Smeg SCV36XS dimensions Storage Temperatures, Wine Temperature

Instructions for the User

8.4 Storage Temperatures

As you will certainly already know, to enjoy the flavour and bouquet of each wine at its best, it should be stored and drunk at a specific temperature. The following table lists these temperatures in relation to the type of wine.

WINE	TEMPERATURE
Young whites	10° - 12° C
Mature whites	12° -14° C
Young, light rosés	10° - 12° C
Mature, full-bodied rosés	12° -14° C
Nouveau reds	10° -14° C
Young, light reds with low tannin	14° -16° C
Mature, full-bodied reds with high tannin	16° -18° C
Very mature and cask-aged reds	16° -18° C
Sweet and aromatic sparkling wines	8° C
Sweet and aromatic red sparkling wines	10° - 12° C
"Charmat method" sparkling wines	8° -10° C
"Long Charmat method" sparkling wines	10° - 12° C
"Traditional method" sparkling wines	8° -10° C
without year
"Traditional method" sparkling wines with	10° - 12° C
year
Dessert wines	10° -18° C
Fortified or liqueur wines	10° -18° C

8.4.1 White wines

White wines are generally more acidic than reds and contain less tannin.

To be enjoyed at its best, an acidic drink should usually be stored at a slightly lower temperature than other types, and so these wines should be stored at a temperature between 10°C and 14°C.

Young, fresh, aromatic white wines can be served at a temperature as low as 10°C, while for less aromatic wines 12°C is recommended. For full, mature white wines which have aged in the bottle for a few years, higher temperatures are acceptable and they can be served at between 12°C and 14°C.

Serving a white wine at a higher temperature means emphasising its "sweet" properties, while the acidity and sharpness considered pleasant and desirable in wines of this kind will be less noticeable.

8.4.2 Rosé wines

Generally, the rules for serving rosé wines are the same as for whites. However, it is important to consider these wines' tannin content and serve them at a higher temperature if necessary so that their flavour is not too sharp. Tannin content permitting, young, fresh rosé wines are served between 10°C and 12°C, while more robust, full-bodied types, including more mature wines, can be served between 12°C and 14°C.

8.4.3 Red wines

The serving temperature for red wines depends on a great deal of factors, but in view of their higher tannin and lower acidity than whites, they are usually served at higher temperatures. Young red wines with low tannin are usually served between 14° and 16°C, while for more full-bodied types 16°C or in exceptional cases even 18°C may be recommended.

Young, red wines with low tannin and a fairly uncomplicated structure can be served at between 12°C and 14°C without tasting too sharp, and will still be very pleasant. This rule certainly applies to "nouveau" wines, made by a special method which reduces their tannin content; they can be appreciated to the full at cooler temperatures than other red wines.

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