The Coolest Summer Sips – Volio’s Guide to Chillable Red Wines
Summer is here and what a better time to break out the best chillable red wines!
While red wines are usually associated with cozy evenings inside, we’re here to challenge that notion with a list of some of our favorite reds that are sure to keep you cool and refreshed.
1. Choose lighter-bodied reds.
When it comes to chillable reds, lighter-bodied wines like Pinot Noir work best as they have lower tannins and higher acidity. Since tannins come primarily from grape skins and contribute to the dryness of a wine, a lighter red will be sweeter and leave you with a lighter mouthfeel. Wines with high acid will taste crisper and more refreshing.
Image Courtesy of Wine Folly
2. Serve it slightly chilled.
It might feel strange to put your red wine in the fridge, but trust us, it’ll be worth it. The goal isn’t to get your wine as cold as it can be, but to slightly chill it for about 30 minutes.
Maybe you are camping or at the beach with friends and don’t have access to a fridge. You can also use an ice bucket or insulated tote or cooler for the same effect!
3. Don’t forget the bubbles!
Sparkling red wines like Lambrusco also make an excellent choice for refreshers on a warm summer day. We think of fizzy reds as a little party in a glass. They offer a vibrant and juicy alternative to classic sparkling white wines; plus, they impress your friends who may not be as familiar with bubbly reds.
Our Top Picks for Chillable Reds This Summer
With notes of wild strawberries and red cherries, this wine exemplifies what Pinot Noir tastes like without costing what Pinot Noir costs. It has a richness that appeals to even the heaviest of red wine lovers, but its lifted acidity freshens the palate, especially when chilled.
This Pinot Nero (Italian for Pinot Noir) has spice and smoke complimenting red fruit aromas and a pleasant tannic structure. The tannins are smooth and refined, which makes this a very approachable choice for those who may not be accustomed to drinking more robust reds.
Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, a light-bodied wine from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily, this wine is both complex and well-balanced with notes of minerals and vanilla. It is structured and elegant while having a friendly freshness and salty tang.
Lambrusco is a specialty sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It is slightly sweet with a deep color with a smooth, long finish. The gentle fizz adds a liveliness to the wine while still being an enjoyable texture on the palate.
Frappato is a fruity wine from Sicily that is bright ruby red with a balance of rose and violets. It is velvety with gentle tannins, making it a perfect choice if you are looking for a wine with a delicate balance of sweet and flowery flavor profiles.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying some time in the summer sun, we encourage you to enjoy these refreshing reds. Just remember to chill them right, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and varietals. Cheers!