Should Grenache Be Chilled? (Full Guide)

by Philip Thompson
23 June, 2023

Soft, round and oozing with fruit Grenache is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world.

Whether you’re dealing with a robust red or a softly pink version of Grenache, it’s important to know the best ways to serve and store your Grenache wine.

Let’s look at ideal serving temperatures for Grenache, first.

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Should Grenache Be Chilled?

Yes, Grenache should be chilled. Rose Grenache should be served chilled between 7 - 9°C (44°F - 48°F) while red wine varieties of Grenache should be be chilled at 12 - 15°C (55°F - 60°F) and stored cooler than room temperature at 11 - 15°C (51°F - 59°F).

Grenache Rose Serving Temperature

Credit: Les Arbousiers Coteaux du Languedoc Cinsault Grenache Rose 2021 available at Virgin Wines

Ideal serving temperatures for Grenache depend on the style.

Rosé wines made from the Grenache grape can be served chilled, 7-9°C or 44-48°F

For red wines made using Grenache grapes aim to serve them a little under room temperature, around 12-15°C or 55-60°F

Let’s take a look at 3 types of Grenache you may have come across and their ideal serving temperatures.

Popular Styles of Grenache and Their Ideal Serving Temperature

Australian Grenache - This new world style of Grenache is ripe with strawberry and redcurrant, serve just below room temperature (12-15°C or 55-60°F)

Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Perhaps the most famous iteration of Grenache, this infamous blend of grapes from the Rhône valley likes to be served at room temperature. (12-15°C or 55-60°F)

Rosé made from Grenache - Pretty in pink, these rosé wines love to be served cold, to help balance out their delicate perfumes. (7-9°C or 44-48°F)

So if that’s the temperature Grenache likes to be served, how cold should you store Grenache?

What is the best storage temperature for Grenache?

What is the Best Storage Temperature for Grenache?

Just like other wines such as Prosecco and Sherry, the ideal temperature to store Grenache is between 11°C and 15℃ (51–59°F).

The more care you apply to the storing of your Grenache the longer it’s likely to last you.

For expert results, try storing your Grenache in a wine cellar, wine cooler or cabinet.

Here at Expert Wine Storage we can advise you on any questions regarding wine storage you may have.

Ultimately, you just need somewhere cool, with minimal disturbances and your Grenache should be happy there for some time.

So when can you put Grenache in the fridge?

Should You Put Grenache In The Fridge?

Wine Fridge

Now this depends on the type of Grenache you're dealing with.

You should absolutely put any Rosé wines made from Grenache in the fridge, this will help to get it nice and cool for you to drink.
Red wines made from Grenache, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, will get too cold in the fridge, so try and avoid putting these wines into fridges for long periods of time if you can (unless its a wine fridge).

So how long should Grenache go in the fridge for?

How Long Should You Chill Grenache For?

If you want to chill your Grenache Rosé then you only need to place your bottle in the fridge about 3-4 hours before you plan on drinking it.

When it comes to the question of should you chill Rosé, the answer is always a resounding yes.

If you have a domestic refrigerator the drier conditions may damage the corks over time, so it’s best to store your Grenache elsewhere and just pop the bottle in the fridge on the day you plan on drinking it.

However, if you have a specialist wine fridge the conditions will have been designed to look after your wine and control the temperatures inside so your wine can stay in the fridge for longer.

Any red wines made from Grenache won’t need as much time in the fridge.

Depending on your preference you can put Grenache bottles in the fridge 15 minutes before serving so you can cool them to just below room temperature.

Here are our five top tips on how to serve Grenache wine:

5 Tips on Serving Grenache

Grenache Grapes

Aim to serve your Grenache Rosé well chilled, between 7-9°C or 44-48°F

Not all Grenache benefits from being chilled! Red wines made from Grenache such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape prefer to be served a little warmer, aiming for between 12-15°C or 55-60°F.

If your wine gets too cold there’s no need to panic. Just put your Grenache out on the side for a little bit and let it warm up to a more drinkable temperature.

Store your Grenache between 11°C and 15℃ (51–59°F), somewhere with little light and disturbances.

Try and store your bottles of Grenache wine on their side when you can, as this will help to prevent the cork from drying out and faults developing further down the line.