Serving and storing wine at the proper temperature doesn't have to be a chore. A little common sense and a decent thermometer go a long way.
When serving wine, follow this simple principle: cooler wines mean less smell; warmer wines smell more. White and sparkling wines are best served at 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve red wines at cool room temperatures, generally 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
When stocking your cellar, a reliable thermometer is a must. This purchase, generally for less than $5, can prevent a more costly loss: ruining your wine. Be careful that the temperature of your wine never falls below 25 degrees Fahrenheit - the point when the lightest wines freeze. On the other end of the thermometer, wine should never be stored in temperatures greater than 77 degrees Fahrenheit - a point in which a wine's more volatile compounds are boiled off.
Generally, store your wine in temperatures that range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.