NOTHING beats a cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé on a warm summer’s day.
But would you try a chilled bottle of red instead?
Retailers say sales of red wine did not experience the usual summer slump last year, while low-cost supermarket Aldi has declared chilled red THE drink of choice for 2024.
Wine experts believe some grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Gamay, used to make Beaujolais, can actually be at their best when served slightly cold.
Here, writer and wine expert Alex Lloyd tests the best fridge-friendly supermarket reds and gives them a mark out of five . . .
THIS Chilean wine has a jammy nose with flavours of plums, blackcurrant and even chocolate.
It’s a medium-bodied and mellow bargain.
5/5
MADE in France’s Loire Valley from Cabernet Franc grapes, this deep-coloured vino has flavours of blackcurrant and green pepper, with a kick of tannin. Great with chicken.
3/5
I DETECTED a little vanilla on the nose of this recently launched light-bodied red from Chile.
There are also hints of black cherry and subtle smoky notes. Superb.
5/5
YOU’LL enjoy notes of red cherries, raspberries and plums in this ripe and fragrant Italian wine.
It’s very summery, while still having a little spiciness.
4/5
A LIGHT-BODIED easy-drinker with a little dryness on the tongue.
Expect red and black berry flavours and a gentle 12.5% APV.
Ideal to pair with a salad.
3/5
IF you like rich and full-bodied reds, this is a great choice, thanks to its blackberry and spicy taste, plus a hint of smoke.
Enjoy with a roast.
4/5
A FRESH and fruity Spanish red with flavours of strawberries and cherries.
A powerful 14% ABV, it’s a good match for spicy meat dishes.
4/5
A LIGHT and smooth easy-sipper, with plenty of juicy red fruit flavour, plus a little tartness.
It’s a good choice for white wine fans wanting to try something new.
4/5
IN the UK we are used to buying our white wine from the fridge and our reds from the shelf.
But in warmer countries like Spain, it is common to see red wine stored in a chiller or ice bucket, says Co-op wine buyer Sarah Benson.
She adds: “The recommended temperature for serving reds is 15C to 18C, but modern British houses are usually much warmer, which means room temperature can be too hot.
“In summer, that can lead to your wine having a soupy quality and the flavours being affected.
“But chilling your red emphasises the fruity flavours. It can make wines easier to drink. I describe it as being a ‘session wine’, a bit like you might have a ‘session beer’ that is sippable and refreshing.”
Sarah has a simple formula when it comes to the cooling process.
She explains: “For white wines, we say you should take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before drinking to unlock the flavours.
“For red wines, put them into the fridge for 20 minutes before drinking to cool without inhibiting the taste.
“An ice bucket is also a good option for adding a chill. Ideally, don’t add ice cubes to your drink. They will melt and dilute the wine.
“Instead, freeze a few grapes beforehand and pop those in.”
While any red can be chilled, some grape varieties really benefit from it and are at their best when colder.
“Light-bodied wines that are fruity suit this well,” Sarah adds.
“Pinot noir, pais and grenache are good choices, along with beaujolais.
“A good food pairing for chilled reds is fresh salads with a bit of acid, such as a tomato salad or something with a dressing.
“Perfect for summer.”
