The Best of Summer Reds

The weather is heating up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have red wine. We normally drink red wine too warm anyway so you can even try chilling it slightly (to around 18°C).

Chilean Pinot Noir

A great value option for Pinot Noir, with it’s higher altitude vineyard regions and great climate Chile produces some of the finest Pinot Noirs with fruity flavours of black cherries and plums and a touch of all spice. The fruity element and the relatively low tannin makes this wine great for a summer thirst quencher. Try very slightly chilled (put it in the fridge 10 minutes before serving it).

Shiraz/Syrah

This is the perfect BBQ friendly red wine for heavier grilled meats. Again even the heaviest of red wines can lighten a bit by being chilled. With distinct flavours of blackberry and blueberry, along with a peppery spice this wine has a great balance that can elevate your BBQ. You can even buy sparkling versions of this variety which are chilled down and very refreshing. If you want to try one you can buy this Woodfired Sparkling Shiraz from Sainsburys for £6.50.

Beaujolais Village

If you don’t know already, I will nearly always recommend a Beaujolais for a perfect all occasion red wine, and if you want to spend the money you can get some seriously refined and sophisticated versions. But for a hot summers day, a Beaujolais Village certainly has its place and with a much more pleasing price point it’s a good one for everyone. Blackberry, Violet and Pomegranate make this red refreshing and with a lighter body and tannin you can start to pair this with all kinds of summer foods like grilled salmon and salads.

Whatever you choose, enjoy the weather and make sure to keep hydrated whilst enjoying drinking sensibly.