Cool reds for hot days

As August temperatures continue to climb, many wine lovers instinctively reach for rosés or whites, but reds can be just as refreshing when served at the right temperature says James Viner. This month our Drinks Editor explores a refreshing red wine trend: light reds served cool to drink with gusto when the mercury rises…

Chill smart, sip better

A bottle of red wine might capture the essence of a vineyard, but when served too warm, its charm fades and the flavours blur. On the flip side, overly cold reds lose their bouquet and texture.

Getting the temperature right unlocks flavour, elevates everyday bottles, and turns a casual glass into something memorable. But anything above 22°C? Well, then you risk flabby, unbalanced wine – and at 25°C you’re drinking a wine soup with obvious warming alcohol.

A light, transformative chill isn’t just a trick for white wines – it’s the ultimate summer upgrade for light reds, too. 

Ideal Temps

Lighter reds (as below): 13–14°C (cellar cool)

Fuller-bodied reds: 16–18°C 

Quick Chill Methods

Fridge: 30 minutes

Ice bucket and salt: 10–15 mins

Freezer (wrapped in a damp cloth): 10 mins (set a timer!)

Pro tip: Use a wine sleeve or frozen grapes—no dilution

So this summer, it’s time to rethink red. Here are eight juicy, affordable, fruit-forward, low-tannin bottles that shine when lightly chilled:

1. Wine Atlas Cinsault 2024 (Stellenbosch, South Africa; £6.97 Asda, 13.5%)

Asda’s fascinating ‘Wine Atlas’ series explores lesser-known grape varieties and regions. This chiselled, juicy South African blend—85% Cinsault, 10 % Shiraz, and 5% Grenache—comes from top-quality Stellenbosch Vineyards. Expect bright redcurrant, cherry and subtle spice. It’s wonderfully refreshing and ideal for outdoor high summer sipping or barbecues. 

2. La Belle Angèle Pinot Noir 2023 (Vin de France, France; £8 mix 6 Majestic, 13.5%)

This supple, bright and breezy red is made from thin-skinned Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the plains of the Hérault department near the sea, between Béziers and Valras-Plage, and from vineyards in the Minervois region of western Languedoc. It has rousing, succulent morello cherry, plum, raspberry and light herbal notes. One for sashimi, chicken liver pâté or duck.

3. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Gamay 2024 (IGP Comté Tolosan, France; £7.50, down from £9 until 2 September, Sainsbury’s, 12%)

This chillable Gamay from southwest France delivers silky cherry, damson, and plum fruit characters. Kudos to Sainsbury’s for listing such a refreshing, picnic-perfect bargain with Beaujolais vibes. A steal on the offer.

4. Alliance Loire, Réserve des Vignerons Cabernet Franc Saumur Rouge 2023 (Loire, France; £10 Co-op, 13%)

Cool off this summer with a glass of vibrant, unoaked red Saumur made from Cabernet Franc. Produced by a pukka co-operative established in 2002, this one’s fresh and bursting with strawberry and blackberry fruit flavours, plus a whisper of pencil shavings and herbs. Delicious with duck, lamb, grilled fish – or even poured over strawberries (no cream!).

5. Santa Tresa Rina Russa Organic Frappato 2024 (Vittoria, Sicily, Italy; £10.50 The Wine Society, 13%)

Light and refreshing with moderate alcohol content and gentle tannins, Frappato – likely a Sangiovese descendant – is the hallmark grape of southeast Sicily. This sapid, organic, pomegranate-rich, summer fruit-laden example pairs beautifully with fish when lightly chilled. 

6. Famille Bougrier, Les Terrasses Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Cabernet Franc 2024 (Loire, France; £11.50 Tesco, 12%)

Snap up this crisp, brisk, fragrant, unoaked, red berry-stashed, gently leafy/earthy, violet-scented Cabernet Franc from the northwestern edge of Touraine – ‘the Garden of France’ –slightly downriver from Vouvray (the celebrated AOP for Chenin Blanc) in the Loire Valley. Chill and enjoy with salmon en croûte or tuna steaks. Look out for a possible 25% off 6 plus bottles deal over the bank holiday.

7. Bodegas Artuke Organic Rioja 2023 (Spain; £14.95/£13.50 mix 12 Lea & Sandeman, 13.5%)

With heady notes of violet, wild thyme, plum, strawberry and raspberry coulis, this polished, unoaked Rioja is dangerously easy to drink. Made using carbonic maceration with whole clusters for added freshness, it’s designed to be served lightly chilled. The second glass will swiftly follow the first. Pair with meaty fish. 

8. Berry Bros & Rudd Beaujolais-Villages 2023 by Louis Claude Desvignes (France; £15.95 bbr.com, 13.5%)

Bursting with a seductive bolt of loganberry, raspberry and forest-floor fruit, this is my kind of classy, tangy, superior own-label Beaujolais made from early-budding, early-ripening, light and fragrant Gamay by a top family producer that will hit the spot when chilled on a hot day – refreshment guaranteed. Drink with duck, aubergine parmigiana, turkey or fennel-based dishes.

Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines