If you haven’t signed up for the summer reds fan club yet, let this be an introduction. In recent years, chillable reds and lighter styles have found their groove among consumers—still refreshing and light on the palate, without sacrificing structure and concentrated flavors, great to grab for summer grilling and picnics stocked with salty charcuterie. To get some inspiration, Wine Spectator asked nine top sommeliers from across the country to share their favorite reds for when the mercury rises. Their choices run the gamut from classic fridge-friendly bottles of Beaujolais, Lambrusco and Etna Rosso to bottles that are often overlooked in the summer months, like lighter styles of Bordeaux, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Read on to see how they beat the heat!
Wine Spectator: What are the best red wines for summer?
Erin Healy, wine director of Grand Award winner Daniel, New York City
I love coastal reds in the summer. Wines from Bandol and Mediterranean islands in particular. There’s something mystical about how maritime climates produce reds that can work with fish or lighter cuisine—no matter the weight of the wine—which is so perfect for warmer weather. Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge from Provence is a go-to for the summer, especially when the grill is burning in the garden. For a lighter style, I love Benanti Monte Serra Etna Rosso from Sicily; the wines are so light while generous—a great hot-weather option for Burgundy lovers who want to branch out. Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the wines of Bolgheri in Tuscany. For a richer style, these wines can be dynamic with a range of lighter cuisine and seafood—I particularly enjoy the wines of Ca’Marcanda and Tenuta Sette Cieli.
Leonora Varvoutis, general manager and sommelier of Coltivare, Houston
Strangely enough, summer is red wine central for Texas. I have no idea why, but my full-bodied reds sell more than anything else in the heat of summer … [My] personal favorite is Cantina LaSelva’s Morellino di Scansano from Tuscany. Morellino di Scansano is just one of the dozen names for Sangiovese. This style is from the southeastern-most part of Tuscany and provides a beautiful, light-bodied, medium-acid fresh red wine that needs to be drank outside. Balanced light red fruits with hints of smoked wood tones underneath; it’s amazing with smoked pork dishes, it loves cheese and charcuterie boards, but will also be easy enough to pair with a fresh salad, especially one that is veggie heavy.
The Château Mauvesin Barton 2012 is hands down the most popular red on Coltivare's menu during summertime. Léoville Barton has given us this gem with a great price, [it’s the] perfect age to drink right now, and it’s such a crowd favorite; especially as everyday wine drinkers become more knowledgeable about fine wine. Dark purple fruits, hints of blue flowers and a deep, complex undercurrent of chocolate and cigars. The best part is its racy acidity that flushes the palate and lifts the wine to such a beautiful, silky texture.
For the adventurous, try the Douloufakis Winery's Liatiko from Crete, Greece. I find a lot of people have trouble ordering Greek wine, especially reds, when they’re not at a Greek restaurant or on vacation visiting my lovely home country ... I love this ancient Greek grape specifically because it was literally created to be drank in the summer. (Liatiko comes from the Greek word for July, as this grape ripens early in the summer). Even better, it is super approachable. Think Nebbiolo with softer, slightly more purple fruits. Medium-bodied, medium acidity, a touch of structure, grapey, with an enticing hint of camphor at the end.
Natalie Hamilton, sommelier at Award of Excellence winner Yuta, Coalville, Utah
Backyard barbecue gatherings, a homemade cozy meal, easy summertime takeout … there's always an occasion to open a great bottle. For those backyard cookouts, I love a bottle of Montefalco Sagrantino; the full body of Sagrantino and long-winded tannins match an array of grilled meats, aged cheeses (for that appetizer board) and rich pasta dishes. Sagrantino is a divine match for that opulent midsummer evening in the backyard with friends. For an everyday pairing, I love to cook wild mushroom risotto with herbs from my garden and open a bottle of Barbera d'Alba; the earthy mushrooms pair lovely with Barbera's bright cherry and baking spice notes, and the high acidity is the perfect counterpoint for a rustic risotto. It's the perfect meal for the view from my porch! For those takeout nights, I'm having chana masala from my neighborhood spot and a bottle of cru Beaujolais with a light chill to soften the heat of rich curry spice and an exceptionally warm summer evening!
Jamie Crotts, wine director at Award of Excellence winner Husk, Savannah, Ga.
Reds from the Jura are among the most complex and interesting of all of the world’s “light red” categories. Pinot Noir is the familiar variety that lures you in, while Trousseau and Poulsard make you stay. While there is [likely] no bountiful selection of Jura producers readily available at your average wine shop, the quality producers are getting their deserved attention and praise. The wines are fresh, juicy, acid-driven and refreshing while also being mind-blowingly complex and intriguing. The profile reminds me of wild strawberries and a mystical, captivating aroma of the forest floor. [Some of my favorites include] the Domaine Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot D.D. Arbois Rouge [a blend of Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard] and Jean-Luc Mouillard’s Sur la Cour Côtes du Jura Trousseau.
Germany is the new frontier in terms of impeccable Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder). German producers have worked tirelessly in recent decades to unlock the potential of their terroir. Exciting wines have emerged from many great producers, the best of which achieve a distinct sense of place combined with that classic “fresh-yet-earthy” red fruit profile that makes the wines magical when paired with lighter savory dishes. Apart from the Pinot Noir, some producers in Germany’s cooler regions also work with a mutation of the variety known as Frühburgunder. The early-ripening qualities of Frühburgunder allow producers to create the mouthwatering, acid-driven wines that result from a cooler climate, while retaining the finesse and complexity of Pinot Noir. Some [of my recommended bottles] are the Meyer-Näkel Ahr Frühburgunder and Enderle & Moll’s Liaison Baden Pinot Noir.
The wines of Sicily are simply the most impressive examples of minerality in red wine. On a hot summer day, I can think of few things better than the cool, stony profile of Etna Rosso. Etna provides an ideal environment for ripe, fleshy, flavorful fruit profiles that are focused with a distinctive inorganic mineral character that keeps the wine tense and vibrant. Each year, I find a new Etna Rosso that blows me away. While Nerello Mascalese leads the pack in regards to top Sicilian wine, there are also fantastic examples made from Frappato, Nero d’Avola and others that can be found on the island. [Try] the Eduardo Torres Acosta Arenaria or Frank Cornelissen’s Susucaru Rosso.
Jordan Smelt, co-owner and wine director of Lucian Books & Wine, Atlanta
In an early scene of the now-classic 1996 comedy The Birdcage, Nathan Lane sternly reminds Robin Williams that, “I only drink red, and so do you.” The confrontation stems from Lane’s character discovering a bottle of white chilling in their fridge. I’ve always found this puzzling because the film takes place in South Beach, Miami. Really? You two live in South Beach and you only drink red?
I, too, grew up in Florida. And while I still live in the South and drink white and sparkling wines for the most part, I do love a “#chillablered.” Also, I respect the folks who possess the stick-to-it-iveness to drink red year-round, even when the weather turns ghastly hot. With that in mind, here are three fresh, easygoing bottles that thread the needle of timeless and hip. Don’t forget to throw them in the fridge for 20 minutes or so before you pull the cork! It is summer, after all: Arnaud Lambert Clos Mazurique 2022 [a Cabernet Franc from Saumur]; Fedellos Do Couto Bastarda 2020 [a Bastardo, aka Trousseau, from Ribeira Sacra]; and Valentin Zusslin Ophrys 2022 [a Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris blend from Alsace].
Austin Tabbone, beverage director and general manager of Award of Excellence winner High Street Wine Co., San Antonio
It’s officially in the triple digits down here in Texas and one thing I’m not sweating about is what reds I’m drinking this summer! I feel like summer reds are all about refreshment, balancing out the intense heat, and being something to complement all our favorite summer activities—in San Antonio, we find ourselves running to the nearest body of water, be it Barton Springs, the San Marcos River or Canyon Lake. Regardless, wine is always in tow.
My mind immediately goes to my forever desert island wine, one that was once nice over ice—Lambrusco, of course! Paltrinieri’s Solco Lambrusco dell ’Emilia NV made from 100 percent Lambrusco Salomino is one of my top picks right now, it’s refreshing, aromatic, full-bodied for Lambrusco and delightfully dry.
When I’m headed to the lake or pool, I also don’t want to find myself lugging around heavy glass bottles, not that those places let me have glass anyway. And some of the most perfect summer reds I have found lately come in a box—“slap the bag,” anyone?! I’ve been blown away by the increase in quality of bag-in-box wine with some of my favorites these days being Gather Round Wines’ Table, [a] chilled red blend based on Pinot Gris out of California, and Poggio Costa’s Fred, a chilled Barbera out of Piedmont. I’m always here for positive steps forward in sustainability in the wine industry … I think bag-in-a-box is a conversation all somms ought to be having more!
In the more traditional world, I think light-bodied reds are crucial for summer, featuring bright red fruit, juicy acidity and a low bitterness to help with refreshment. I’ve been blown away by the quality of Pinot Noir from Australia lately, both Joshua Cooper and Bindi are producing incredible wines in Victoria, providing an instant fast track to my happy place!
Lacy Rozinsky, sommelier at Perle Wine Bar, New York City
Warmer weather seems to be synonymous with rosé, however, there are some fun alternatives. I personally love a chilled red. One of my favorites is the Buccia Nera Rossorelativo 2022. It is a blend of Sangiovese, Syrah and Malvasia and is extremely pleasurable on those hot summer days, with notes of dark berries, a little bit of smoke. It has soft tannins which makes it so appealing. Light and juicy!
Another is Julien Sunier Morgon Beaujolais 2022; this is super light, smooth and has a high acid that keeps it very crisp—lots of cherries, raspberries with hints of cola and leather of the nose. I happen to think that this wine over-delivers.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Lambrusco. I love a dry, earthier style, but you can truly find a good one in most wine shops. The Lini Oreste & Figli 910 Lambrusco Rivera from Emilia-Romanga is a personal favorite. This with a cheese plate in the park is my version of a perfect day!
Chilled reds can give you what many rosés can't: structure. They are multidimensional rather than just a fruit or flower bomb. You can drink them with such a wide variety of food, ranging from a light summer salad to French fries—that's a summer food, right?
Will Jones, wine director and general manager of Best of Award of Excellence winner the Hope Farm, Fairhope, Ala.
My first choice is Phelan Farm’s Pinot Noir crafted by mastermind Rajat Parr. It’s crunchy but has depth, texture and a bit of magic in each sip. Due to the average temperatures in [Cambria, California] staying so low, carbon dioxide can naturally dissolve into the wine, creating this almost Pop Rocks–like characteristic on the palate. He is farming regeneratively and is building a long-lasting ecosystem. This type of winemaking, where the farm is the priority and beautiful winemaking is the result, is the correct step in creating a lasting impact toward proper climate change, while also creating some pretty amazing wine.
For my second choice, I love gamay, but how often do you think of New Zealand when drinking it? Te Mata out of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, has a crushable Gamay Noir from their Woodthorpe Terraces vineyard. It is a semi-carbonic, single-vineyard … [and] less than $30 retail. That is outrageous. I will be drinking this with a slight chill through all the hot months and may also pair it with my cranberry sauce and turkey at Thanksgiving. Talk about versatility!
My last suggestion is a bit of an oddball, but it seriously works. The wine of the hour is Sunspell Cabernet Sauvignon out of South Australia. This love child project by Master Sommeliers Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross has given me my favorite by-the-glass Cabernet for these hot summer months. We all want a delicious glass of Cab year-round, but during the summer, it’s hard to justify. Not this one! It’s a “natural” Cabernet—without the funk associated with “natural” wine—and is vinified in stainless steel. The fruit presence is out front and on display and it works.
Daniella Lauricella, director of hospitality at Llama San and Llama Inn, New York City
For the summer, I lean in toward light and bright reds with a slight chill to them. Pinot Noirs and Gamays can be easy to find when you are in a last-minute pinch, and with a bit of time on ice, they show off their floral and fruit notes. Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Macatho’s Pedro Jr. Cinsault from the Itata Valley in Chile is a crowd-pleaser perfect for a summer barbecue. Dreaming of sitting on the beach with a glass in hand? Travel (with your imagination) to the picturesque Canary Islands and enjoy a bottle of Victoria Torres Pecis’s Negramoll while absorbing all the sunshine you can get.
