Tasting

How do you measure wine temperature?


A special thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a wine during tasting and in an ageing cellar. This accessory ensures that the ideal serving and storage temperatures are respected, so that the wine is appreciated at its true value.

What tools should I use to measure the temperature of a wine?

The wrist thermometer

This thermometer attaches directly to the bottle. It is flexible and adapts to all bottles. Wine temperature can be measured while the bottle is closed. Use it to ensure that the bottle is served at the ideal temperature, or stored in the cellar under optimum conditions.

The "classic" thermometer

This thermometer is immersed directly into the wine through the neck of the bottle or in a glass. Some models indicate the ideal temperature according to the wine being tasted.

Hygrometer thermometers for cellars

There are more sophisticated devices that allow you to measure the hygrometry of a cellar - its humidity level.

When to take the temperature of your wines?

Throughout cellar storage

While your bottles are ageing in the cellar, it's essential to ensure that temperature and humidity levels are respected. Poor cellar storage is detrimental to the quality and aroma of your wines. The ideal humidity level is between 60 and 75%.

When serving, before tasting

We recommandusing the thermometer as soon as the wine is removed from the cellar, a few hours before tasting.If your bottle is too cool, you won't have time to bring it up to serving temperature. A few precautions are necessary with a thermometer, which requires you to open the bottle to prevent the wine oxidizing before tasting. You can take your bottle out of the cellar, let it warm up and then use a wine aerator to let it breathe.

Why measure wine temperature?

Pour s’offrir une dégustation idéale

Every wine, whether red, white, rosé or sparkling, should be enjoyed at a specific temperature, known as the serving temperature. A red wine served too cold will not reveal all its aromas. A sweet white wine served a few degrees warmer becomes nauseating. Serving a wine at the ideal temperature allows all its flavors to come out, so it can be fully appreciated.

Serving temperature should not be confused with storage (or ageing) temperature; the two are different.

For flawless aging of your reds, whites, rosés and champagnes

It's a shame to miss out on the quality of a wine because of a difference of just a few degrees. The temperature at which a wine is stored is a key factor in its ageing. If the temperature is too low, the aging process slows down and flavors fail to develop. If the temperature is too high, aging is accelerated and the quality of your wines deteriorates.

wine picto

Aveine's advice

To enjoy the full flavors of your wine at the table, keep an eye on the temperature throughout the meal. This is particularly important in summer, when temperatures soar.