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Friends laughing and smiling at a backyard patio party while someone pours a bottle of red wine into a wine glass - Hero Banner Friends laughing and smiling at a backyard patio party while someone pours a bottle of red wine into a wine glass - Hero Banner

Keep Your Cool

Red Wines for Summer Sipping
A group of friends clink glasses of rich red wine at a backyard patio party A group of friends clink glasses of rich red wine at a backyard patio party

Think red wines aren't a good choice for summer fare? You've heard of sangría, right? A lightly chilled red with juicy, fruit-forward flavors is often the perfect partner for barbeque and other al fresco meals. The best chillable reds for summer tend to have low tannins, high acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. These characteristics allow the wine to remain refreshing and balanced when chilled, whereas heavy, tannic wines can become bitter or astringent when cold. Pinot Noir, Gamay (such as Beaujolais), Grenache and Lambrusco are all excellent options for a cool, refreshing sip.

Characteristics to look for:

  • Low tannins: Tannins are the compounds that create a drying sensation in your mouth. Chilling amplifies this sensation, making high-tannin reds like Cabernet Sauvignon taste harsh.
     
  • Bright acidity: Higher acidity provides a backbone, keeping reds lively and crisp even when chilled.
     
  • Lower alcohol: Less alcohol generally correlates with a lighter body, which is ideal for chilling.
     
  • Minimal or no oak: Wines aged in stainless steel, concrete or clay rather than oak barrels tend to retain more fresh fruit flavors.
     
  • Youthfulness: Young, fresh reds from the current vintage are typically better for chilling than older, aged bottles. 

Good Question: What's the best serving temperature for chilled wine?

Aim for 50-55° – cold but not freezing – to hit the chilled red "sweet spot." Refrigerate the bottle for 30-45 min. or, for faster results, in an ice bucket for 10-15 min. Smaller pours also help prevent chilled wine from warming up too quickly in the summer heat. 
 

Visit Kowalski's Wine & Spirits at these six Kowalski's locations: Shoreview, Excelsior, Oak Park Heights, Woodbury, Uptown and Grand Avenue. Selection and availability of products vary by market.