The Foolproof Way To Chill Pinot Grigio Without Ruining It

Have you ever tried drinking a warm white wine or a freezing red? If so, you probably remember how bad that experience was. However, learning what temperature to serve wine is as important as having a trusty bottle opener. Luckily, it’s easy to become an expert. 

 

Should you Chill Pinot Grigio?

Some wines need to be chilled for their flavors and aromas to come out. For example, Pinot Grigio is a wine that has bright acidity and delicate flavors and aromas.

Generally, the lighter, fruitier, and more acidic the wine, the colder the temperature. For Pinot Grigio, riesling, and sauvignon blanc, this means between 45° and 50° F. 

 

Is it Better to Chill Pinot Grigio in the Fridge or with ice?

Some people love chilling wine in ice water, while others prefer the simplicity of refrigeration. If you’re busy and don’t have time to prepare an ice bucket, then refrigeration works fine. 

Whichever you choose, the intended result is the same. For example, if your wine is at room temperature, it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours in the fridge to get it down to 45°. 

On the other hand, throwing your wine in a bucket of half ice and half water will take about 20 minutes. Wine experts and sommeliers tend to agree that an ice bucket will always win. 

 

How do you Chill Pinot Grigio Fast?

The fastest way to chill your wine is in a metal ice bucket filled with ice, water, and about a cup of cheap table salt. Instead of just letting it sit, rotate it for about 5 minutes. 

The same method with just fresh water will take about 10 minutes. If you lay your bottle down in the freezer, it will be about an hour until your bottle is at 45° F. Unfortunately, most of us have seen what happens if you leave a wine too long in the freezer. 

 

Can you Over Chill Pinot Grigio?

An over-chilled Pinot Grigio will lose its flavors and aromas like any wine. This is because wine releases compounds when it’s opened. 

When a wine is in its perfect temperature range, these compounds can flow easily from the glass to your nose. When it’s too cold, these pleasant aromas are subdued. 

 

If I Chill Pinot Grigio, Then it gets Warm, Will it Ruin the Wine?

Wine doesn’t like extreme temperature fluctuations. So if you chill your wine, keep it at that temperature until you drink it. Then, if you have to save it, just pop the cork back in and keep it in the fridge. 

Any wine that’s warmed past its prime temperature will not taste or smell as good. Pinot Grigio loves to be between 45° and 50° F. 

Anything warmer and the aromas and acidity will overpower your senses. When the wine becomes too warm, the heat will ‌ break the wine down. If you leave your Pinot Grigio out in a hot car for more than a few minutes, you risk ruining it. 

 

Final Thoughts on Chilled Pinot Grigio

Like all light-bodied white wines, Pinot Grigio should be chilled to around 45° to 50° F. The best way to chill your wine is in a metal bucket with half ice and half water. 

To speed up this process, add salt to your ice water and spin the bottle inside it for five minutes. Never chill the wine below 45°, or it risks losing its precious aroma. Once you chill your wine, it’s best to keep it chilled in an ice bucket or in the fridge for later.