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Discover why lightly chilled red wines are perfect for warm-weather sipping – and which styles to try this summer. From Beaujolais to sparkling reds, we’ve got your ultimate guide to refreshing reds.
It’s a hot summer’s day and you’re looking for something refreshing to drink to pair with your barbecue or picnic lunch. A cold, crisp white wine or rosé perhaps? Or how about a glass of chilled fruity red wine instead?
Yes, you absolutely can serve red wine lightly chilled. It’s a growing trend here in the UK, but chilled red wines have always been a part of the French drinking culture. In fact, holiday anywhere in the Med and you’ll know it’s not at all unusual for your red wine to be served straight from the fridge.
But what type of red wine is best served chilled? What’s the best way to chill red wine? And why do you need to chill red wine anyway?
Here are our top tips on the best chilled red wines for summer.
Why chill red wine
First of all, chilled red wines are particularly appealing on a warm, sunny day. And they pair extremely well with lighter summer dishes – making them a great choice for al fresco dining.
But it’s not just about summer drinking. Many red wines benefit from being served lightly chilled whatever the time of year – it helps bring out their fruity aromas and flavours as well as their juicy freshness.
Avoid big, tannic or long-aged red wines (probably not the best plan for that special bottle of Bordeaux you’ve been saving) and instead pick out young, fruit-forward, lighter-bodied red wines that will be even more refreshing with a light chill.
The 5 best red wine styles for chilling
1. Bring on the Beaujolais
If there was ever a wine made for chilling, it's Beaujolais. Its bright, fruity and floral flavours come alive after a quick spell in the fridge. All Beaujolais reds are made from Gamay, a grape with relatively high acidity – and it’s this that makes it such a refreshing choice when served lightly chilled on a sunny day. Pair with charcuterie and cheeses for the perfect picnic.
2. Cool Loire reds to drink when it’s hot
Loire red wines are tailor-made for summer drinking, with their crunchy red berry fruit and subtle floral and wild herb fragrance. There are three red grapes that take centre-stage in the Loire – Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir – and all three have that vivacity and freshness that makes them a thirst-quenching choice when chilled on a summer’s day. Seriously food-friendly too – enjoy with salmon, cold meats or herby lamb chops.
3. Fall in love with Frappato
There are lots of Italian red wines that are delicious lightly chilled – from Valpolicella and Bardolino to Dolcetto and Barbera. But our favourite Italian chilled red wine has to be Frappato. This native Sicilian grape is just so juicy and bright, it will transport you to sunny Sicily in a flash. Super-smooth and quaffable, it’s one to enjoy with summery pasta dishes and salads.
4. Chilled Cinsault
We couldn’t do a guide to chilled red wines without including Chilled Cinsault – a wine so suited to chilling we’ve even included the serving instructions on the label. This new addition to our South African list is crammed with summer berry flavours and gentle peppery spice. Soft and deliciously moreish, make this your next barbecue pick.
5. Celebrate with sparkling red wines
What to serve at your next family barbecue or Sunday brunch? Fresh, frothy and full of flavour, sparkling red wines offer the perfect solution. Top of the pops is L’Occhiolino from Italy, a red made for summer sipping with its lip-smacking fresh fruit and delicate bubbles. And at just 7.5% alcohol, it’s a lighter option for long, lazy afternoons in the garden.
How to chill red wine
The optimum temperature for serving chilled red wines is between 10-15°C. And the easiest way is simply to pop them in the fridge. Just not for too long! Chill too much and you risk masking all those lovely bright, fruity flavours.
We recommend around 30 minutes in the fridge for a glass of cool, refreshing red wine. And if you’re entertaining around the BBQ, you don’t want your bottle of red wine sat around baking in the sun. An ice bucket will do the job nicely.
You can find out more in our Wine Temperature Serving Guide but don’t be afraid to experiment with your favourite red wines. Even a fuller-bodied style can benefit from a quick blast in the fridge on a hot day.
About the author
Sarah Turner
Sarah is a wine writer and editor with over 25 years’ experience in the world of wine. She began her career in retail, passing the WSET Level 4 Diploma, before becoming a supermarket wine buyer and finally finding her home in our creative team. Her love of food, wine and travel has taken her all over the world, but she has a soft spot for Portugal’s Douro Valley and the sherries and tapas bars of Andalucia.
