
It's incredible how, like changing your wardrobe, enter extreme heat and the wine rack goes from red to white & rose. Even 'red wine only' lovers find many of their favourite reds too heavy for summer drinking. They somehow don't taste nor feel the same, despite being served at the correct temperature. Why is this when the wine itself hasn't changed?
I can only think that like food, wine is also seasonal, hence a move from the warm, the heavy, the rich, the creamy and the big to the cool, the light, the fresh and the lively. It's like our tastebuds transform from winter to summer tastebuds. Plus the fact that we also love change. But change can be less drastic for red wine lovers, for gone are the days of thinking that white wine's for fish, red wine's for meat, white wine in the fridge, red wine out. There are indeed many red wines which are light enough to enjoy in summer, with summer cuisine, and can even be chilled, and I don't mean the 'tinto verano' type!
Anglo Wines recommends the following reds to make summer 2012 not only a white and rose drinking summer but a chilled red one too.
VAL DE JIMENA JOVEN, RIOJA
Having spent no time in oak, this young Rioja is bright and fresh with plenty of juicy fruit, making it ideal served slightly chilled with 'tapas' and lighter grilled meats like chicken. Also perfect for making 'sangria' with. €2.99
CONO SUR PINOT NOIR, CHILE
Pinot Noir tends to produce light-bodied, fruit-forward wine, making it so very appealing during the warm summer months. For serving cool and under screwcap, Cono Sur has produced a great outdoor Pinot Noir which is full of rich aromas and flavours of cherry, plum and strawberry, and a subtle spicy finish. It calls for robust fish dishes and white meats. €8.50
SAN FELIPE MALBEC, ARGENTINA
Argentinean Malbec had to be on this list with barbecued meat often on our summer menu and Argentina being the expert at the grill. This may be deep and intense, yet it is smooth and very approachable with cherry and strawberry aromas intermingled by floral notes of violets. €8.99
HENRI DE VILLAMONT BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES LES TROIS GRACES, BURGUNDY
An excellent red wine for all summer occasions from a picnic to an elegant patio dinner, and one which can also be served slightly chilled. Gamay grapes make this light-bodied, soft and fruity Beaujolais with plenty of cherry and strawberry flavours, crisp acidity and light tannins.€9.50
Time to stock up, but first create some space in your fridge.