It is the end of a long day, one that was filled with screaming children refusing to eat their vegetables and work calls from your colleagues that can’t seem to do their jobs properly. This evening, there is only one thing calling your name; a big glass of Napa Valley wine.
Let’s be honest, you aren’t fussy which Napa Valley wine you drink. A nice full-bodied cabernet or an aromatic merlot would do the trick, anything to take the bitter taste of the day’s frustrations away.
Does the above scenario feel familiar? Wine is a simple joy of life, and something that helps us all unwind. Not all wines are the same, and quite frankly, some are sour enough to put you off your food. Napa Valley has been making exquisite wines that are world-renowned for their spot-on flavors for many years and have been responsible for saving our sanity from situations similar to the one above. As a personal fan myself, I love to end the day with a glass of my favorite wine to help me cool off.
However, one thing that does frustrate me, is my wine not being the right temperature when I drink it. For those of us not fortunate enough to have a wine cellar in our homes, getting the wine to the right ‘chill’ is difficult. That is why I have put together a list of my top wine cooling tips and tricks so that this never happens to you.
1. Steel-Belted Coolers
If I am preparing for a party and don’t have enough space to cool my wine, I always put my bottles in a steel-belted cooler. They hold cold temperatures for hours on end and look quite quirky and vintage on the kitchen counter.
Steel-belted coolers are better for storing wine than standard plastic coolers because they are usually taller and keep their contents cooler for longer. Try it out for yourselves!
2. The Right Refrigerator
Long and slender refrigerators are the most appropriate for wine lovers. So if you’re looking for a narrow refrigerator for you; you might as well get a wine-appropriate fridge after all.
3. Understanding the Right Temperature For Your Wine
Not all wines should be served ice cold. Knowing your wine is the third key to success. Here is a quick overview:
● Red wine should be Served at 60° to 65° F. This is a little cooler than room temperature.
● Rich white wines should be served at 50° to 60° F. Rich white wines are most prominent when they are served cool, but not ice cold.
● Sparkling wines and dry white wines are the best when they are served between 40° to 50°F. This is so that their crisp flavors match the sharp tingle of drinking an ice-cold drink.
Of course, these temperatures are just a suggestion, and it is your prerogative to drink your wine exactly how you want to. We would love to know how you enjoy your wine, share your wine pleasures with us in the comments below!