Licensed to chill
Think red wine in winter has to be heavy and oaky? Think again, says Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine’s Drinks Editor James Viner who picks out eight easy drinking bottles to try…
This season, lighten your red wine repertoire. I’ve selected eight vibrant, fruit-forward, mid-weight bottles – mostly unoaked or lightly barrel-aged – that sparkle with a slight chill. Aim for 14-16°C (30 minutes in the fridge or 10 minutes in an ice bucket).
Low-to-medium tannin, juicy fruit, and lively acidity make these wines versatile, elevating both weekday meals and special dinners. From crisp Beaujolais Gamay to refined Kentish Pinot Noir, a light chill isn’t just for summer – it’s a winter revelation.
1. 2024 Aldi Specially Selected Fleurie Beaujolais, France
(£8.99, Aldi, 12.5%)
From one of Beaujolais’ most charming crus, this spry, fragrant Gamay delights with succulent black cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and a hint of graphite. A light chill enhances its floral aromatics. Ideal alongside coq au vin or grilled salmon.
2. 2023 Morandé Reserva One to One País Maule Valley, Chile (£9.50 mix 6, Majestic, 14%)
Chile meets Beaujolais in this silky, vivid, unoaked red, made from 80-year-old País vines and 10% Cinsault for a flirtatious twist. Crunchy cranberry and redcurrant mingle with subtle earthy tones, while low tannins and gentle acidity carry a clean, satisfying finish. Enjoy slightly cool with roasted meats, hearty stews, or enjoy on its own.
3. 2023 Réserve des Vignerons Saumur Cabernet Franc Loire Valley, France (£10, Co-op, 13%)
This ridiculously good value, sappy, slightly peppery, unoaked Loire Cab Franc offers crunchy red cherry, forest berries, and damson-plum fruit, all carried by gentle tannins. Serve cellar-cool with soft cheeses. Bravo, Co-op!
4. 2022 Lentsch Zweigelt, Neusiedlersee, Austria
(£10.25, Waitrose, 12.5%)
Austria’s most-planted black grape variety remains an underrated hidden gem in UK wine shops, perfect for adventurous, jaded palates. This typically deeply coloured Zweigelt displays bramble fruit, cherry and a hint of earth and spice. Bright, juicy and versatile with soft tannins, it benefits from a spell in the fridge. Pour with schnitzel, cod and lentils, or tuna.
5. 2024 Santa Tresa Organic ‘Rina Russa’ (‘red sand’) Frappato Sicily, Italy (£10.95, The Wine Society, 13%)
The increasingly fêted Frappato red grape variety produces delicate, fruity, floral reds in southeastern Sicily. This organic example shows rosehip, wildflowers, white pepper, red cherry, and pomegranate. Hello meaty fish, veal parmigiana, or cured meats. A pale, perky, food-friendly Sicilian star. Serve at 14-16°C.
6. 2024 Les Terrasses Saint- Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Cabernet Franc Loire Valley, France (£12.50, Tesco, 12% – look out for the buy 6 and save 25% Clubcard offer)
From the coolish middle Loire, this tangy, brasserie-style Cabernet Franc (aka ‘Breton,’ one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals raspberry, redcurrant, red pepper, blackcurrant leaf, and minerally blueberry notes when lightly chilled. It finishes long with subtle spice and granular tannins. One for gammon, game and goat’s cheese.
7. 2024 Larry Cherubino Ad Hoc ‘Cruel Mistress’ Pinot Noir Pemberton, Great Southern, Western Australia (£14.90-£17.95, Noble Green Wines, Vinvm, Hennings Wine)
This energetic Pinot – an indie favourite from Western Australia’s cool inland region of Pemberton – bursts with wild berries, cherry, plum, and a suggestion of beetroot. Gentle tannins give a soft, elegant texture. Pair slightly chilled with grilled tuna or roast chicken.
8. 2024 Simpsons ‘Rabbit Hole’ Pinot Noir Barham, Kent (£31.99-£32.99, Corkk, Grape Britannia, Simpsons, 13%)
In the glass, this delicious local, single-vineyard Pinot, bursts with silky tannins, spicy, zingy red fruits, and notes of sandalwood, mocha, vanilla, and cassis, lightly chilled as a tasty mid-winter sip. Aged 9 months in mostly old oak, it’s fantastic with roast capon, venison, or guinea fowl. A local triumph from star winemaker Adrian Mohor.
Simpsons’ Wine Estate has partnered with nearby Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, where this filigreed Pinot is available by the glass.
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@QuixoticWines
