Quick Party Help - Should I chill red wine?

[Sazoo]

We're having a housewarming party this afternoon (party starts in 2 hours). We have a small variety of bottles of wine to serve, among other beverages. DH and I are not big wine drinkers. I like sweet white wines, but that's about it. DH is more of a beer guy.

So...my question is should I chill the red wines, or serve them temperature?

Most of the whites say on the bottles to serve well chilled, and that's the way I like them, too. The one that is a rosé also says to serve chilled. But we have a bottle of raspberry wine (which I assume is red), a bottle of chianti, and a bottle of some French red wine, and I don't know whether I should chill them or not. :confused:

TIA!

[Rico'sAlice]

No. Do not chill red wine. But don't let it get warm either. You may want to open the bottles though so the wine can "breathe." Maybe like an hour ahead of time?


ETA-
Here is better info:
http://www.cellarnotes.net/serving_temperatures.html

Temperature (F.) Which Wines:
45 degrees (F.) Most white wines you'll come across including Chenin Blancs, Sauvignon Blancs, Loire Wines, Rieslings and 'everyday' Chardonnays. If they are served colder, the aromas and flavors will be minimized and you won't get full enjoyment.
50 degrees (F.)Full bodied, high quality white wines including Sauternes and rich white Burgundies. Light red wines like Beaujolais.
60 degrees (F.) Red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux, Zinfandel, Rhones and Syrah/Shiraz.

Most people have heard that red wines should be served at 'room' temperature, but that is really a reference to 'cellar' temperature. Cellar temperature is usually about 55 degrees which is perfect for storing wine . The reason that red wines are best enjoyed at slightly reduced temperatures is that alcohol will produce an unpleasant bite on the palate when served at normal room temperature.

[tlew12778]

Generally no but it depends on the wine and it's current temp. Normally they are served from a cellar so are cooler than room temp to begin with.

[Sazoo]

Thanks for the quick responses and the info on red wines - I read them just in time for our party yesterday afternoon. :D

[Myra]

A good rule of thumb is to take the white out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving and stick the red in the fridge 10 minutes before serving.

[Sazoo]

A good rule of thumb is to take the white out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving and stick the red in the fridge 10 minutes before serving.That's about what I did, with the red wine, anyway. I put it in the fridge briefly to cool it down, but then took it back out well before our guests arrived. ;)