Roscato is a sweet Italian red wine that is meant to be enjoyed chilled. There are a few different ways to properly chill and drink Roscato to bring out its best flavors. In this article, we’ll go over the key things to know about how to drink Roscato wine.
Should Roscato Be Chilled?
Yes, Roscato should always be chilled before drinking. Roscato is considered a “chilled red” wine, meaning it is intended to be served cooler than room temperature. Chilling helps enhance Roscato’s bright fruit flavors and softens some of the acidic bite. Serving Roscato too warm will make it taste overly alcoholic and one-dimensional.
Ideal Serving Temperature
The ideal serving temperature for Roscato is between 50-60°F (10-15°C). This is much cooler than the typical serving temperature for non-chilled red wines, which is around 60-65°F (15-18°C).
Chilling Methods
There are a few easy methods to chill Roscato properly:
- Refrigerator – Chill the bottle for 1-2 hours in the fridge
- Ice bucket – Place the bottle in an ice bucket for 20-30 minutes
- Wet towel – Wrap the bottle in a wet paper towel and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes
What Kind of Glassware Should Be Used?
Roscato is best served in a large, tulip-shaped red wine glass. This shape allows you to swirl the wine to release aromas and tapered rim helps concentrate them. The large bowl also allows you to experience the wine’s range of flavors as it warms slightly after pouring.
Some other glassware tips for Roscato:
- Choose a glass with thin, clear sides to showcase the wine’s bright ruby color.
- Avoid using small glasses like traditional white wine glasses that can overconcentrate Roscato’s sweetness.
- Chilled glasses are ideal but not entirely necessary.
Decanting Roscato
Decanting is generally not required for Roscato. This wine is meant to be enjoyed young, and decanting can actually mute its fresh fruity flavors. However, if your bottle has been aged for several years, decanting for 30-60 minutes may help soften the wine and remove sediment.
Pairing Roscato with Food
Roscato is extremely food friendly and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Its fruity sweetness stands up to bold, savory flavors. Here are some tasty food pairing options:
Appetizers
- Prosciutto with melon
- Caprese salad
- Antipasto platters
Pasta Dishes
- Lasagna
- Pasta with meat sauce
- Pasta with pesto
Pizza
- Margherita
- Pepperoni
- Sausage and garlic
Main Dishes
- Chicken parmesan
- Eggplant parmesan
- Osso buco
Desserts
- Tiramisu
- Cannoli
- Biscotti
Serving Temperature for Roscato
As mentioned earlier, Roscato should be chilled and served between 50-60°F (10-15°C) to bring out its best characteristics. Here is a helpful reference table of the optimal serving temperature for different wine styles:
| Wine Type | Serving Temperature |
|---|---|
| Light bodied reds (Roscato, Beaujolais) | 50°-60°F / 10°-15°C |
| Medium bodied reds (Pinot Noir, Sangiovese) | 60°-65°F / 15°-18°C |
| Full bodied reds (Cabernet, Malbec) | 65°-70°F / 18°-21°C |
| Champagne and sparkling | 40°-45°F / 4°-7°C |
| Rosé | 45°-50°F / 7°-10°C |
| White wines | 45°-55°F / 7°-12°C |
Tips for Drinking Roscato
Here are some final tips for properly enjoying Roscato wine:
- Chill the bottle well before serving – at least 1-2 hours in the fridge
- Use large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses
- Swirl gently before each sip to release aromas
- Enjoy Roscato’s fruitiness by itself or paired with food
- Drink it young – Roscato does not benefit from aging
- Serve it slightly above fridge temperature – around 55°F (13°C) is ideal
- Have it with dessert – the sweetness pairs perfectly with chocolate, berries, and more
Conclusion
Roscato offers a deliciously fruity and refreshing drinking experience when served properly chilled. The ideal serving temperature is 50-60°F. Use large, clear red wine glasses to allow its aromas to shine. While decanting is not needed, be sure to gently swirl Roscato before sipping to release its flavors. Pair it with a variety of dishes from appetizers to pastas to desserts. Follow these tips for how to drink Roscato, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing Italian wine at its best.