Liberty Reserve Series: All About Wine Chillers

The term “Wine Chiller” seems pretty self-explanatory. A chiller for wine, right? Sounds simple enough, but did you know that different wines need to be chilled at different temperatures? You might even have heard that red wines can be left at room temperature – but what really is room temperature? In Singapore’s constant 30 plus degrees celsius heat, room temperature isn’t exactly ideal for any kind of wine.

What temperatures do different wines need to be chilled at?
White Wines can be broken down into two types: Lighter-bodied and fuller-bodied.

With lighter-bodied white wines that are aromatic and acidic like Pinot Grigio, Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc, an ideal temperature for serving them would be between 7°C to 10°C. Likewise, Rosé wines should also be served at this temperature to bring out their fruity and refreshing notes. Meanwhile, fuller-bodied white wines that are oaky like Sémillon and Chardonnays should be served somewhere between 10°C to 13°C.

Sparkling wines, on the other hand, should be served at an even lower temperature – from 4°C to 10°C. This will help keep the bottle from accidentally popping open from the build up of carbon dioxide. 

Lighter-bodied red wines should be served at a slightly colder temperature than fuller-bodied white wines, at 13°C to 16°C. This would include St. Laurent, Pinotage and some lighter-bodied pinot noir.

Now, when we talk about wines that should be served at room temperature, we don’t mean Singapore’s version of room temperature. We’re looking at keeping reds like your Merlot, Shiraz and Malbec between 16°C to 18°C.

Why use a wine chiller instead of a fridge?
You’re probably wondering, if I have a fridge, why would I need a wine chiller?

If you’re particular about flavour, then you’ll probably notice that the flavour of wines which are colder than the recommended temperature will be toned down. Having a wine chiller not only helps keep the wine cool for that refreshing taste, but also prevents it from being too cold, so that you get the best experience out of your wine.

What makes a good wine chiller?
Whether you’re starting your personal wine collection, or expanding one that you have had for a while, a wine chiller is a must-have if you are making wine a part of our lifestyle. Knowing what to look out for in a good wine chiller will definitely enhance the wine-tasting experience.

Some of the key features to look out for in a wine chiller are precise temperature control in different zones, a compressor from a reputable brand, and UV-protected and thicker-layered glass doors.

If you take the Liberty Reserve SS105 Wine Chiller, for example, you’ll notice that it comes with dual zones that can range between 5-20°C. This means that you can accommodate the two extremes, from your sparkling wines to your full-bodied reds, with specific temperature controls. It also comes with an Embraco compressor, which is important because a good compressor will have minimal vibration to avoid disturbing sediment, particularly in older wines.

Lastly, it comes with a 3-layered glass door, the outside 2 layers being Low-E glass, which is designed to reduce the amount of UV light coming through the glass and also help maintain the temperature inside the chiller. It is important to protect your wine from UV light to prevent degradation from occurring. Having a 3-layered glass door is also a plus in Singapore’s humidity because it helps to reduce the amount of condensation build-up on the door.

Other extras that you can look for in a wine chiller are the presence of a charcoal filter which helps eliminate odors and impurities from the air, and a safety lock to prevent unwanted hands from getting into your precious collection.

Check out The BBQ Grill Store for quality wine chillers at affordable prices.