Cold Reds

Hey,
1st topic so sorry if this has been asked before (especially if it was yesterday - i did search, honest!). Given the current hot weather I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for red wine that can be served cold.
I lived in france (way too long ago) and remember wine bars serving up cold red wine that was perfect on muggy evenings, but having a vague memory of only certain reds that you could serve cold?
thanks for any advice!

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Gamay is a classic for that (typically Beaujolais), also light styles of Pinot noir. The Xinomavro jeunes vignes that the society sells is good cold(ish).

Key is that the wine shouldn’t have too much tannin or this will be emphasised by the chilling in an unpleasant way. Typically it’s lighter bodied, often slightly less expensive reds which can be chilled to good effect.

PS Frappato is a great one for chilling.

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@DavidCB has given the answer I think, you could add cabernet franc to the list, especially from the Loire.

It does depend what you mean by ‘cold’. You could, if you really wanted, drink all the above straight from the fridge. Personally and more conventionally I think more lightly chilled to 11-13 degrees is better or you lose flavour.

A lot maybe most red wines will benefit from 30-45 minutes in the fridge, especially in this weather. 18 deg is a good serving temperature and rarely found in centrally heated homes. But appreciate that wasn’t the question you were asking.

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Loire Cab Franc is another lovely wine slightly chilled - especially the more fruity, not-meant-for-ageing ones. Schiava/Trollinger is delicious served cool too.

And welcome to the Community! :grin::+1:

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Gamay, or Austrian zweigelt. Cellar cool is the key.

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We drank the Blind Spot Pinot Meunier fairly chilled on a sunny evening while camping recently and it really hit the spot.

https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/the-blind-spot-pinot-meunier-2021

Also this is bloody lovely around the 11-13 degree mark as @Jimmybob recommends. Very versatile with food if you’re thinking bbq.

https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/kompsos-liatiko-karavitakis-2021

Agree with everything above but for me, not all Loire Cab Francs work well chilled. Some of the more traditional ones have some fairly fierce tannins in their youth, which I don’t think works when drunk less than cellar cool.

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Actually, I’ll add Gamza as a wine that goes well chilled: cracking value summer drinking red:
https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/bononia-estate-gamza-2020

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Sparkling Shiraz is your answer my friend :grin:

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I actually enjoy Rioja slightly chilled, whether that’s just me thinking I’m back in a tapas bar in Rioja or because it’s actually tastes good I’m not sure but a nice Crianza out of the fridge does it for me.

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A blast from the past

Bardolino

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Drinking this now, straight out of the wine fridge. Delicious, fruity gamay. Sadly OOS though.

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This is great - sad to hear it’s OOS but hoping that it will make a return either this year or next vintage.

Me too. I only bought one as a tester, and this is going down an absolute treat. Dangerously easy to drink.

I agree with this.

I’d add that often there is litle harm done in bringing any bottle out too cold. Try a little, and if you don’t think it works, let it warm up naturally or by warming the glass in your hand. Then you will know for next time.

(Obviously less good with meals, if you are timing your wines to the arrival of a course. )

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One of my favourites is a good quality, dry, Lambrusco. Slight tannins, fruity and the frothy feel. Making my mouth water typing this.

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Making my mouth water reading this…! :yum:

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I put all my reds in a fridge before serving at this time of year with aim of getting them down to around 15 deg C and then working on the assumption that, once poured, they will rapidly gain a few degrees to 18 ish.

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I normally chill all reds a touch in summer. And most of the (lighter) ones I drink in summer rather more than a bit.

Vinho Verde Tinto.

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Yes, this is lovely a little chilled
https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/anselmo-mendes-pardusco-tinto-vinho-verde-2019

Also had this (2017) from the fridge tonight, delicious with burgers
image

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