Just Chill ... that bottle of red
With the weather warming up, there’s no better time to address a common wine question: at what temperature should red wine be served?
As with all things wine, there are many strongly held opinions and varying recommendations, but no single correct answer. The most widely agreed-upon rule of thumb is that room temperature (around 55° F-60° F) is optimal for both the drinking and storage of red wine.
And for wines with a rich tannin structure, like a big Bordeaux or Californian Cab, this makes sense; colder temperatures may intensify the wine’s characteristics, making it too harsh.
BUT! For fruitier, lighter reds with high acidity, we sometimes like to break the room temp rule and enjoy them chilled to around 45° F to 50° F! This slight chill helps to mellow out acidity, accentuate tannins, and boost the wine’s food-friendliness. Plus, it’s almost summer, so a little extra chill on a bottle of red is refreshing!
Read on to learn about some of our favorite chillable reds of the season and scroll to the bottom for some quick tips on how to achieve the perfect chill!
2019 Sérol Éclat de Granite
This pretty Gamay is technically from the southern Loire in the Côte Roannaise, yet is geographically closer to Beaujolais (aka Gamay Shangri-La). Owners Stéphane and Carine Sérol harvest their Gamay grapes by hand and age the wine for 7-10 months in cement tanks. Served at a cooler temperature, Éclat de Granite is intensified, boasting bright notes of plums, strawberry fields, and granite.
2020 Vaira JC Claré
If Éclat de Granite is your French non-Beaujolais Beaujolais, 2020 Vaira JC Claré is your Italian non-Beaujolais Beaujolais. Langhe winemaker Aldo Vaira is known for producing consistent, organic Piemontese wine. JC Claré is an ode to how Nebbiolo used to be made: a portion of these Nebbiolo grapes undergo carbonic maceration, a process that yields a lighter-bodied, fruitier, less tannic wine than your classic Nebbiolo. As a result, the wine has a slight frizzante upon opening that then dissipates as it aerates. JC Claré has electric acidity and flavors of red cherry and roses that are even more enjoyable when served at a cooler temperature.
2019 Longavi Glup! Cinsault
Winemakers and friends Julio Bouchon and David Nienwoudt are the dynamic duo behind the organic winey Longavi in Itata, Chile. True to its name, 2019 Longavi Glup! Cinsault is something to get excited about, especially this vintage - we don’t think it has ever tasted better! Cinsault grapes are fermented whole cluster (meaning with their stems and all) and the wine is aged in foudre, or large wooden vats, for six months. Glup! boasts vibrant notes of red apples, juicy plums, and a finish that is dry and earthy. Chilling this Chilean down a bit before opening adds an extra oomph to the wine on a warm, sunny day.
Shop Reds to Chillllll
Tips for chillin’ and storage
To quickly chill down a bottle, try wrapping it in a cold, wet towel and sticking it in the freezer for a bit. Or, submerge it in an ice bucket for 20-30 minutes. The goal is for the wine to feel like a liquid that has been submerged in ice cubes for a few minutes - not so cold that you get the shivers, but not so warm that your palate isn’t awakened.
We don’t recommend storing red wine in the refrigerator unless it’s a regulated temperature wine refrigerator. The ideal storage of wine is always, always, always, out of direct sunlight. Consistent, cool temperature is ideal for storing your wine.
Cheers!