Here’s Why You Should Never Put Ice Cubes in Your Aged Wine Glasses

Everyone has been tempted, from time to time, when the temperatures are too high or you're in a warm place, to drop those ice cubes in your glass of wine. Keeping your glass chilled seems essential because there's nothing worse than drinking warm wine. However, did you know that it's a big faux pas in the wine community? Here's why.

Ice Changes Your Wine's Texture and Flavor (For the Worst)

One of the primary reasons not to put ice cubes in wine is the impact on texture and flavor. As the ice melts, it dilutes the wine, altering its original taste and aroma. This dilution can mask the subtle flavors and complexities that winemakers have carefully crafted. The balance of sweetness, acidity, and tannins is disrupted, leaving you with a watered-down version of what should be a vibrant and nuanced drink.

Ice Cubes May Also Just Straight Up Ruin Your Wine

Ice cubes can introduce impurities, especially if the water quality isn't high, which can affect the wine's taste and clarity. Moreover, the sudden temperature drop from ice can shock the wine, particularly aged or delicate varieties, potentially causing them to lose their intended character. The aesthetic aspect also matters; ice cubes floating in wine can detract from the visual appeal and elegance that wine enthusiasts cherish.

So, How Do We Keep Our Wine Cool and Refreshed?

Ideally, wine should be chilled before it's served, as the best serving temperature is the preferred way to enjoy it and detect all flavors and depths in the beverage. Therefore, your wine bottles should be chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours before they get served. White and rosés should be served around 45-50°F (7-10°C), while reds are best if served at 55-65°F (13-18°C).

If you're serving the wine in a particularly warm environment, or if the party you're having is happening outside during summer, you can keep your bottles of wine cold by placing them in an ice bucket filled with a mixture of both ice and water alike. This method ensures that the wine remains at a consistent, cool temperature and, without the ice being in contact with the liquid itself, the flavor and the texture will stay intact.

Finally, for a creative solution, in case you want to keep your glass refreshed as you're nursing it, you can use a natural alternative to ice cubes: frozen grapes. They keep the wine cold without altering its flavor, they can be a fun decorative addition to your glass, and they can be consumed once you're done drinking your glass.

So… You Can Never Add Ice to Your Wine?

While the general consensus is to avoid ice in wine, there are exceptions. Light, inexpensive wines or those specifically designed for casual drinking can sometimes accommodate ice without significant loss in quality. In some cultures, adding ice to certain types of wine or wine-based cocktails, like sangria, is acceptable and even preferred. However, for fine wines, especially aged varieties, it's best to steer clear of ice to fully appreciate their intended profile.