The Best Red Wine For Summer: 8 Refreshing Options

Summer calls for lighter, refreshing red wines that can be enjoyed slightly chilled. Here are some of the best red wines for summer days.

Contrary to popular belief, you can absolutely enjoy red wine during the summer months. The key is to choose lighter-bodied styles with higher acidity and lower tannins. These wines tend to be more refreshing and won’t weigh you down on a hot day.

Should I Chill Red Wine?

The common recommendation is to serve red wine at room temperature. But that is not exactly correct. First, it’s pretty safe to say the room temperature during the summer days, is not the room temperature winter. And second, while not all red wines benefit from chilling, light-bodied red wines (the best option during the summer) do.

Red wines benefit being served between 12°C to 18°C degrees (53°F-64°F). If your wine is too hot, it will mutes the fruit flavors, accentuate the perception of alcohol and enhance the tannins. Similarly, if too cold, it will mute the more delicate flavors, make the wine less expressive and the tannins astringent.
So, yes, absolutely chill your light-bodied red wines. They will greatly benefit from it. Simply place your bottle in the fridge 30-45 mins before, or in an ice bucket for 10 to 15 mins.

Pinot Noir

This is a classic choice for summer red wine. Pinot Noir is known for its light body, bright acidity, and flavors of red fruit like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. It’s also relatively low in alcohol, thus making it a great option for sipping on a patio. Look for Pinot Noirs from cooler regions like Oregon, Burgundy, or New Zealand.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais wines, particularly Beaujolais Nouveau, are known for their vibrant fruitiness and low tannins. This makes them light and easy to drink, especially when served slightly chilled. Gamay, the grape behind Beaujolais, The Gamay grape, produces wines with juicy fruit flavors–in particular bright cherry and raspberry, and lively acidity. Perfect for a refreshing summer sip.

Grenache

Grenache (or Garnacha) is another perfect summer red wine. This grape thrives in warm climates like Spain’s Rioja region and the Southern Rhône Valley in France. It’s a light to medium body, high in acidity, with juicy red fruit flavors, such as strawberry and raspberry, and often accompanied with a hint of spice. Typically low in tannins, enjoy it chilled, for an even more refreshing summer wine. Its fruity and spicy profile pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables. In Spain, it’s commonly the summer red wine favored choice and is often used in making the most refreshing summer red wine drink, Tinto de Verano (see here for )

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is lighter and more herbaceous than its cousin Cabernet Sauvignon, with flavors of raspberry, bell pepper, and herbs. Its medium body and moderate tannins make it a versatile and refreshing choice for summer. Cabernet Franc’s high acidity cuts through the richness of the wine, making lighter and brighter on the palate. Serve it lightly chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities, and pairs well with grilled vegetables and lighter meats.

Lambrusco

Perhaps not the most obvious choice, but this Italian wine is definitely a refreshing one. And if you wish for some bubbles, then you should give it a try. Made of Sangiovese grapes, Lambrusco ranges from dry to sweet, so choose according to your taste. You can expect fruity notes (blackberry, blueberry) and floral notes. It’s also relatively low in alcohol, which is another great feature of a summer red wine. The bubbles add a refreshing and playful element, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings and picnics. Its effervescence and fruity profile make it enjoyable on its own or paired with a variety of foods. This is a great choice for those who want a refreshing and fizzy summer drink.

Barbera

Another Italian choice, perfect for the summer: Barbera. Barbera wines are high in acidity, low in tannins, and have a light to medium body that give them a refreshing profile. Flavors of red cherry and plum, along with a touch of spice, offering a delightful fruity taste on a hot day. Just like other summer reds, Barbera’s high acidity cuts through richness, creating a refreshing and lighter taste. You can pair this wine with a wide range of summer foods, from tomato-based dishes to grilled fare.

Dolcetto

This Italian wine is a light-bodied, with flavors of blackberry, licorice, and a slight bitterness on the finish. Acidity is a key feature in summer reds, and Dolcetto doesn’t disappoint here. It’s low tannins and bright fruit flavors make it an enjoyable and easy-drinking option for summer. Dolcetto’s refreshing profile pairs well with a variety of summer foods, from antipasti to grilled dishes.

Zweigelt

This Austrian wine a light and fruity red wine, with flavors of cherry and berry. Zweigelt is typically low in tannins and has a bright acidity, making it an excellent choice for a chilled summer wine. Also, it has a lower alcohol content compared to other red. This makes it a more refreshing and lighter drinking experience for a warm summer day.

If you are looking for white wines to drink this summer check The Best (Affordable) White Wines To Drink This Summer.