel and apparent alcohol level in the mouth:<ref name="rf1">http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/wine/buying-guide.htm?pn=4</ref> |
#* Light-bodied white wines should be chilled to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). This includes Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and all sparkling wines. | #* Light-bodied white wines should be chilled to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). This includes Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and all sparkling wines. | ||
#* Medium- to full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauternes, should be chilled to between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 13 degrees Celsius). | #* Medium- to full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauternes, should be chilled to between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 13 degrees Celsius). | ||
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===Storing Wine=== | ===Storing Wine=== | ||
| − | #Store horizontally, in a cool, dark place. Always keep your wines in an area under 70ºF (21ºC) and away from direct sunlight. Store horizontally on a wine rack to keep the cork moist.<ref | + | #Store horizontally, in a cool, dark place. Always keep your wines in an area under 70ºF (21ºC) and away from direct sunlight. Store horizontally on a wine rack to keep the cork moist.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Find alternatives to a wine cellar. If you plan to age wines or store expensive wines, but don't have a wine cellar, [[Age-Wine-Without-a-Cellar|use a basement or closet]]. The temperature should be close to 55ºF (13ºC), and the area should be quite humid. If this environment is not available in your home, move on to the options below. | #Find alternatives to a wine cellar. If you plan to age wines or store expensive wines, but don't have a wine cellar, [[Age-Wine-Without-a-Cellar|use a basement or closet]]. The temperature should be close to 55ºF (13ºC), and the area should be quite humid. If this environment is not available in your home, move on to the options below. | ||
#Dig an underground storage space. You can build your own cheap "cellar" by excavating a pit in a shaded area of your backyard. Place the wine bottles inside a wooden box, insulate the box on all sides with aluminum foil, and lower it into the pit. Cover the pit with plywood or any sturdy cover. Including a thermometer is recommended, since soil temperatures and climate can vary greatly, but as long as the temperature stays stable at a temperature between roughly 45–60ºF (7–16ºC), it can be used to store wine at larger quantities and lower expense than a refrigeration system. | #Dig an underground storage space. You can build your own cheap "cellar" by excavating a pit in a shaded area of your backyard. Place the wine bottles inside a wooden box, insulate the box on all sides with aluminum foil, and lower it into the pit. Cover the pit with plywood or any sturdy cover. Including a thermometer is recommended, since soil temperatures and climate can vary greatly, but as long as the temperature stays stable at a temperature between roughly 45–60ºF (7–16ºC), it can be used to store wine at larger quantities and lower expense than a refrigeration system. | ||
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== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
* Do not leave wine in the freezer unattended, as it can freeze and cause the bottle to crack. Rapid temperature changes from hot to cold or vice versa can also break glass. | * Do not leave wine in the freezer unattended, as it can freeze and cause the bottle to crack. Rapid temperature changes from hot to cold or vice versa can also break glass. | ||
| − | * While some people suggest wrapping the bottle in a wet paper towel before putting in the freezer, the towel may trap heat and make the wine take longer to chill.<ref>http://www.genuineideas.com/ArticlesIndex/chillout.html</ref> | + | * While some people suggest wrapping the bottle in a wet paper towel before putting in the freezer, the towel may trap heat and make the wine take longer to chill.<ref name="rf2">http://www.genuineideas.com/ArticlesIndex/chillout.html</ref> |
== Things You'll Need == | == Things You'll Need == | ||
