Red wines to drink cold in summer: characteristics and pairings

What would a summer dinner with friends be without the company of a good bottle? If the wine in question can then be consumed fresh, the experience can become unforgettable.

It is time to dispel the myth that the best wines to enjoy when it is hot are whites or bubbles fresh from the fridge: there are numerous red wines that can be drunk chilled in summer, excellent for aperitifs without commitment or for more elaborate meals.

Can you drink fresh red wine?

For the 'uninitiated' there is nothing complicated about finding good red wines to drink cold. Just put them in the fridge for a while and let time do the rest. Enthusiasts know, however, that most reds suffer - on a taste level - from exposure to temperature changes, which change the perception of the product. A white wine, for example - especially a sparkling wine - should not be enjoyed warm, as there is a risk of losing its organoleptic characteristics. The right temperature, on the other hand, enhances these, allowing the drinker to perceive exactly what to expect when sipping it.

Red wines, in particular, have a tendency to softness on the palate and a perception of astringency, due to tannins, which can be undermined (reduced or exacerbated) by low temperatures. For this reason, they should not be consumed fresh from the fridge, at least not by those who desire as correct a taste experience as possible.

However, there is no rule that cannot be contradicted by a few exceptions, and here again the varied world of red wines offers us excellent examples of bottles that can be enjoyed chilled, even better on a summer's evening in the company of friends and lots of good food!

The best red wines to drink cold in summer

The first rule for enjoying a fresh red wine without spoiling its organoleptic characteristics is to choose the right product. Not all wines, in fact, lend themselves well to being kept in the fridge, but only those that meet certain requirements.

Among the characteristics of summer red wines should be their low alcohol content and low tannin content, but young wines, sparkling reds and those with a slight acidity, as well as aromatics, are also suitable. In order to understand how to chill summer red wines, it is sufficient to use the refrigerator, but it is good to remember to keep the temperature of the appliance not too low, around 10°C, or to let the wine warm up a little in the glass once it has been poured, before drinking it.

A good wine to be consumed chilled is Schiava, a low-tannic red wine with fruity aromas and flavours. Red fruits, dried fruits and flowers are the most recognisable scents, elements that make tasting it a pleasant experience suitable for different contexts.

Equally suitable is the Valpolicella, intense and rich. On the nose and palate, notes of dried fruit and black cherry stand out, which are easily recognisable even when drunk young. Consumption within a short time after harvesting means that this wine can also give its best when chilled before being poured into the glass.

Pinot Noir is also worthy of summer consumption, both in its still and sparkling versions. Velvety and smooth, with a pleasant underlying acidity, this wine is not affected by cooling, thanks in part to its low tannicity. Its delicacy is well expressed in the floral notes of rose and jasmine, which stand out on the nose along with the fruity ones, and are even fresher in the sparkling version.

Honourable mention also goes to Barbera, a Piedmontese wine of ancient origins, which conquers the palate with fruity hints and floral notes. In its younger, less structured versions - characterised by a less pronounced presence of tannins - Barbera can also be enjoyed chilled, which is why it can satisfy lovers of wines with character, even in summer.

Last but not least is Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, a Marche excellence with fruity tones and a light spiciness. The ability of this wine to spend a few hours in the fridge without horrifying wine lovers lies in its marked aromaticity (especially in the raisin version) and medium structure. The presence of tannins is therefore contained, in favour of a good level of acidity.

Some matching advice

After reviewing some products suitable for fresh consumption, choosing pairings between red wines and summer food is less complex than one might think.

Schiava and Pinot Noir are excellent red wines to be served chilled, perfect to drink with semi-mature and mature cheeses, cold cuts and bruschetta. However, they do not disdain traditional Italian first courses - such as pasta with truffles or game ragout - nor meat and fish dishes. So make way for summer barbecues, in the company of a bottle of Pinot Noir Alto Adige DOC 2022.

Among the light red wines for summer, a glass of 'La Lisi' Barbera D'Alba Superiore DOC 2021 is particularly suitable for red meat barbecues in the garden, where the heat of the charcoal mixes with the sultriness of the day. However, it is also suitable for classic starters or first courses, such as the inevitable Sunday lasagna, tasty in every season! Also pairing it with these dishes is Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, also perfect for grilled meats, pasta with sauce and charcuterie boards.

Enjoyable not only during a winter lunch of braised, roast and game dishes, Valpolicella is one of the summer red wines that can also be brought to the table as an accompaniment to cheeses, cold cuts and white meat dishes.

A tasty and original idea? Tasting a glass of 'Lucchine' Valpolicella DOC Classico 2021 together with dark chocolate, to end the evening on a sweet note!

Ready for your summer dinners? Don't miss the best fresh red wines selected for you by Svinando!