Should wine be refrigerated? Our Guide to Serving Wine in Summer
It’s time to uncork the season of sun-soaked days and breezy evenings— summer is just around the corner! So we’ve compiled our ultimate guide to serving wine in summer, from chilling techniques that will cool your wines in a snap to choosing the best bottles to pair with backyard BBQs.
Q: Should wine be refrigerated?
A: Yes, wine can and should be refrigerated, especially during the summer months. Storing wine at a cooler temperature helps preserve its freshness. However, it’s important to note that not all wines need to be stored in the refrigerator. We recommend storing and serving reds at slightly warmer temperatures.
Q: Should wine be chilled?
What’s the best temperature for whites and reds?
A: Yes, certain wines benefit from being chilled before serving, especially white wines and rosés. The best temperature for serving whites and rosés is between 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C). Meanwhile, red wines are typically served at a slightly cooler room temperature, around 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C).
*Summer Serving Tip: Pop your bottle of Olema Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to serve these wines a little colder for extra refreshment during hot summer days.
Q: How do you chill a wine quickly?
A: If you need to chill a bottle of wine quickly, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to wrap the bottle in a damp cloth and place it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Another method is to fill a bucket or large container with ice and water, then add a handful of salt. Place the bottle in the mixture and rotate it occasionally. The salt lowers the freezing point of the water, which helps chill the wine faster. Alternatively, you can use a wine chiller or a rapid wine-cooling sleeve that can cool the wine within minutes.
Q: Can you drink red wine in the summer?
A: Absolutely! While red wines are often associated with colder months, they can still be enjoyed in the summer. Lighter-bodied red wines like the Olema Pinot Noir can be quite refreshing when served at a slightly cooler temperature. The key is to avoid heavily oaked or high-alcohol reds that may feel too heavy during hot weather.
Q: Which wines do you serve with BBQ?
A: BBQ foods can have robust flavors, so it’s essential to choose wines that can complement and stand up to those flavors. For grilled meats like steak or ribs, bold and full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices. For grilled chicken or seafood, you can opt for a medium-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or a bottle of the fruit-forward Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé.
Q: Which wines are best with hot dogs?
A: We’re so glad you asked. For classic hot dogs with ketchup and mustard, the refreshing and fruit-driven Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé is a great choice. (The acidity in the wine can cut through the richness of the condiments.) If you prefer a red wine, a light-bodied and juicy red like the Olema Pinot Noir can work well too.
*Feeling adventurous? Try the less-conventional pairing of Olema Sparkling Brut with a hot dog and side of potato salad or cheddar potato chips.
Summer Sips
Don’t forget the wine! We’ve put together an Olema Wines of Summer Six-Pack with our favorite spring and summer wines, INCLUDING ice packs and 2-Day Shipping to avoid the stress of warm-weather shipping.
