With the temperature hovering near 100 degrees, many of us who normally prefer a robust red wine are enjoying a switch to lighter, chilled white wines. I turned to Michael Avery, Director of Wine for the Boathouse, for an explanation of why white wines taste better chilled, and red wines are best served at room temperature. The reason is the structure, which comes from the tannins.
Tannins are what give wine their astringent quality, and come from the grape skins. During the wine making process for white wines, the grape juices are separated from the skins and stems immediately, absorbing less pigment, flavor and tannin. When making red wines, this maceration process is longer, making red wines (usually) more complex than white wines.
According to Michael, serving a white wine at room temperature “would give the impression of the wine being flabby, sweet and expose any flaws. Chilling the wine reduces these impressions and brings out the acidity and flavors of the wine. It is about finding balance. Serving wine too cold would make it become almost tasteless. The better quality, more complex the white wine the warmer or less chilled it needs to be. Simple and less quality wines need a much cooler serving temperature to enjoy. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. There are red wines that are best enjoyed slightly chilled as well, such as Beaujolais.”
Michael suggests conducting a simple experiment for yourself: “Next time you get a bottle of white wine, pour some in a glass and keep at room temperature while chilling the rest of the bottle, then compare how different the same wine tastes between the two glasses. “
- Wine Wednesday selections at the Boathouse at Sunday Park for July 7 2010
In addition to three red wines, tonight’s Wine Wednesday selections at the Boathouse at Sunday Park include three white wines to enjoy on this summer evening. Stop by and sample these great California whites: Hess Allomi Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Rosenblum Cellars Vintner’s Cuvee Chardonnay, and Seghesio Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio.
- by Anne Roy, Director of Sales for the Boathouse