At Rancho Roble Vineyards, we take great pride in serving our wines at the ideal temperature to our guests to bring out the best flavors and wine tasting experience. The perfect temperature of wine can elevate any experience, including dinner parties, holidays, and celebrations. With the Sierra Foothills heating up the past couple of weeks, here are some ways you can ensure your wine is always stored and served just right.
Storing Your Wine
Keep It Cool: Store your wine in a cool, dark place. Ideally, your wine should be kept at a consistent temperature between 45-65°F (7-18°C). Fluctuations in temperature can cause the wine to expand and contract, which can push the cork out and let air in, spoiling your wine.
Humidity Matters: Aim for a humidity level around 70%. This helps keep the cork from drying out and letting in air, which can ruin the wine. A wine fridge is a great investment if you don’t have a naturally cool and humid place in your home.
Lay It Down: Store wine bottles on their side to keep the liquid in contact with the cork. This prevents the cork from drying out and keeps the seal tight.
Serving Your Wine
Whites and Rosés: Serve these wines chilled but not too cold. The ideal serving temperature for white wines and rosés is between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Too cold, and you’ll mute the flavors; too warm, and the wine can taste flat. Here are some of our summer favorites.
Rosé di Barbera: Delicate pink, aromatic, and dry. Direct to press – structured wine with floral aroma and strawberry and citrus. Perfect by the pool, by the pond, with fresh sushi, and salads.
Sauvignon Blanc: Bright acidity and tropical fruit flavors. A customer favorite with limited production.
Reds: Red wines are best served slightly cooler than room temperature, between 55-65°F (13-18°C). If your house is warm, pop the red wine in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving. Here are some Rancho reds we've been sipping on this summer.
The Friendship, Barbera: Sierra Foothills, California, 2022. Fruit forward, light, with hints of plum. Sourced from the estate's 20+ year old vineyard and Lodi.
The "Red Blend" Break-up: Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma Mountain, 2021. Full-bodied Bordeaux Blend that is tannic and powerful. Primarily Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Malbec.
Sparkling Wines: These should be served well-chilled, around 40-50°F (4-10°C). Keep them in the fridge or in an ice bucket for about 30 minutes before serving.
The Celebration - Sparkling!: Made primarily of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Notes of orange blossom and pear on the nose. Peaches and citrus on the palate. One of our best sellers!
Quick Tips to Chill Your Wine for Serving
Ice Bucket: Fill a bucket with ice and water, then add a handful of salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of water, making it colder and chilling your wine faster. Your bottle should be nicely chilled in about 20 minutes.
Frozen Grapes: Instead of ice cubes, which can dilute your wine, use frozen grapes to chill your glass. They look pretty and keep your drink cold without watering it down.
Wine Sleeves: Keep a couple of wine chilling sleeves in your freezer. Slip one over your bottle for a quick chill without the mess of an ice bucket.
Enjoying wine at the right temperature can make all the difference in your tasting experience. So next time you’re at Rancho Roble Vineyards or enjoying a bottle at home, remember these tips to keep your wine perfectly chilled. Cheers to keeping cool this summer!
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