Should Cabernet Sauvignon Be Chilled? (Serving & Storing)

by Philip Thompson
22 November, 2022

Do you chill your Cabernet Sauvignon?

Chilling cabernet sauvignon to the perfect temperature can make all the difference as it impacts how you perceive the flavours of wine.

In this post, you'll discover everything you need to know about ‘should Cabernet Sauvignon be chilled’. We’ll also cover Cabernet Sauvignon best serving temperature, storage temperature and how long you should store it.

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Should Cabernet Sauvignon Be Chilled?

Bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon

Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon should be chilled for serving and storage between 14-16°C (57°F - 61°F) to replicate the conditions of a wine cellar.

It is best served somewhat colder than room temperature, as with most red wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon Wine	Temperature Range
Serving Temperature	57°F to 61°F 14°C to 16°C
Storage Temperature	57°F to 61°F 14°C to 16°C

Storage Temperature for Cabernet Sauvignon

Usually when you store your cabernet sauvignon, you chill it to a temperature that’s lower than the room temperature, at around 14-16°C (57°F - 61°F).

Since cabernet sauvignon are on the wines that age so well, it’s essential to store them at the proper temperature.

If the temperature is too warm during storage, this will lead to the bottles losing their flavour prematurely.

Cabernet Sauvignon Serving Temp Image

Image created by Expert Wine Storage

The structure of red wine is owed to the tannins inside them.

With cabernet sauvignon, the presence of tannins is one the main reasons which make this wine age well, especially Old-World wines coming from Bordeaux.

There are people who age the cabernet sauvignon for decades to make sure that the tannins soften and the wine develops to its full potential.

4 Important Factors Effecting Your Cab's

Bottles of Cab Sav

There are several factors to keep in mind when storing wines for several years:

Light exposure
Temperature stability and precision
Humidity level
Elimination of vibration

So, you have to make sure you store your cabernet sauvignon in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity and to keep it away from any potential vibrations.

Fast changing of temperature can also harm your wine during aging, so it’s vital to maintain a steady temperature in your storage.

Serving Temperature for Cabernet Sauv

Serving Wine In Glasses

For full bodied red wines like the cabernet sauvignon, the ideal serving temperature is 14-16°C.

Many think that the ideal temperature for serving red wines is room temperature. This is entirely a myth. Red wines will develop to their full flavour at a temperature that it slightly lower than the room temp.

The best way to chill a Cabernet Sauvignon before serving is to use a wine fridge, which controls the temperature accurately.

Read our wine fridge guide here.

To serve a bottle that has been stored, you’ll need to warm it after removing it from the fridge by leaving it at room temperature for half an hour.

If the wine was stored at room temp, then you’ll need to cool it by refrigerating it for 30 minutes.

While drinking the wine, it’ll start to get warm, which will lead to a slight change in the wine’s character. In order to maintain the temp of the wine while drinking, you’ll need to hold the wine glass by the stem.

Why?

Because if you hold the glass by the bowl, your hand will warm the glass which leads to the wine warming.

How Long Should You Chill Cab Sauvignon?

Storing Wine Bottles In Wine Room

Cabernet sauvignon wines should be served at a temperature slightly colder than room temperature.

We advise placing them in the fridge about 90 minutes before you serve them, but this all depends on the temperature the bottle.

Should You Put Cabernet Sauvignon In The Fridge?

Yes you should put Cabernet Sauvignon in a fridge, preferably a wine fridge which can be set at a temperature around 14 - 16°C (57°F - 61°F).

While you can keep it at room temperature, you’d better serve it slightly colder so people can fully appreciate its superb acidity and mild alcohol content.

Decanting Your Wine

Wine Decanter

After bringing the cabernet sauvignon to the ideal temperature, you’ll want to aerate it.

This is easily done by using a wine decanter or by simply opening the bottle and letting it sit for some time.

The best method for aerating wine in the decanter as it will expose more of the wine’s surface area to air.

Letting the bottle or glass sit for some time will also work, but won’t be as effective.

Read our other cab sav guides:

Which Wine Glass is Best for Cabernet Sauvignon?

After you’ve finished the decantation phase, it’s time to finally enjoy your wine. It is best to serve cabernet sauvignon in tall glass with a large bowl.

The large bowl ensures that oxygen will touch more of the wine’s surface area and the height of the bowl is to make the wine take longer before reaching your mouth.

Why is that important?

Because by making the wine take more time, you’re allowing the wine’s aroma to reach your nose before the wine reaches your lips.

A person’s sense of smell affects deeply their sense of taste.

So, by using a tall glass with a large bowl you’re ensuring you get the best out of your cabernet Sauvignon.

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