SOME wine rules are made to be broken – and it’s becoming more acceptable to drink red wine slightly chilled, especially in hot weather.
Of course, some grapes naturally lend themselves to a pre-chill more than others – think medium-bodied wines with fresh acidity and fine tannins, or a ripe, fruity new world style – and by cooling them down, they become less jammy and far more refreshing.
READ MORE: Ice one – the history of our love affair with the ice lolly
In fact, most wine enthusiasts agree that red wine should be served slightly lower than room temperature – ideally between 16-18°C for popular reds such as a shiraz, cabernet sauvignon or merlot. And on a hot day, a pinot noir or tempranillo can dip to between 12-16°C, where the aromas and flavours will become more focused.
Here are five hot picks ...
1. The Wine Atlas Cinsault 2017, South Africa (£5.48, Asda)
Along with being widely planted in the south of France, cinsault is a winning grape variety in South Africa, where it’s being used as a single varietal. Soft and juicy, with bright cherry aromas and a little bit of crunch to the vibrant fruit, it’s a perfect starting point.
2. Aguila Chillando Tempranillo 2017, Carinena, Spain (£7.99, VirginWines.co.uk)
The Spanish have long cottoned on to the joys of serving reds straight from the fridge. This young tempranillo bursts with fresh cassis and bags of fleshy, dark brambly fruits, hints of spice, smooth tannins and a freshness that’s dependably delicious at a cooler temperature.
3. Il Papavero NV, Vino Rosso, Italy (£7.99, Laithwaites.co.uk)
A rustic, food-friendly red, with spiced damsons on the nose, black cherry fruit laced with savoury undertones and hints of mulberry and damsons on the plummy finish, this has an earthy character and captures the best flavours from native grape varieties, such as nero d’avola, sangiovese and negroamaro.
4. Calmel & Joseph Villa Blanche Piquepoul Noir 2016 Pays d’Herault, France (£8.49, Waitrose, in store only)
The southern Rhone Valley is home to the piquepoul noir grape, which is normally overshadowed by more familiar varieties in a Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend. Flying solo, with textbook floral aromas, savoury, light-bodied fruit (redcurrants and pomegranate come to mind), fine tannins and well balanced acidity, this red perfectly lends itself to an ice bucket.
READ MORE: Can you get fit and still gorge when visiting Italy on holiday?
5. Taste the Difference Zweigelt Niedosterreich 2017, Austria (£9, Sainsbury’s)
This is a wine that comes highly recommended if you love a soft, cherry-fruited red. A take on zweigelt, it is a wonderful introduction to the wines of Austria, with its morello cherry flavours and a juicy, silky freshness.
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