What are ideal serving temperatures and decanting procedures?
We often field questions involving the ideal serving temperatures and decanting procedures for your special occasion wines. Primarily, most fine white wines should be served at a temperature not exceeding 55 degrees farenheit. Most mature red wines are best served between 57-62 degrees. Further, in determining whether a red wine should be decanted…think of its nature. If it is a light-bodied more simply styled wine, do not bother decanting. Decanting is generally reserved for wines that may be throwing sediment as they age, or very complex and firm young wines that may well benefit from the additional aeration that decanting provides. While the process may seem somewhat involved, it is actually very simple. Just remember that the idea is to separate the liquids from the solids while integrating the wine with oxygen. A favorite technique is to stand the bottle to be decanted up for at least 24 hours prior to serving. Approximately 1 hour before the event position a candle or flashligh
