There’s nothing better than sitting down with a glass of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc!
This dry, light-bodied white wine is a deliciously crisp drink with mild citrus flavors. There is one very important question to consider, however: What is the best temperature to serve Sauvignon Blanc at?
We’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re an avid wine lover or complete newbie, we’ll make sure you’ve got all the facts when it comes to serving Sauvignon Blanc. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at:
Whether Sauvignon Blanc should be chilled
The best temperature to serve Sauvignon Blanc
Ideal storage temperatures
Top tips for serving Sauvignon Blanc.
Grab your wine glass and let’s go ahead and jump right into it!
Yes. Sauvignon Blanc should absolutely be served chilled!
As is the case with most white wines, serving this beverage chilled is going to allow for optimal flavor and alcohol levels. Somewhere around 50 degrees Fahrenheit is an ideal temperature to serve up your glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
What is the Best Temperature to Serve Sauvignon Blanc?
When serving Sauvignon Blanc, you’re going to want to make sure that the wine is adequately chilled. With that being said, serving a wine chilled is not the same as serving it freezing cold!
While serving Sauvignon Blanc warm will likely make the alcohol in the drink too strong, going too far in the other direction is going to considerably dull the acidity of the wine. Aiming for a temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit is going to hit that ideal middle ground – leaving you with a perfect glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage Temperature for Sauvignon Blanc
As is the case for all wines, Sauvignon Blanc should be stored in a cool, dry place.
You’re going to want to keep your wine out of direct sunlight, as the heat and UV rays of the sun can dull the aromas and flavors of the beverage.
The ideal storage temperature for a Sauvignon Blanc will differ slightly depending on the brand and the length of time you will be storing it.
Doing some research on your specific style of Sauvignon Blanc and the region it is from will let you know if there are any specific storage or serving temperature requirements.
If you are planning on storing your Sauvignon Blanc for long periods of time, an optimal storage temperature is around 53 – 57 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure there is no rapid temperature fluctuation.
If you are planning to serve your Sauvignon Blanc within the next six months, then it is best to store the wine at its optimal serving temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
4 Examples of Sauvignon Blanc and the Serving Temperature
Not all Sauvignon Blancs are created exactly the same, and therefore the way that these wines are meant to be served will differ. Different styles of Sauvignon Blanc are going to require slightly different serving temperatures.
Let’s go ahead and take a look at four Sauvignon Blancs from different regions and what their ideal serving temperatures are:
Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
46 °F
Bordeaux, France Sauvignon Blanc
45-50 °F
Friuli, Italy Sauvignon Blanc
46-50 °F
Napa Valley, California Sauvignon Blanc
50-55 °F
Tips on Serving Sauvignon Blanc
A refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is delicious in itself, but the way that this wine is served is what can really take it to the next level.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your Sauvignon Blanc experience, then look no further! Here are some top tips on serving this refreshing wine:
Serve chilled (around 45-50°F or 7-10°C)
Serving Sauvignon Blanc at the correct, chilled temperature is going to ensure that both the alcohol and acidity in the wine are balanced.
45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit is an ideal temperature for this wine, depending on the specific type of Sauvignon Blanc that you are serving up.
Use a tulip-shaped wine glass
Consider the style of glass that you are serving your Sauvignon Blanc in.
Why not try out a tulip-shaped wine glass? This style of glass has a narrow top, which is able to trap carbonation in the wine – keeping it from going flat and dull.
This shape of glass also directs the aromas in the wine toward the tongue rather than the nose, enhancing the flavor.
Avoid heavy, oaky glassware
Heavy and thick wine glasses are typically a sign of poor craftsmanship and are not an ideal style of glass when it comes to serving wine.
Wine glasses should always be thin, both for the elegant feel and the seamless transition from glass to mouth. Try to avoid serving your Sauvignon Blanc in any heavy, oaky glassware.
Enjoy with seafood or light dishes
You’ve poured the perfect glass of Sauvignon Blanc – now what do you pair it with?
The crisp and herbaceous nature of Sauvignon Blanc means that this wine pairs incredibly well with seafood and light dishes, such as salad or cheese plates. Avoid pairing this wine with heavier meals containing rich meats or gravies.
Consume within a few years of production
It is generally suggested that Sauvignon Blanc is to be consumed young – no more than two years after production!
This ensures that the vibrancy and freshness of the wine are retained. If you have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on hand, it is a good idea to crack it open as soon as possible.
Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place
Heat and UV rays from direct sunlight can cause your Sauvignon Blanc to lose flavors and aromas.
For this reason, it is best to store your wine in a cool, dark place – away from direct sunlight.
Storing Sauvignon Blanc in a wine cellar when unopened and in a wine fridge after opening is best, but a regular refrigerator will work fine as well. Just be sure it is set to the right temperature for this wine!
FAQs
Should Sauvignon Blanc be served chilled?
Yes. As is the case with all white wines, Sauvignon Blanc should be served chilled.
Serving this wine chilled will ensure the alcohol levels and acidity are optimal. There is a significant taste difference when Sauvignon Blanc is served chilled compared to it being served too warm or cold.
What temperature do you serve Sauvignon Blanc?
A temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature to serve Sauvignon Blanc.
Serving this wine too warm will cause the alcohol to be too strong, and serving it too cold will cause it to become acidic. It is a good idea to aim for the perfect middle ground.
Is Sauvignon Blanc better served cold or at room temperature?
It is best to serve Sauvignon Blanc chilled. As is the case with most white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is going to taste better cold.
That being said, there is such a thing as too cold – so try to adhere to the optimal serving temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit!
What is the etiquette for Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc should be served chilled – around 50 degrees Fahrenheit – and can be paired with seafood or light dishes. Serving this wine in a thin, tulip-shaped wine glass is optimal, and holding it from the stem will ensure it remains chilled.
What temperature should a wine fridge be for white wine?
A white wine fridge should be around 46 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your wine remains at the optimal serving temperature so you can pour a glass of it at any time.
Should white wine be chilled?
Yes, white wine should be served chilled. A light chill is going to lift the acidity and flavorful aromas in these wines. Just be sure you are serving white wine chilled and not ice cold, as doing so will dull the flavors immensely.
My name is Jon, and I am the founder of this site, Nautivinewine.com.
I started this site to share my love of wine with everyone, from beginners to seasoned wine connoisseurs.
Perhaps you are looking to expand your knowledge on wine, or maybe you just want to know which wines to pair with chicken and fish. No matter the question, I can answer it for you here.
