Red wine temperature: at what temperature to store and serve it

La serving temperature of a red wine o of a white wine is a key element for proper tasting: each wine should be served at a specific temperature, which can best enhance its bouquet of aromas, body and flavour.

A correct temperature of red wine is essential to preserve all organoleptic characteristics of wine. Variations in temperature, even of a few degrees, can amplify the olfactory sensations or the taste towards a more pleasant wine or, on the contrary, damage a fine bottle, compromising the organoleptic characteristics that have been skilfully produced during ageing in fine barrels.

To assess at what temperature to store red wine, it may be useful to keep the following principles in mind:

  • the higher temperatures enhance softness and the body of the wine;
  • the lower temperatures refine the perception of flavour and the sweetness of wine.

In the case of red wine, this factor is even more important, as these wines have a rich and intense bouquet and a high concentration of tannins, which can be significantly influenced by temperature.

Red wine: serving and storage temperature

La serving temperature is the ideal temperature at which to serve red wine, i.e. the temperature that best enhances the qualities of the bottle and is indicated on the label.

La storage temperature is the one at which to store wine when it is not being served during meals. This does not always coincide with the room temperature. In winter and summer, in fact, the ambient temperature is far from the 20° standard referred to when talking about red wine and recommended temperature. In such cases, a brief passage of the bottle in the refrigerator may be necessary in summer to bring the wine back to the ideal temperature.

Wines should actually always be stored at a controlled temperaturee.g. in a wine cellar, in order to avoid temperature fluctuations as harmful as humidity and the action of direct light. It is advisable to set the temperature of red wine in the wine cellar between 12°C and 16°C.

At what temperature do you drink red wine?

  • I full-bodied red wineswith an important structure and high tannin content, are served at a temperature of 16-18°Cwhich is the ideal temperature to maintain the right balance between softness and hardness and to enhance the broad bouquet of aromas that such full-bodied wines contain;
  • i medium-structured red wines are instead served at a slightly lower temperature:14-16°C;
  • i young red wines or young winesFinally, they are served at a temperature of 13-14°C.

Which red wine goes in the fridge?

Certain types of red wine express their organoleptic properties best thanks to a short stay in the refrigeratorespecially at those times of the year when temperatures can exceed 20°., i.e. the threshold beyond which the properties of red wines, in particular sweetness and alcohol content, may be altered by heat.

In summer they prefer fresh, light red wines, with a modest presence of tannins, a complex floral bouquet and a good degree of acidity that can be further enhanced by a short passage in the refrigerator before tasting. These include, for example, the Stilnovoa fresh, light red wine with fruity notes that tantalise the palate and the barely perceptible presence of tannins, to be served at a temperature of 16-18°C.

Ideal temperature of Banfi red wine

In the wide range of wines produced by Banfi - A range that continues to expand thanks to in-depth knowledge of the territory and ongoing research - Banfi boasts several bottles of red wines. Here is an overview of the ideal temperature of Banfi red wines most popular.

The Rosso di Montalcino, with a complex and well-balanced structure, persistent finish and marked acidity, has a suggested serving temperature of 16°C which enhances the blackberry and raspberry scents enhanced by notes of coffee and tobacco that characterise this wine.

Also the Brunello di Montalcino, with its sweet and fruity aroma enriched by notes of pipe tobacco and its lively and powerful structure, is served at a temperature of 16-18°C. This reinforces the perfect balance already present in the bottle between the softness of the tannins and the persistent acidity of this red wine.

The wine Centine Toscana IGTmade from a blend of exceptionally fine red varieties, has a full, rounded structure with a very balanced finish; its complex bouquet of aromas, a skilful fusion of sweet and spicy notes, is enhanced by a red wine serving temperature of 16°C.

The acidic freshness of red wine The Other recommends a temperature of 16°C which, as is the case for all medium-structured red wines, is the ideal temperature to bring out the sweetness of the tannins and allow the floral hints of violets in this wine to flourish.

Also the Belnero, a red wine with an intense and elegant aroma, with notes of ripe fruit and vanilla, releases its delicate perfume at a temperature of 16°C.

In conclusion, we always recommend following the label or manufacturer's advice to find the right temperature of red wine.

Where to sleep in a castle?

Vivi l’esperienza unica del pernottamento in un castello: scopri subito la lista dei luoghi più belli dove dormire in Tuscany.

Esperienze uniche: dove dormire in Toscana

Dormire in un castello medievale è un’esperienza romantica e alternativa, ad esempio per festeggiare un anniversario o un’altra occasione speciale. La Tuscany è una delle mete più ambite per questo tipo di soggiorni, grazie alla bellezza del paesaggio e alla presenza di numerosi e incantevoli borghi medievali, piccoli gioielli arroccati sulle colline e circondati da prati verdi coltivati a vigneti.
The Tuscan landscape is in fact, due to both its geographical conformation and its history, rich in castles, outposts and fortresses that in recent years have been renovated and transformed into resorts, ideal for those who want to stay in a castle and rediscover the values and beauty of these lands.
And it is from the desire to bring to light the historical and naturalistic wonders of these small villages and from a pioneering and far-sighted vision that Castello Banfi Il Borgo was born.
In the enchanting village of Poggio alle mura, it is possible to stay in some rooms of an authentic medieval castle and immerse oneself in a fairytale atmosphere.

Overnight stay in a castle: what to expect

The most fascinating aspect of an overnight stay in a castle is that of being in a unique, ancient and evocative setting that recalls the splendours of the past. The silhouettes of the towers soaring against the blue Tuscan sky, the winding streets leading to the entrance of the castle, the view of the hills and vineyards are the ideal backdrop for a unique stay.

Comfort and luxury in a fairytale setting

Soggiornare in un castello è anche sinonimo di lusso, ricercatezza, cura dei dettagli e assistenza eccellente per gli ospiti: resort come quello di Castello Banfi offrono tutti i comfort di una struttura ricettiva di lusso con il vantaggio di trovarsi in una cornice magica e suggestiva.

From the refurbished and stylishly furnished rooms at Hotel Il Borgo to the meals served in the shadow of the castle in the La Sala dei Grappoli Restaurant, from the impeccable welcome to the tasting of typical local products, everything is carefully designed to give those who choose to stay in a castle an unforgettable experience.

Experiences outside the castle

Ma la magia di un week end di un castello in Toscana si estende anche al territorio circostante: oltre al relax in un ambiente elegante, raffinato e in perfetta armonia con la natura circostante, Castello Banfi  offre la possibilità di esplorare le colline toscane con escursioni e visite guidate tra gli incantevoli paesaggi che circondano il castello. E ancora, tour enogastronomici presso le aziende locali o wine tour.

Poggia Castle at the Banfi Walls

Presso il Castello Banfi è possibile vivere tutte queste esperienze, insieme all’ospitalità e all’eccellenza che caratterizza l’azienda vinicola Banfi.

Common spaces

The common areas have been designed to offer guests both social and intimate moments within the castle's magical setting. The Reading Room, with its suggestive view of the castle's second courtyard, is ideal for enjoying a good book accompanied by a fine glass, while the Pergola, with its white rose garden and view of the valley, offers an enchanting glimpse of the Tuscan landscape and a romantic place to stroll. Technology, comfort and luxury are reflected in the heated outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Tuscan hills.

Restaurants

Two delightful and refined restaurants within the resort - La Taverna restaurant and La Sala del Grappolo restaurant - add to the pleasure of staying in a castle that of sampling local delicacies and zero-kilometre quality products skilfully used by top chefs to create veritable culinary masterpieces.

The rooms

The rooms and suites, finely furnished by renowned interior architect Federico Forquet and decorated with exclusive accessories, make the experience of sleeping in a castle even more comfortable and refined. Finally, the division of space offers the possibility of fully enjoying moments of relaxation and intimacy within the castle walls, while the furnishings contribute to maximum comfort and elegance for guests.