Step 3
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White & Rosé Temperatures
Colder than you think — but not freezing. Most American fridges are set to 3–4°C, which is too cold for most white wines. The aromatics stay locked in the liquid. The wine tastes one-dimensional.
Specific temperatures: Light, aromatic whites (Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling) — 8–10°C. Full-bodied whites (oaked Chardonnay, Viognier) — 10–12°C (almost as warm as light reds!). Rosé — 8–10°C.
The trick: take whites out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before serving. A bottle at 4°C warms quickly to 8–10°C — its proper temperature. Then refill the glass from a small chiller bucket as you drink, instead of leaving the bottle on the table where it warms past ideal.
