Best Summer Red Wine
Let’s explore the world of summer red wines and discover some hidden gems that will enhance your summer experiences.
Summer is a season that calls for refreshing, cool drinks to combat the scorching heat. While white wines and rosé wines often steal the spotlight during these warmer months, it's time to shine a light on their red counterpart.
Traditionally associated with cosy winter evenings by the fireplace, red wine can seem out of place when temperatures rise. However, many varieties of red wine are perfectly suited for sipping in the sun or pairing with summer dishes.
Let’s explore the world of summer red wines and discover some hidden gems that will enhance your summer experiences. So grab a glass, with an ice bucket handy if you wish, as we embark on this journey through delicious summer reds.
Why red wine is perfect for summer?
There are several reasons why it is an excellent choice for those hot summer days. Firstly, red wine offers a wide variety of flavour profiles to suit any palate. From light and fruity to bold and complex, there is a red wine to satisfy everyone.
In addition, red wine pairs incredibly well with grilled meats and vegetables, which are staples of summer barbecues! The tannins in red wines help cut through the richness of charred meats and add depth to every bite. Whether you're enjoying a juicy burger or a perfectly cooked steak, a glass of red wine will enhance your dining experience.
Which red wine is best in summer?
Garnacha
When it comes to selecting the perfect wine to enjoy on a warm summer evening, Garnacha is an excellent choice that should not be overlooked. This red wine varietal, which originated in Spain but has gained popularity around the world, offers a refreshing and fruity flavour profile that is well suited to the summer season.
Known for its versatility and ability to pair with a wide range of foods, Grenache can be enjoyed on its own or alongside your favourite summer dishes.
One of the reasons Grenache shines during the summer months is its light to medium body, making it an ideal red wine choice when you're looking for something lighter and more refreshing than heavier reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Its lower tannin levels result in a softer mouthfeel that does not dominate the palate on hot days.
Sangiovese
When it comes to red wine, Sangiovese may not be the first variety that comes to mind for a summer sip. However, this Italian grape offers a refreshing and versatile option that pairs exceptionally well with warm-weather dishes.
With its vibrant acidity and light to medium body, Sangiovese is an excellent choice to accompany outdoor gatherings and alfresco dining during the summer months.
One of the key characteristics that make Sangiovese an ideal summer red wine is its bright acidity. This lively acidity provides a refreshing sensation on the palate, making it perfect for hot days when you want something thirst-quenching and invigorating.
In addition, Sangiovese's moderate alcohol content ensures that you can enjoy more than one glass without feeling heavy or overheated.
Pinot Noir
Despite its reputation as a heavier, more complex red, Pinot Noir offers unique characteristics that make it an ideal choice for summertime enjoyment.
One of the key reasons why Pinot Noir is perfect for summer is its lighter body compared to other red wines. With lower tannin levels and higher acidity, this varietal provides a more refreshing and palate-cleansing experience in hot weather.
Pinot Noir's lightness allows it to pair well with various dishes commonly enjoyed during the summer, including grilled vegetables, seafood such as salmon or tuna, and even poultry or pork dishes.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo, a classic red wine grape from Italy's Piedmont region, is an excellent choice for those looking for a refreshing and versatile option for their summer wine selection.
Known for its lovely aromas of roses and tar, Nebbiolo offers a unique drinking experience that is both elegant and vibrant. Despite its deep ruby colour and robust structure, this wine surprises with higher acidity levels compared to other reds.
This characteristic makes Nebbiolo incredibly food-friendly, a perfect match for summer meals such as grilled salmon or herb-infused chicken dishes.
Lambrusco
Originating from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, this sparkling red wine offers a delicious combination of fruitiness and effervescence that can be incredibly satisfying on hot summer days.
One of the main reasons why Lambrusco is an ideal choice for summer is its lower alcohol content compared to other red wines. The average bottle generally ranges between 8% and 11% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it lighter and more suitable for outdoor gatherings or casual sipping by the pool.
Its natural bubbles provide a refreshing sensation, while its vibrant acidity keeps it lively on the palate without feeling heavy.
Serving red wine chilled: temperature tips
Serving chilled red wine in the summer may attract attention, as it is commonly associated with being served at room temperature. However, certain red wines can benefit from being served slightly chilled during the warmer months.
The ideal serving temperature for red wine is usually around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, but during the summer, lowering it to around 10 to 13 degrees Celsius can enhance its refreshing qualities.
Cooling red wine helps tame its alcohol content and allows the flavours and aromas to shine without being overwhelmed by the heat. Lighter-bodied red wines such as Pinot Noir and certain Sangiovese varieties work particularly well when chilled slightly.
These wines often exhibit vibrant fruitiness and delicate tannins, which become more pronounced when served cooler.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summer is not only for white and rosé wines, red wines can also be enjoyed during the warmer months. With their wide range of flavours and styles, red wines can complement a variety of summer dishes and outdoor activities.
So don't hesitate to explore the world of red wines this season and discover new flavours to savour alongside your favourite summer dishes, and enjoy the best of both worlds: the refreshing qualities of summer and the rich complexities of red wine!
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