Answer by: Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
There is no precise temperature at which certain types of wines should be consumed.
Here are some general guidlines in answer to your specific choices:
1. Dessert wines - whites, that is - are best served chilled, but not icy cold, or the subtleties will be lost.
2. Ice wines should be treated in the same manner as white dessert wines in general.
3. Port wines are normally served at room temperature. In Portugal, in the Douro Valley where Port is grown, the growers themselves often serve Tawny Port chilled, particularly Ten Year Tawnies. As far as "fruit" (ie, other than grape) wines are concerned, some may in fact be more enjoyable chilled.
White wines are usually served chilled, and reds at room temperature (although not warm). These are common practices, not rules, and some light, young reds show very well when fairly cool.
I personally do not like chilled glasses. When you put glasses into the fridge, they tend to pick up off odors. Chill the wine, not the glass, is my suggestion.
About the Expert:Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade, and he last served as a senior executive with a major national importer. In 2006, he launched Millesima USA, a retail entity affiliated with Europe's leading fine wine mail order company. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993, and he has been very active as an educator and speaker at wine festivals and conferences. He hosts a community television program entitled "Wine's Simple Pleasures," and is currently working on a book of original recipes and wine pairing solutions. Visit Roger C. Bohmrich, MW's website: MILLESIMA USA LLC
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