With temperatures already soaring we are practically in full swing, summer mode. That means beaches, BBQs and the very cliché idea of drinking white and rosé only.
Many, like us, still love to drink red wine in summer. When eating grilled meats on a BBQ and even grilled vegetables, a light red wine can be the ideal pairing.
The biggest flaw we do with red wines is the serving temperature. Even though sometimes it is frowned upon, keeping a red wine in an ice bucket is perfectly normal and acceptable. Even if serving the wine cold at 30 degrees, the wine temperature will adjust to the ideal serving temperature quickly.
During summer, especially in daylight, we tend to go for lighter, more fruit-focused wines rather than a big and heavy Amarone. Our recommendations for this month are four red wines to enjoy slightly chilled and will not make you want to hit the sofa before the party gets started.
Pio Cesare Dolcetto d’ Alba is one of our favourite choices. Vinified and aged in only steel tanks to preserve the integrity and juiciness of the fruit. The bouquet delivers notes of small fruits and cherries with aromas of dark flowers, while the delicate and tasty flavour extends with harmony-driven by a precious freshness.
Often forgotten to make way for its bigger siblings; Amarone and Ripasso, the Pra Valpolicella ‘Morandina’ will hit all the buttons for a perfect summer red wine. On the nose, the wine is spicy and has lovely notes of berries. The acidy and freshness make it a perfect accompaniment to dishes such as pasta salads, grilled fish and even crudi.
Cote des Roses Pinot Noir is another favourite. The beautiful bottle aside and also less famous than the Rosé wine in this range, this wine is indeed a beautiful red. This wine celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle. This wine reveals aromas of fresh fruit such as Morello cherry, wild raspberry and spices. On the palate the full texture is velvety with silky tannins, and an elegant, well balanced finish. Apart from the usual pairings, this wine also goes very well with cheese.
Last not least a wine with more complexity, Albert Bichot ‘Rochegrès’ Moulin-A-Vent. Made from the Gamay grape, the nose is highly aromatic and evocative of ripe red fruit (cherry), which evolves towards fine, floral than spicy notes, finishing on a touch of oak. The first palate is dominated by roundness and fullness along with elegant tannins. The finish is well balanced, fleshy, delicate and pure.
