It is very important to know the best temperatures for various wines so as to enhance the tasting process.
Red Wine
Red wines should be served at a temperature slightly below room temperature, that is, between **60°F and 68°F** (15°C to 20°C). This range enables the wine to have the right taste and smell as required by the consumers.
Light red wines like Pinot Noir should be served at cooler temperatures of about **55°F** (13°C), while fuller-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are best served at the warmer end of the scale. In Cyprus, local red varieties such as Maratheftiko and Mavro can be enjoyed at these optimal temperatures, and the full taste of the wines can be appreciated.
White Wine
Red wines, as we already know, should be served at room temperature, while white wines should be served chilled, in a temperature range of **45°F and 55°F** (7°C to 13°C).
Lighter whites are served at the cooler end of this range, while fuller-bodied whites such as oaked Chardonnay are served slightly warmer at **50°F to 55°F** (10°C to 13°C). When it comes to Cypriot cuisine, which includes a lot of seafood and fresh salads, the right temperature of white wines underlines their fresh and crisp character.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wines should be stored at even cooler temperatures, between **40°F and 46°F** (5°C to 8°C). This ensures that the bubbles do not go flat and that the taste is as fresh as it should be.
In Cyprus, sparkling wines can be consumed with festive meals or with friends and family during informal occasions and, therefore, should be served chilled.
Cultural Considerations
Wine is not just a beverage in Cypriot and Greek culture; it is also a part of social events and the dining experience. Knowing the proper serving temperatures not only improves the wine’s attributes but also honours the culture of wine drinking. For example, drinking a full-bodied Cypriot red wine at a higher temperature may suppress the wine’s complexity, while a wine that is too cold will reduce the aroma.
It can be said that the serving temperature of wine is different depending on the type of wine – red, white, or sparkling. Thus, following these guidelines, wine lovers will be able to fully appreciate the wines from Greece and Cyprus and the long history of winemaking in these countries. In a dinner party or even on a simple night at home, it cannot be denied that being conscious of the temperature of wine will definitely improve the experience.
