FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesWine TastingA che temperatura si serve questo vino?
B1

A che temperatura si serve questo vino?

At what temperature is this wine served?

Pronunciation

tem-pe-ra-TU-ra — five syllables, stress on fourth.

When to use it

When a wine is served and you want to confirm the correct serving temperature — an important factor in experiencing a wine correctly.

What it means

Serving temperature profoundly affects wine aromas and flavours. White wines: 8–12°C. Light reds: 14–16°C. Full-bodied reds: 16–18°C. Never refrigerate a Barolo. Serving a wine too cold mutes aromas; too warm flattens it.

Variations

Questo Barolo va servito a temperatura ambiente?

Is this Barolo served at room temperature?

Cellar temperature (16–18°C) not room temperature (20–22°C) — important distinction

Il bianco va messo in secchiello del ghiaccio?

Should the white go in an ice bucket?

An ice bucket ('secchiello del ghiaccio') is standard for whites and sparkling wines

Ho servito il vino troppo freddo?

Did I serve the wine too cold?

Ask if you are unsure — the sommelier or winemaker will tell you honestly

Mini Dialogue

— A che temperatura si serve questo vino? — Il Barolo idealmente tra 16 e 18 gradi — non più. Oggi l'abbiamo portato dalla cantina dove fa sempre 14°. — Quindi si scalda un po' nel bicchiere. — Esatto — è il modo migliore.

— At what temperature is this wine served? — Barolo ideally between 16 and 18 degrees — no more. Today we brought it from the cellar where it is always 14°. — So it warms slightly in the glass. — Exactly — it is the best way.

Cultural Note

Italian cellar temperature (cantina) is typically 12–14°C — the natural temperature of underground stone structures used for centuries. This is the ideal storage temperature for wine. The old Italian tradition of 'temperatura della cantina' as the serving guide predates modern temperature control and is still the most reliable reference.