While big, bold reds are a staple during the winter months, red wine can also be enjoyed all year - especially after chilling in an ice bucket or refrigerator. Many people are drinking their Cabernet Sauvignon too warm; there is a false notion that white and rose should be served chilled, while red should be served at room temperature.
Red wine should be served at cellar temperature which is about 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the bottle is going from store shelf or kitchen counter right into the glass, it is probably not being poured at the correct serving temperature.
There is also a category of young red wines that are lighter in body with less tannins and more acidity that are meant to be served even colder, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. These chillable reds are the perfect tipple for the season.
Beaujolais is a perfect example. Juicy, fresh, and fruity, Beaujolais wines are made from the Gamay grape. This grape produces easy drinking wines with intense red fruit flavors.
It is often touted as an excellent Thanksgiving wine, but it is far more versatile and can be enjoyed with many other types of cuisine or just enjoyed on the patio on summer nights with friends.
The Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Village is a classic example. This is not the Beaujolais Nouveau that is released every November, this is a higher quality style that is very affordable. You will find it on the shelf at Spec’s for under $13.
Gamay is also grown in the Loire Valley with it being most important in the Torraine sub-region and it is also gaining importance in the Willamette Valley.
Award-winning Houston-sommelier-turned-Oregon-winemaker, Jonathon Honefenger, makes a limited production Blood Moon Gamay for $28. It is produced under his Wild Child Winery label and can be purchased from the website. He recommends Gamay with “grilled vegetables, BBQ-sauced or dry-rubbed meats, and dance parties in your living room.”
The third grape of Piemonte, Dolcetto, is another good option. This is an anytime red for this Italian region. It is a dry but very fruity red wine with a medium body and medium alcohol content with vibrant red cherry flavors.
It is delicious when served with pizza, garlicky tomato-sauced pasta, spicy curry, grilled chicken, or smoked sausage. The Cerrino Dolcetto d’Alba 2021 is under $16 at Spec’s.
Along with many lesser-known Italian grapes, Texas now has over 50 acres planted in over 13 vineyards, with the Perissos High Plains Dolcetto (available online for $40) being a top choice.
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon’s lighter, spicier relative, is another favorite chillable red. Single varietal, classic versions can be found from the Loire Valley in the Chinon, Bourgueil, or Saumur-Champigny regions.
It can also be found in wine regions around the world. It has become a favorite in the New York Finger Lakes region with excellent examples from Keuka Lake Vineyards and Lakewood Vineyards.
On the island, try the Casa de Uco Cabernet Franc Salvaje 2020. This organic offering from Argentina is under $18 at Spec’s and features bright red fruit, ripe peppers, and spicy notes.
Cinsault is an important grape in southern France. It is one of the main grapes in Provence Rosé. Cinsault gives the strawberry aroma, the white pepper spiciness, and the hints of savoriness.
Despite its French pedigree, the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world is the Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi, California. Turley makes a fantastic bottle from this organic vineyard that can be purchased online.
In Texas, more is being planted to accommodate the Lone Star state’s love of rosé. William Chris Cinsault 2020 can be found at Spec’s for $32 and features notes of raspberry and baking spice in a rustic style that works well with venison or grilled ribeye steaks.
Cotes du Rhone rouge wines are crowd pleasers and very food friendly. These wines are red wine blends made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre.
E. Guigal makes an easy-to-find and affordable CdR with intense notes of red berry and spice in a fresh and fruity style that is consistently good. It is on the shelves at Spec’s for under $17.
Last, but definitely not least, try chilling Pinot Noir to a cooler-than-typical temperature. This is best for more basic Bourgogne Rouge wines and lighter-style, New World versions.
Four Graces Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, found at Kroger for under $24, is a great choice with its vibrant pomegranate and cranberry characteristics and soft feel. It does well with a good chill.
Other harder-to-find, chillable reds include Austrian red wines made from Zweigelt, Trousseau Noir from France’s Jura region, Spanish Mencia, and Schiava from the Italian Alto Adige region.
All of these chillable red wines share a red fruit character, low to moderate tannins, moderate alcohol, and good acidity. They are food friendly and work with a variety of cuisines but are also delicious on their own.
When dining out on one of Galveston’s many outdoor decks, don’t be afraid to ask for an ice bucket to keep these summertime reds more refreshing and then chill out with these cool reds and beat the heat all season long.