As temperatures rise, wine enthusiasts naturally adjust their drinking preferences. Besides the desire for something chilled, lighter, and more refreshing in the glass, the culinary options tend to be lighter as well. Seafoods, salads, grilled chicken, and similar dishes pair better with lighter-bodied wines with higher acidity.
Opting for a red wine, instead of white or rosé, is considered an unconventional choice in the summer. Red wines are typically served at room temperature to allow their depth, body, and complexity of aroma and flavor to shine. However, as it heats up outdoors, so does the temperature of wine in the glass, which can amplify the perception of alcohol, often already high in bigger-bodied red wines, making it heavier and less refreshing.
Warmer temperatures also intensify the higher amount of tannins in red, resulting in a more astringent and drying sensation on the palate that’s unappealing when seeking out a thirst-quenching beverage. What is often overlooked is that some red wines benefit from a slight chill. They may even be intentionally crafted in a style best served at a lower temperature. These wines offer an interesting and often delightful alternative for warm weather enjoyment.
In general, chillable red wines possess characteristics that allow them to retain the allure of red wine while providing a pleasurable experience when chilled. Look for reds that are lighter bodied, lower in alcohol, higher in acidity, and lower in tannins.
To produce these lighter wines, producers turn to grape varieties such as pinot noir or chambourcin. Harvesting fruit earlier, at slightly lower ripeness levels, helps retain acidity and can result in lighter-bodied wines with lower alcohol levels. Limiting skin contact before pressing the grapes will decrease tannin levels. And some winemakers blend white grape varieties with red grape varieties, reducing body and tannins.
When served chilled, wines of this nature often reveal vibrant fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, in addition to exhibiting great versatility when it comes to food pairing. Keep in mind that even red wine meant to be chilled is not typically served as cold as white wine, and overly cold temperatures can mask the flavors in wine. By experimenting, you might find the best of both worlds—a chilled and refreshing drink that still retains the complexity and flavor associated with red wine.
Play it cool with these local reds
Early Mountain Vineyards 2022 Young Wine Red ($24)
The hybrid grape chambourcin grows consistently in Virginia, and provides a unique combination of good color extraction and low to moderate tannin levels. The 2022 Young Wine is 58 percent chambourcin blended with 42 percent vidal blanc, which is a white hybrid grape. This is intentional winemaking that creates a highly approachable, lean-bodied wine with minimal tannins, low alcohol content, and refreshing acidity.
Lightwell Survey 2022 Between the Light and the Dark ($25)
A collaborative project with Troddenvale Cider, this intriguing blend combines 67 percent grapes including chambourcin and vidal blanc, with 33 percent Ashmead’s Kernel apples. Flavors of citrus, cranberry, green apple, and blossom finish with a hint of gentle tannins. With a modest alcohol level of only 10 percent and refreshing acidity, this blend is light on the palate and very easy to drink.
Bluestone Vineyard 2022 Half Bubble Off-Center ($27.50)
Bluestone characterizes this as rosé, but it has enough color to be considered a light-bodied red wine. Made with 100 percent chambourcin, the bubbles were created utilizing the pétillant naturel method. In short, the wine was bottled just prior to completing fermentation, allowing the naturally occurring carbon dioxide to remain as it finished fermenting in the bottle. The result is a playful wine that delivers red fruit flavors accompanied by a rolling effervescence on the palate.
Ankida Ridge 2021 Pinot Noir ($58)
Pinot noir is suitable for chilling. The grape thrives in cooler conditions, which help preserve its acidity and keep alcohol levels moderate. Additionally, the grape has thin skins, resulting in lower extraction and tannin levels. This example from Ankida Ridge features flavors of bright red cherry and cranberry, complemented by notes of dried leaves and spice. Wonderful without chilling, but a light chill makes it an excellent option for a summer evening.
