Thanksgiving is an excuse to indulge in the company of your family – and Thanksgiving 2021 will likely see even more indulgence than normal as people celebrate getting together again at this time of year. So pull out your best bottles and follow these top wine serving tips for a successful Thanksgiving.
Serve red wines at 16-18°C (61-65°F)
Your full-bodied California Cabernet or Brunello di Montalcino may be described as at the peak of its powers when served at ‘room temperature’.
However, ‘room temperature’ is an anachronism relating to old houses rather than modern houses with central heating, so serve full-bodied red wines at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius (roughly 61 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit). A full-bodied red wine that is too warm can become almost soupy, with flavours harder to distinguish and alcohol more noticeable.
It’s often best to serve light- and medium-bodied reds slightly cooler than this. The lightest reds – think Beaujolais, Frappato and even some Pinot Noir – can even benefit from being slightly chilled.
Try to keep wines clear of the kitchen during cooking, in particular. Things tend to get pretty warm and this may cause the contents of your cherished bottle to overheat.
Those with a temperature-controlled wine fridge may find it easier to navigate this issue, of course, but be aware that wines will warm up in the glass after serving, too.
Use an ice bucket to chill wine quickly
Ice buckets come in various shapes and sizes, but if you don’t have
