Should Pinot Grigio Be Chilled?

Last Updated on August 1st, 2023

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Should Pinot Grigio Be Chilled?

Pinot Grigio is a white wine known to be light and refreshing. Therefore, it will often be classified as a dry, semi-sweet, or sweet beverage. In a formal setting, Pinot Grigio is always served chilled. This helps define factors such as aroma and taste in the beverage, ultimately helping your guest taste the wine to its fullest potential.

A bottle of Pinot Grigio and a wine glass on a wooden surface - Should it Be Chilled?

Is Pinot Grigio served warm or cold?

A wine such as a Pinot Grigio is considered light and fruity. Beverages like these are to be served not cold but slightly chilled, especially in a formal setting. The perfect temperature remains anywhere between 45-50 degrees F. 

Although this doesn’t only pertain to Pinot Grigio. Other beverages such as Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rose, and Sauvignon Blanc should also remain chilled before serving. It will help the beverage’s notes (aromas and flavors) achieve more prominence. 

It is often suggested that Americans consume white wines at too cold of a temperature and red wines too warm. Warm or cold, different temperatures in these alcoholic beverages will unlock new flavors and tannins. But it’s not promised that some of them will be delightful. That’s why we have recommended temperatures to keep all consumers happy. 

Should I put Pinot Grigio in the refrigerator?

Throwing any wine in the refrigerator is a great way to get a light chill before serving! Although it’s important to keep in mind that our refrigerators at home are not designed and built to hold a bottle of wine. Leaving wine in your refrigerator for too long can result in the wine temperature falling below our recommended serving temperature of around 45-50 degrees F. 

Although placing your wine in your refrigerator is acceptable, I would recommend against placing any bottles of wine in the freezer for long periods. A quick chill may be acceptable, but long hibernation times in the freezer could result in the bottles exploding. The quick science behind this is the water will begin to crystallize and expand – and there’s not a lot of room for the water to expand.

There are indeed other appliances on the market that you can choose to chill your wine in the comfort of your own home. Wine coolers are built to chill bottles of wine to the perfect temperature for serving. It is worth dropping the extra penny for this luxury, especially if you’re aspiring to become a wine enthusiast yourself! 

What is the best way to serve Pinot Grigio?

The best way to serve a Pinot Grigio is chilled at our recommended temperature of between 45-50 degrees F. This can be achieved by spending a few minutes in the refrigerator (or briefly in the freezer). Using an appliance designed to hold and chill wine is the best way to achieve a perfectly chilled wine.

Along with serving your chilled (not frozen) Pinot Grigio, you’ll need a nicely paired cuisine. There are hundreds of different combinations that you can try, but a few ultimately top the rest. Seafood is the first choice. Light pasta, including seafood such as prawns, shrimp, or clams, make a great pair with this beverage. Not a fan of seafood? A great alternative would be any vegetable-based dishes ranging from primavera to a light greenhouse salad will also make a good match. 

Summary

Yes, Pinot grigio should be chilled. It helps bring out notes in your beverage to create a new experience within your glass. You can use your refrigerator at home to chill your bottle or even your freezer (but not for too long). Typically any seafood is a great pair with Pinot Grigio, but if you’re not a fan – I recommend any vegetable-based dishes. 

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