Reds Year-Round
By: Kelsey Gruben
While summer is in full swing, red wine drinkers are often the odd ones out while family and friends insist on drinking cool whites and rosés to get through the heat. Although this may seem like the only way to enjoy your favorite wines in the summer, there are many reds that can be served chilled. When drinking lighter-style wines where aroma and acidity are important, chilling the wine can help to improve its flavor. Almost all red wines could use a slight chill, but the key is to not overdo it. Exploring the expansive world of chilled reds can be your next secret weapon when entertaining during summertime. A few of our red wines here at Le Vigne Winery are great candidates for your new favorite chilled red wine.
2019 Cuore Della Vigna:
Our 2019 Cuore Della Vigna is a Super Tuscan Blend comprised of 65% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s high ratio of Sangiovese makes it the perfect red for any season. Putting it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before drinking will mellow out the tannins and highlight the fruity and floral notes of the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best wines to use in Sangria. Its medium body allows it to support the Sangiovese in a positive way, chilled or at room temperature. Chilling a Cabernet Franc will activate its peppery notes, making our Cuore Della Vigna the perfect poolside red.
2021 Primitivo:
Our 2021 Primitivo, a sister-grape to Zinfandel, is a great candidate due to its light-body and bright fruitiness. The aromas of cranberry, cherry, cinnamon and rose petal really come out to play after a good 30 minutes in the fridge. Chilling red wine tends to work well with floral and spicy flavors. This young block of Primitivo makes it a great candidate due to its preexisting rose petal and cinnamon characteristics.
2019 Malbec:
Malbec is best known for its strong jammy flavor. Our 2019 Malbec is jam packed with the essence of raspberry, blueberry, cherry and cranberry making it a great addition to your fridge in the summer. Using a Malbec as a base for Sangria is a great way to keep your favorite wine relevant year-round. While it tends to have a heavier body, its unique characteristics lead it to be a great wine to brighten up your list of summer chilled red wines.
Expand your horizons this summer and master the art of chilling reds so you can keep enjoying them all year long.