Red Wines for Summer
By Peyton Whittington Published April 2024
A frosted glass of acidic sauvignon blanc or floral rosé may come to mind when you think of summertime wines...but what if we told you red wine can be just as refreshing when the temps start to rise?
A lot of people tend to serve red wine at room temperature, but a short stint in the fridge can accentuate a red wine’s flavor profile and make it refreshing enough for summer drinking. Chilling wines alters our perception of four key parts of the wine tasting experience: alcohol, acidity, aroma and bitterness.1 In general, chilling wine dampens the harsh taste of the alcohol, highlights acidity and teases out more fruity and floral aromas. This is why whites and rosés are expected to be served chilled.
Pro tip: The bitterness component is where chilling red wine becomes tricky. Chilling tends to harshen a red wine’s bitter notes due to the presence of tannins, the drying component of wine that makes you suck in your cheeks when you sip. So, chilling highly tannic wines like Bordeaux or cabernet sauvignon probably isn’t the best idea.
A better choice would be a bright, light-bodied red wine with fresh, fruity and floral notes. Think young pinot noirs, lambrusco or Beaujolais. If chilled, these wines are best served in the range of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, let’s recap:
Are there any red wines I should avoid in summer?
Anything full-bodied, tannic and highly expressive isn’t an ideal summertime drinking choice. We recommend you save those for winter or autumnal drinking. But hey, we aren’t your mom – you can drink any wine you want whenever you want it. #Adulting, or whatever.
Can I chill red wine? If so, what temperature should I serve red wine at in the summer?
You both can and should; chilling certain red wines brings out fruity, summery flavors you wouldn’t get if you were to serve it at room temperature. Chilling your red wines to 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb.
What are the best red wines for summer?
Any light-bodied red wine with low tannins and fruity, floral notes would make a refreshing choice for summer. Don’t worry; we asked our ABC wine experts for their favorite red wines for summertime drinking so you don’t have to do any guessing. Read on for our top nine picks.
Styring Signature Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a varietal we all know and love, so our experts are starting us off with a beautiful, fruity pinot that’s perfect for summertime sipping. “I love this pinot because it showcases all of the beautiful red fruits that make New World pinot sing," ABC wine expert Nathan Dale said.
Strong blackberry and Bing cherry notes on the nose give way to tasting notes of chocolate-dipped cherries and vanilla in this 91-rated (Wine Enthusiast, 2017) bottle. Enjoy it on its own or with salmon, duck, barbecue chicken or ribs.
Vinos Sin Ley Garnacha
Medium-bodied, richly fruity & pure, this 90-rated (Vinous, 2019) grenache starts off with a clean and powerful aroma full of spice and black fruit, followed by cherry and black raspberry on the palate. Pair with a cheese plate, pasta, French fries, burgers, pizza and fried rice.
This is a great wine for summer as it is not a powerhouse that will leave you high and dry. It is pleasant and approachable, with soft nuanced tannins and bright fruit character to start off your evening.
G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso
If you want the quality of a barolo without the weighty tannins, this is your bottle. This fruity and delicately complex wine makes an ideal companion at the table. Intense and rich on the nose, it displays bright summer berries on the palate.
This is one of our experts favorite summer wines because it is the perfect price and soft style that you can drink anytime. It’s balanced, fresh and lively - a great wine to accompany the Florida summertime heat.
Anarkos Rosso Puglia
Dive nose-first into this 90-rated (James Suckling, 2018) wine’s intense fruity aromas of cherry and wild berries. It has a very soft, juicy, harmonious taste in which pleasantly fruity sweetness combines with mature, rounded tannins. Try it with pasta with meat, roast meats, salamis and aged cheeses.
“Anarkos is a wine that showcases the warm Mediterranean climate of southern Italy and is best shared with friends over snacks and conversation,” Nathan said.
Vignobles Bulliat Morgon Cuvée du Colombier
When you’re ready to branch out beyond your typical pinot noir, this is an excellent bottle to start with. Elegant, with a delicately crafted profile marked with tangy raspberry and peach notes underscored with sour cherry aromas. This 92-rated (Wine Enthusiast, 2020), jammy wine is incredible on its own, but pairs with a variety of charcuterie spreads, chicken and warm vegetable dishes.
Xplore Pinot Noir
This silky smooth pinot noir showcases the very best of Sonoma County winemaking. The wine is a blend of Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Sonoma County pinot noir from premier vineyards. Deliciously drinkable, it features the classic Russian River Valley characteristics of perfumed aromas and bright cherry flavors, framed by delicate tannins.
Airfield Merlot
Delicious layers of black cherry, dark cassis, sweet plum and smoked figs unite with more complex notes of dark espresso and salted toffee in this 90-rated (Wine Enthusiast, 2021) merlot. On the palate, the wine shows finesse, balance and roundness. Smooth, supple tannins frame the way for lingering secondary flavors of blackberry jam, vanilla bean, sweet cocoa and toasted oak. Pair with braised beef ragu or a juicy flat-iron steak.
“I love wines like this because they have a ton of structure, but not quite as much punch as a Napa cab,” Nathan said. “Super food friendly and marvelous on its own, this is a great wine to have while you are grilling.”
Octopoda Cabernet Franc
This 91-rated (Wine Enthusiast, 2022) cabernet franc immediately entices with strong aromas of black cherry, black currant, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. The palate offers additional tones of crushed violet, toasted wood and black pepper spice alongside a firm tannic texture, modest acidity and an aromatic finish.
They say to never judge a book by its cover, but with the Octopoda wines, it is a safe bet.
Hayes Ranch Merlot
This merlot has mouth-filling flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum. Being fermented in stainless steel tanks allows it to show all of its beautiful red fruit freshness while staying soft and approachable. This bottle is the perfect choice to bring to an afternoon barbeque and serve it slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment.
Ready to stock up on summertime sips? Shop our expansive wine selection at your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits or online at abcfws.com.