To most, summer is a time for grilling, beers and white wine on the patio. But now more than ever, summery light and fresh red wines are in major demand. Lucky for us, many of today’s reds as a whole are shifting from big, chunky wines with high alcohol to lighter reds with fresher acidity, lower alcohol and more food friendliness. We picked some of our favorites to enjoy throughout the summer months no matter what the occasion.
Pinot Noir
There are more options than ever for this light-medium bodied, red berry driven, soft and earthy wine. While many consider Burgundy in France (it’s homeland) the top spot for Pinot, you can find many excellent choices hailing from cooler spots in Oregon, Chile, New Zealand and California.
What to buy:
Pinot Noir, Maysara, “Jamsheed,” 2009, McMinnville, OR $25
This delightful, biodynamically farmed Pinot Noir from Oregon is bursting with bright flavors of bing cherries, fresh strawberries and rose petals with a juicy finish. Pair it with grilled vegetables.
Pinot Noir, Robert Sinskey, 2009, Los Carneros, CA $40
Robert Sinskey is widely considered the “OG” of organic grape growing in Napa Valley. The sensual Pinot Noir offers beautiful flavors of raspberries, cherry pie spice and touches of tealeaf with a supple finish. Match it with ribs and burgers.
Vosne-Romanee, Mongeard Mugneret, 2010, France $60
Vosne-Romanee is the king village of red Burgundy, and boasts many of the most sought after and expensive wines in the world. Fortunately, there are a few excellent and divine values like the Mongeard Mugneret that is explosive with ripe raspberries and minerals with a seductively supple texture.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto (the little sweet one) is native to the Piedmont region of Italy, where serious age-worthy wines like Barolo and Barbaresco reign supreme. If you visit the region though, you will most likely find yourself quaffing slightly chilled carafes of this juicy, blackberry and floral laden wine in the local cafes and trattorias.
What to buy:
Dolcetto di Dogliani, Pecchenino “San Luigi,” 2010, Italy $25
Pecchenino is widely consider the top producer of Dolcetto, and this wine proves it. The San Luigi offers up plenty of intensity dark black and blue fruit, licorice, spices and violets. It’s perfect for family style pasta and pizza nights.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is another young, fruity red wine that is best chilled. Made in the Beaujolais region of France from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais is a light bodied red with fresh acidity and soft tannins. Many know Beaujolais from Beaujolais Noveau, which by summer is past its prime. Instead, seek out one of the ten Cru’s (villages) such as St. Amour, Fleurie, Chenas or Julienas.
What to buy:
Fleurie, Clos de la Roilette, 2010, France
The Clos de la Roilette is a deliciously classic Beaujolais with a total organic approach to everything they do. The wine gushes with crème de cassis, black cherries and a nuttiness and finishes with zesty acidity. It’s the ideal compliment to burgers with bleu cheese and grilled onions.
Rioja
Rioja is widely regarded as the most important red wine from Spain. Rioja is mainly made from the Tempranillo grape variety in northern Spain, and often blended with other grapes like Garnacha. While there are many age-able and aging classifications for Rioja such as Reserva and Gran Reserva. For summer fun, nothing beats a young fresh and fruity Rioja Crianza.
What to buy:
Rioja Crianza, Bodegas Ostatu, 2009, Spain $25
The Bodegas Ostatu is a wonderfully fresh Rioja, brimming with spicy red berry fruit, violets, earth notes and touches of vanilla. It’s a perfect wine to drink with paella or grilled sausages.
Tips From the Master: Don't Forget to Chill Out
More red wines work well during the summer than we think. Just chill them. Most of the time, we drink our red wines too warm. In the summer heat, put your red wine in the refrigerator or on ice for 15-20 minutes before serving. It will make a major difference in how you enjoy your reds.
