Why do so many red wine enthusiasts serve their preferred bottles at the incorrect temperature during warm, sunny days? In France, it’s common to enjoy lighter reds, referred to as frais, enhancing their fruit flavors and providing a much more refreshing experience for summer drinking. Red wines served too warm not only lose their flavor but can also taste overly alcoholic. This summer, consider adopting the practice of chilling your red wines to a recommended temperature of about 12–15°C. A quick hour in the fridge or a ten-minute soak in an ice bucket will suffice.

However, not all red wines savor the chill equally. Avoid heavier wines like claret or burgundy; instead, opt for lighter reds with paler hues, lower tannins, and higher acidity which contributes to a more refreshing sip. Beaujolais gamay is an excellent choice for chilled red wine, showcasing lively red berry notes that practically scream summer. Instead of spending around £15 for a decent supermarket beaujolais, you can find a quality Sainsbury’s gamay for half that price, sourced from the Comté Tolosan region known for its malbec. For a special treat, consider a superior cru beaujolais from emerging winemaker Julien Sunier, famous for his organic methods and indigenous yeast fermentation. His hand-harvested, low-yielding 2022 Régnié offers a delightful combination of juicy forest-fruit flavors, subtle oak, and a lingering dusky finish.

The northern Loire Valley, with its lush greenery, is home to some exquisite light, summery reds that are especially refreshing when served chilled. The cabernet franc grape is a standout for summer sipping. If on a budget, discover the Co-op’s 2023 Réserve des Vignerons Saumur Rouge which features crisp red cherry flavors complemented by a zesty green ivy note, a signature of many Loire reds. Positioned centrally in the Loire, St Nicolas de Bourgueil is lighter compared to its neighboring regions. Domaine du Bourg’s 2022 St Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Graviers showcases an appealing blend of raspberry and violet fruit, creating a wonderfully summery taste experience.

Pinot noir also flourishes in the Loire and Sancerre, producing remarkable red wines in addition to the region’s celebrated whites. Sainsbury’s offers a deliciously tangy, 2022 Sancerre Rouge Les Champs Clos filled with strawberry and red plum notes, priced competitively at £16.50, making it an affordable option.

Featured Chilled Red Wines

2024 Les Terrasses Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Cabernet Franc, France 12%, Tesco, £11.50 – A vibrant, juicy classic Loire red with mouthwatering redcurrant flavors, unoaked and delightful from the Bougrier family.

2023 Taste the Difference Gamay, Comté Tolosan, France 12.5%, Sainsbury’s, £7.50 – A lively red with rich damson-plum fruit, reflecting the essence of Beaujolais at a great price.

2023 Berry Bros & Rudd Beaujolais-Villages, France 13.5%, bbr.com, £15.95 – Experience a thirst-quenching, bright gem featuring loganberry fruit from Louis-Claude Desvignes and family.

2024 Specially Selected Austrian Zweigelt 13%, Aldi, £8.99 – The fresh 2024 vintage offers a delightful zweigelt filled with zingy black-cherry flavors.

This Week’s Featured Buys

2024 Taste the Difference Prosecco Conegliano Superiore, Italy 10.5%, Sainsbury’s, £7.50 – A consistently impressive prosecco showcasing ripe orchard fruit.

2023 Crozes-Hermitage, France 13%, yapp.co.uk, £35 – An exciting white Rhône, rich with big flavors and zesty apricot notes, perfect for summer gatherings.

2023 Altus Apremont Jean Perrier & Fils Savoie Blanc, France 11.5%, Majestic, £14 – Enjoy refreshing Alpine charm with this light, floral jacquère grape delight.

2024 Pinot Grigio Garda Bianco, Italy 12%, Lidl, £5.99 – Avoid snobbery; this lively Italian wine offers bright lemon and celery salt notes at a great price.