Chilling shiraz? you can’t be serious, can you?
If the thought of chilling a shiraz makes you cringe, you ain’t alone. For years, red wines, especially bold varietals like Shiraz, have been synonymous with room-temperature serving. But times are changing, and so are the rules of wine enjoyment. Brace yourself, but what if I told you that chilling your shiraz might just be the refreshing twist you didn’t know you needed? I know, I know, it’s outlandish of me to suggest. But the question remains, why is this practice gaining traction and should you consider giving it a burl? 

The tradition of serving reds at room temperature

Tradition, and society, have long dictated that red wines should be served at room temperature, and there’s historical context to back this up. Back in the day, "room temperature" referred to the cooler, drafty rooms of European castles and cellars, which typically sat around 15-18°C. However, it’s 2024 and modern central heating has bumped that up to around 20-22°C, which is warmer than what most reds truly need to shine.
While many reds do benefit from the slightly warmer temperatures, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule for all red wines—especially when it comes to lighter, more fruit-forward styles like shiraz.

Why chilling your shiraz just makes sense

Before you dismiss the idea, it’s worth considering the reasons behind it.
1. Enhancing fruit flavours
Shiraz is known for its rich, fruity profile, with flavours of dark berries, plum, and sometimes a hint of spice. Chilling the wine slightly can help highlight these fruit notes, making them more pronounced and refreshing on the palate. When served at a slightly cooler temperature, the fruitiness of shiraz can take centre stage. The wine will feel crisp, lively and moreish, and that’s exactly what you want when the weather warms up.

2. Softening the alcohol kick
One of the characteristics of shiraz is its relatively high alcohol content. When served warm, that alcohol can sometimes dominate the wine, making it taste overly hot. A slight chill can help tone down the alcohol, allowing the other flavours, say the fruit and spice, to shine through. Overall, it’ll just taste smoother and more balanced.

3. Refreshing in warm weather
A big, bold red wine just ain’t gonna cut it when the sun’s blazing. If you’re craving something refreshing, a slightly chilled shiraz will hit the spot. It’ll maintain depth and complexity while offering that cooling refreshment typically associated with whites or rosés. It’s the best of both worlds.

4. Versatility with food pairing
Chilled reds pair surprisingly well with dishes that might otherwise be challenging for those served at room temperature. Say a summer salad on a warm day, or grilled seafood on the barbie. I find the cooler temperature helps cut through richer foods, providing a delightful contrast on the palate. 

How to chill the right way

There’s a method to the madness, and doing it right can make all the difference.

1. Don’t overdo it
When chilling shiraz, the goal isn’t to make it ice-cold like a beer. Instead, aim for a light chill, somewhere between 12-15°C. This is cool enough to highlight the fruit and soften the alcohol, but not so cold that it masks the wine’s complexity. If you’re unsure, pop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before serving and see how it tastes.

2. Use an ice bucket for gradual cooling
If you’re serving your shiraz outdoors or at a party, consider using an ice bucket with a mix of ice and water to keep the wine at the perfect temp. This method allows for gradual cooling, so you can maintain that ideal chill without risking it becoming too cold.

3. Taste test
Play it safe, try it at different levels of chill and see how the flavours evolve. You might find that a slight chill is all you need, while others may like it a little cooler. 

Breaking the stigma

Chilling certain reds, especially something like a shiraz, will always divide. But as with all things in wine, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The world of wine is full of “rules,” but many of them are made to be broken. So, if it enhances your enjoyment of the wine, go to town!