Summer red wines: what to choose?

It would seem that summer is the season for white wines. But what should fans of red wines, who are not ready to give them up even in hot weather, do? The answer to this question is simple enough – choose milder options and consume them slightly chilled. Today we’re going to tell you what red wines to look out for during the summer season.

Navigating Wines

The first rule to follow when choosing a red wine in summer is a low level of tannins, which means that the wine should not be overly tart and dense.

The second rule is also aimed at choosing a wine with a lighter structure, which either hasn’t been aged in oak at all or has been aged for a very short period of time.

The third rule is more of a recommendation, but not mandatory: avoid wines with high alcohol content. As a rule, red wines with a light body have a small percentage of alcohol, but there are exceptions as well. This applies to wines from hot wine-producing regions such as California.

Now that we have the rules, let’s move on to what to look for and where to look for it. There is a wide range of red wines that fall under the above recommendations. However, there are some leaders among them, and we will focus on them.

Pinot noir in a light style

Both Burgundy and New World Pinot Noir wines that have not been aged in oak barrels or have been aged for a short time fall under this definition. The wine’s weightless body and bright berry flavors make it the perfect red wine for summer. When slightly chilled, you can feel the seductive notes of ripe strawberries.

Gamet from Beaujolais and the Loire Valley

Another French grape variety that is perfect for a summer day or evening. The main production region of this variety is Beaujolais. This is where they have a celebration of young wine in late fall. But Beaujolais Nouveau is not the only wine this place is famous for. You can find excellent examples of Beaujolais Villages, which are sold all year round. These are the ones you should pay attention to, as they have a light flavor and enticingly berry aroma. Gamet wines are also produced in the Loire Valley.

Valpolicella Classico or Bardolino

These Italian wines from the Veneto region are based on three red varieties: Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. The combination of these varieties produces wines with a soft structure and light body. The aroma is dominated by the aroma of cherries and forest berries, while the taste has a bitterness of cherry pips.

Dolcetto from Piedmont

This red variety is grown in northeastern Italy in Piedmont. It is used to make simple, low acidity wines that should be drunk in the first couple of years after harvest. The aroma of Dolcetto wines has notes of black berries and cherries. There is an almond bitterness in the palate.

Zinfandel from California

For a long time, Zinfandel had the reputation of being a frivolous variety that could not make a decent red wine. However, those days are gone, and zinfandel is now one of the top varieties in the United States. Zinfandel wine is quite aromatic, so it’s hard to confuse it with another variety. Its aroma is a scattering of fresh berries: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, etc. On the palate it is light and has soft, sweetish tannins.

Of course, these are not the only red wines you can drink in summer. Much depends on your mood and the food that accompanies the wine. No one can stop you from drinking a powerful cabernet sauvignon or a full-bodied shiraz in hot weather, because the important thing is to enjoy the process!