Date: Fri 06-Feb-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Wine-Wisdom-Small-temperature

Full Text:

WINE WISDOM: Wine At Different Temperatures

By Steve Small

Winter temperatures in New England can be quite important where weather is

concerned. One or two degrees on either side of 32§F can be the difference

between rain, freezing rain, or snow. Temperature also plays an important part

when we discuss beer and wine. Just how important is the relationship between

temperature and taste?

When we drink white wine, we often drink it too cold. Over-chilling a bottle

of white wine will mask some of the flavors. As you drink a glass of white

wine during a meal, try to observe how the taste changes as the wine warms to

room temperature. The wine should open up as it stays cool but is not ice

cold.

The optimum temperature for red wine is actually cellar temperature or around

58§. Most of us cannot taste the difference between a wine served at 68§ and

one served at 58§. That is why serving red wine at room temperature is a safe

rule of thumb. However, on some of those hot, muggy, summer days, a slight

chill on a bottle of Beaujolais or Pinot Noir is quite enjoyable.

A question that has bothered my customers and me for years is what happens to

beer and wine if it goes from room temperature to chilled and then back to

room temperature. To help me answer the question, I spoke to representatives

from Mclaughlin Vineyards, DiGrazia Vineyards, Coors, and Anheuser-Busch.

Generally speaking, although a constant temperature is best, moderate

fluctuations in temperature will not significantly alter taste. I am not

suggesting freezing your beverages or keeping them in your car trunk all day

in the middle of August. I am suggesting not to worry about these relatively

minor temperature changes.

Without question, the serving temperature of wine and beer will affect the

taste. Although some will disagree, my experience -- and that of some brewers

and winemakers -- suggests moderate temperature changes will not noticeably

harm the taste of your favorite beverage.

(Steve Small is the proprietor of Steve's Liquor Store, 71 Main Street,

South/Route 25 in Newtown.)