is it ok to serve red wine or merlot chilled or cold from the fridge?

Answer 1

Not really .... dry reds are best at room tempurature.

"The temperature at which a wine is served is important, and it is worth spending a few moments thinking about it. The old adage of serving white wines chilled and red wines at room temperature is a useful starting point, although not nearly detailed enough. A wine served a little too cold or a little too warm can lose an awful lot of character, particularly with respect to aroma."

"Red wines often also need a little chilling. The 'room temperature' which many regard as the ideal serving temperature for red wines is not an excuse to leave wines languishing in the warmth of today's insulated, centrally heated houses. The ideal serving temperature for many fine red wines is perhaps 14ºC to 18ºC, somewhat cooler than modern houses, although this was a common temperature indoors in centuries gone by! Many reds, unless stored somewhere cool, will benefit from half an hour in the refrigerator. This is particularly the case for Beaujolais and young Burgundy, as well as Pinot Noir from the New World. Good claret, Rhônes and other reds from warmer climes are generally fine at 18ºC."

Answer 2

Generally, no, you do not serve red wine chilled. It should be uncorked, preferably decanted (poured sideways, slowly, into a large mouthed bottle) and allowed to sit and breath at room temperature for a while. Red wines have a lot more tannin (what gives it color) and that gives it more complexity. The cold mutes that, and a lot of what people enjoy about red wine in the first place. Plus, some feel it has an overpowering, cloying taste if not allowed to breath and release fumes for at least 20 minutes or so, if possible. Decanting reduces the time you need to let it breath.

When serving guests, I feel it's best to follow etiquette, as it is what most of them will be used to. But for yourself, drink it the way it tastes best to you.

Answer 3

General rule of thumb: Serve red wines at room temperature. Serve white wines chilled. However, room temperature can mean 80F in Florida without air-conditioning or 50F in Canada during winter. Room temperature in this case refers to the average room temperature of 18th century Europe, about 65F. It's a common mistake to serve red wine too warm, especially light red wines like Beaujolais Nouveau which actually should be chilled. Not all red wines should be served at the same temperature. Big red wines like Barolo and Cabernet Sauvignon should be served around 65F, light red wines like Beaujolais Nouveau around 50F. A red wine that is too warm will taste of alcohol instead of fruit, it may even taste bitter or vinegary.

Answer 4

you serve it the way you like it, I like my wine chilled regardless of whether it's white, merlot, red
you can leave it out and just add ice which I've done when people bring wine over, but wine cellars are cool so that's why I would tend to think wine should be chilled.

Answer 5

I believe that red wines should not be chilled but should be served at room temperature to be able to taste the subtleties of the wine.

Answer 6

I think if you are serving it to yourself, you should do it however you like it. I happen to like all of my wine chilled, no matter whether it's red or white. When you are serving it to guests who may like it to be a more "traditional" temp, then serve it at the appropriatae temp for the actual wine.

Answer 7

Merlot is supposed to be served at room temperature. Just set it out for an hour and then serve it. I must confess though, I do like it cold from time to time.

Answer 8

No - red wines should always be served at room temperature. If you serve them cold the flavor won't be right.

Answer 9

You may serve your wine any way you want to.

As the hostess, you set the rules.

Generally, however, only fruity red wines are served cold - think santgria.

Answer 10

Most people don't like it that way. Etiquette I guess says you don't serve it that way. I personally love it ice cold. IF I have to drink red wine, I put ice in it. But, most people drink it at room temperature, why I'll never know!!!