Welcome to Wine – varieties and temperature

Besides the commonly recognized Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, thousands of grape varieties exist, each having their own characteristics, aromas and flavour.

In our last Welcome to Wine post, I highlighted some popular wine varieties and their typical traits in taste (mouth) and smell (nose). Wines, according to their grape variety as well as region also have differences in temperatures to serve and store. When held at the wrong
temperature, the taste, aromas and
aging process can be altered.

Wine Storing Tips

• Store wine around 12°C and horizontally
• If you don’t have a cellar, invest in a wine cooler for short-term (typically priced from $200) or wine cellar fridge to lay down a bottle long-term ($1200 +)
• Fridge temperature’s are too cold, but work well for a quick cooling
• Forgot to chill the wine? Put a glass in the fridge for speedy serving temperature
• Don’t forget a bottle in the freezer, the cork may pop out leaving you a mess

GE 30 Bottle Wine Chiller $348

White varieties are typically served between 7° to 10°C, where as reds are best at 12° to 18°C. If overly warm, the taste of alcohol may be stronger in reds. Although chilling is usually associated with whites, don’t be afraid to do the same to a Merlot or Pinot Noir.