Savoring Red Wine in Summertime: How to Serve and Enjoy Chilled Red Wines

Are you serving red wine this summer? Us too. But there can be some common misconceptions surrounding the proper temperature and wine style of red wine. You’re in luck. We have some tips for you to consider to help you enjoy your bottles of red wine during these warm summer months.

Chilled Red Wines: A Summer Revelation

When we think of chilled wines, white and rosé typically come to mind. However, certain red wines, when slightly chilled, can offer a refreshing and delightful experience perfect for summer. Here are some varietals that are particularly well-suited to chilling:

1. Pinot Noir: Known for its light body and delicate flavors, a chilled Pinot Noir can be incredibly refreshing.

2. Gamay: The primary grape in Beaujolais, Gamay’s bright acidity and fruity notes make it an excellent candidate for chilling.

3. Grenache: With its juicy red fruit flavors, Grenache can be a great summer red when slightly cooled.

4. Barbera: This Italian varietal, with its high acidity and low tannins, maintains its structure and flavor profile when chilled.

What Does Room Temperature Even Mean?

For starters, what does room temperature even mean when serving red wine? All homes are not created equal, and all temperatures are not always constant throughout the year. Whatever you think the number of room temperature is in your head, think slightly cooler. Depending on how full-bodied the red wine is, red wines in general are typically best served between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, even upwards of 68 degrees. Light to medium red body wines serve cool, between 55 to 60 degrees. For bold full-body red wines, think slightly cool, between 60 to 68 degrees.

Optimal Serving Temperatures for Red Wine

While serving red wine at room temperature (around 70°F) is a common practice, summer calls for a slight adjustment to enhance enjoyment:

•Light-bodied reds: Serve at 55-60°F. Chilling light-bodied reds, such as Pinot Noir and Gamay, enhances their crispness and vibrant fruit flavors.

•Medium-bodied reds: Serve at 60-65°F. Varietals like Merlot and Sangiovese benefit from a slight chill, bringing out their balanced flavors.

•Full-bodied reds: Serve at 65-70°F. Heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah can be served closer to room temperature but benefit from a few minutes in the fridge to tone down their intensity.

Tips for Chilling Red Wine

1. Refrigerator Method: Place your red wine in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes before serving. This will bring the wine down to the optimal summer temperature.

2. Ice Bucket Technique: For a quicker chill, place the bottle in an ice bucket with equal parts ice and water. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Wine Thermometer: Use a wine thermometer to ensure your wine reaches the perfect temperature for serving.

Practical Tips for Summer Wine Enjoyment

Tip #1: If the wine burns your nose with the smell of alcohol, it might be too warm. Try cooling it down a little. A general good rule of thumb is to either stick your red wine in the refrigerator or on ice for about 30 minutes prior to serving, let it cool down a little bit, and then taste from there.

I mentioned that light to medium body reds can be served at a cooler temperature. Two of the reds in our summer six pack, the one from Patagonia, which is a Pinot Noir, and then the Trousseau from Jura are meant to be just that. These are what we refer to as chillable reds. Feel free to put them directly on ice. The third red, however, is from Vacquyeras in the Southern Rhone. So this one is a little bit more full-bodied. I would suggest serving it slightly cool.

Tip #2: If you’re having a hard time smelling the wine or tasting the flavors, then it might be too cold. Try warming it up just a little. This is because when a wine is too cool, it can mute the flavors and aromas of that wine. Wine serving temperature does greatly affect the aromas and flavors of the wine, but personal preferences also matter. If you like drinking everything ice cold, then go for it. But check out what it might taste like also at a warmer temperature.

Things to Consider

•Tannin Levels: Wines with lower tannins are more suitable for chilling. High-tannin wines can become overly astringent when too cold.

•Acidity: Wines with higher acidity levels, like Gamay and Barbera, thrive when chilled, as the acidity adds to the refreshing quality.

•Serving Size: Serve chilled red wines in smaller pours to maintain their temperature longer.

•Storage: Store your red wines in a cool, dark place. During summer, avoid leaving wine in a hot car or direct sunlight, which can spoil the wine.

Conclusion

Embracing chilled red wines in the summer opens up a whole new world of wine enjoyment. By choosing the right varietals and serving them at optimal temperatures, you can savor the full spectrum of flavors even on the hottest days. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée or simply unwinding after a long day, chilled red wine offers a sophisticated and refreshing option.

For more wine tips, curated selections, and exclusive wine experiences, explore Club Argaux. At Argaux, we are dedicated to enhancing your wine journey every season.

We hope these tips help you drink your favorite red wines all summer long. Cheers.