My summertime drink of choice has always been a crisp white, since I was under the impression that chilling red wine was trashy. Turns out I was wrong. All the cool kids are doing it. Last summer I chilled out with a fruity red and liked it. A lot.
Here's how to get your summer chill on:
Avoid robust, heavily oaked reds high in tannins e.g., Cabernet Sauvignons. Chilling these varietals enhances their tannins and they end up tasting bitter.
Choose light, acidic, low tannic reds like Gamay/Beaujolais, Lambrusco, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Barbera.
I put this white wine in the freezer and forgot about it. A few hours later...wine-sicle. That's what you call, an over-kill chill.
Chill red wine in the fridge for about 1.5 hours before serving or 30 minutes in the freezer.
Or chill in an ice bucket filled with ice and water for about 20 minutes.
Though as tempting as it may be for the thirsty and the lazy, do not put ice cubes directly into your glass. It will dilute the wine (though, I've totally done it).
Red wine can be "Spritzed" just like white wine and by the way, Spritzers are NOT just for old ladies! They’re lower in calories and alcohol content (some days I care, some days I don't), they’re refreshing and also stretch a bottle of wine further. Add soda, sparkling water or 7-up to a glass of red and voila—a Red Wine Spritzer or...a Tinto de Verano (Spain) which sounds rather exotic, no?
Here's to a summer of chillin' and hopefully, no spillin' (especially while wearing white).
Still thirsty? Here are some more super summer sipper suggestions (say THAT three times fast after a chilled Pinot Noir!)
CHEERS!
Printer-friendly version