Summer is arriving soon and it’s time to add refreshing red wines to your collection. Whether you are just relaxing on the porch, enjoying a romantic picnic or having a delicious barbecue, there is a red wine that is refreshing enough to chase the summer heat away.
- Frappato – This Sicilian wine has delicate tannins and a refreshing acidity. It has notes of juicy red cherry, strawberry and a hint of white pepper.
- Schiava – Elegant and fruity, this wine is best served lightly chilled on a hot summer day. It has notes of strawberry, red cherry and almond. It has a soft acidity that pairs well with cold pasta salads.
- Lambrusco – This crisp wine has fine bubbles and notes of strawberry, wild cherry and a touch of clove. It is delightful when paired with barbecued meats.
- Grignolino – This zesty summer wine has notes of strawberry, cherry and Asian spices along with silky tannins. It is an excellent pairing for cold-cut sandwiches.
- Cabernet Franc – This light bodied wine has soft, flavorful tannins and notes of juicy cherry, raspberry, currant, licorice, bell pepper, plum and blueberry. It is a perfect match for grilled meats.
- Red Zinfandel – This bold wine has notes of plum, cherry, blueberry, cranberry, boysenberry, licorice and black pepper. It has a fruity explosion that is followed by a smoky finish.
- Pinot Noir – Fresh and delicate, this wine has notes of raspberry, cherry, cranberry, licorice, vanilla and caramel. It is a suitable pairing for grilled lamb, chicken and salmon. It is also great with sushi rolls.
- Sangiovese – This medium-bodied wine has notes of plum, cherry, strawberry, cherry and oak. It has dry tannins and crisp acidity. Pair with hamburgers during the summer for an delicious match.
It’s up to you whether you’d want to serve the wine chilled or room temperature. Keep in mind wine that is served warm will allow you to taste the flavors easier, but the structure and the acidity will be softened, causing a burning sensation on the palate. If wine is served too cold the flavors are dulled. During the summer months it is recommended to serve red wine chilled, preferably between 60 and 65 degrees. Cheers to the summer season!