Red Wine in the Summer. Breaking the taboo.
Summer. It’s here and it’s hot. Now, I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing better in the summer than a delicious glass of something chilled – al fresco of course.
You’ve conjured up and image in your head already, haven’t you? Is it a glass of white wine, drips of condensation running down the side? Perhaps it’s a gin and tonic, loaded with ice cubes and a perfect wedge of lime nestled on the top. Well, what if I were to throw something else in the mix? Namely, a delicious, thirst quenching glass of Red.
No, that isn’t a typo. Yes, I am suggesting that summer is in fact the perfect time to enjoy red wine without overheating. You see, there are a number of red wines out there that actually suit being served cool. Likewise, there are a number of reds that are as floral and fruity as many white wines we’d usually depend on.
Take Sangria as a prime example. You’d be hard pushed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy this holiday staple. It’s moreish, fruity and almost certainly served over a tonne if ice! Now you’re starting to come around to the idea, right?
So whether you’re a red wine lover who misses this tipple throughout the warmer months, a wine enthusiast looking to try some new things, or simply someone who enjoys the delicious fruity flavours of Sangria, I’m here to share with you a list of PERFECT red wines for the summer. Take one to your next barbecue and impress all the guests.
You can thank me later.
Find it at: Majestic Wines
The heel of Italy’s ‘boot’, is the home of the Primitivo Grape, elsewhere known as Zinfandel (which you may recognise). This bottle derives specifically from Puglia, a particularly sun-drenched part of the region, which makes for a (believe it or not) very ‘sunny’ wine! Medium-bodied and full of red berry flavour, it has hints of prune and violet on the nose. This wine is perfect when enjoyed with your favourite tomato-based pasta dishes.
Find it at: M&S Wines
Shiraz is widely known as a refreshing style of Red, and this easy going South Australian bottle is no exception. This wine has a true freshness, with a hint of mint that makes it perfect for a hot day. It works really well with cold meats and it is suitable for serving slightly chilled which adds to its appeal at this time of year.
Find it at: Asda
Light and fruity are the key words when describing this Frappato. Asda themselves describe it as ‘A bright, bouncy grape from Sicily's sun-baked vineyards’ which is enough to make me want to try it right now! This lively wine has aromas of red stone fruits and ‘elegant, silky tannins’, meaning no harshness on the palate. At such a great price, this should be high on anyone’s list.
Find it at: Waitrose Wine Cellar
From the Loire Region in France, this Rouge Sancerre is a vibrant Ruby colour. You’ll get ripe forest fruits flavours on the nose and its juicy tannins make it delectably soft on the palate. You don’t see a Red Sancerre every day, so this is definitely one to be shared with friends and fellow wine enthusiasts.
Find it at: Tesco Wine by the Case
This soft sparkling red from Italy has taken a back seat for far too long in our opinion! That’s right, Lambrusco has grown up, and this bottle from the Tesco Finest Range is an ideal example of a refreshing red this season. It’s moreish and fruity, with strong black cherry flavours. Enjoy around the dining table with your nearest and dearest.
Find it at: Tesco Wine by the Case
Beaujolais is famous for light, low tannin reds, which meant we simply HAD to include one on our list. This 100% Gamay wine, from a famous Burgundian producer, has a great intensity but still maintains the fruitiness that we associate with this style of wine. It has lots of succulent flavours with raspberry and cherry coming through particularly. Classy and delicious!