By Jon Cellier - Head of Wine & Business Intelligence, Perfect Cellar
When the heat rises, most people reach for crisp whites or refreshing rosé.
But if you’re a red wine lover, don’t be like most people.
Chilled reds can be vibrant, refreshing, and packed with juicy fruit; perfect for sunny afternoons and warm evenings. Just make sure you’re chilling the right wines to avoid disappointment (and so you don’t end up blaming me!).
Introducing you to the world of Chillable reds.
Why Chillable Reds?
Not all reds are created equal when it comes to chilling. The best candidates are lighter-bodied, low-tannin wines: like Cinsault, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and certain creative blends. When served at 12–14°C (just below room temperature, but not fridge-cold), these wines shine with freshness and fruitiness.
Perfect Cellar's Top Do’s and Don’ts for Chillable Reds
DO:
- Use an ice bucket with water and ice for a quick chill (10 to 15 minutes is all you need).
- Choose lighter-bodied, low-tannin reds: Cinsault, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Zweigelt, Frappato, ...)
- Serve in regular wine glasses to let those aromas open up.
- Store a bottle or two in the fridge during a heatwave so you’re always ready - just take it off 45 - 60 minutes before serving.
- Pair with summer favourites: grilled veggies, charcuterie, salads, cold roast chicken, or even a light curry.
DON’T:
- Don’t chill heavy, high-tannin reds like most Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah; they’ll taste harsh and lose their character.
- Don’t over-chill: If your wine feels too cold, just let it warm up in the glass for a few minutes.
- Don’t forget to reseal and refrigerate leftovers; chilled reds keep their freshness better this way.
- Don’t use the freezer for too long. A quick chill is fine, but too much time can dull flavours or even crack the bottle. Ideally, don't use the freezer at all...
So, next time the sun’s out and you’re craving something different, don’t overlook a well-chilled red. With the right bottle and a little know-how, you might just discover your new favourite way to enjoy red wine all summer long.
Try it yourself!
Red wines to put in your fridge, from the Perfect Cellar's selection :
SpaceNine A23 Pinot Noir
Natte Valleij Cinsault
