One of the wonderful things about wine is that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to enjoying it. While there are certainly some traditional guidelines, ultimately, you should feel free to experiment and try different things until you find what you like best. For example, while many people associate red wine with room temperature, there are some red wines that are actually better when chilled.

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to play around with chillable reds. These wines are a fabulous addition to a warm weather picnic or barbecue.

So, what are some of the best chillable red wines to enjoy during the warm months? Here are a few options to consider:

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a classic chillable red wine, with its light body and bright fruit flavors. It's a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, from grilled chicken to pizza. Try chilling it for about 30 minutes before serving, to bring out its refreshing qualities.

Gamay

Gamay is the grape that's used to make Beaujolais, but it's also produced in other regions of France and around the world. It's a light and fruity wine with a refreshing acidity, making it perfect for sipping in the sun. Serve it slightly chilled to really bring out its fruit-forward flavors.

Carbonic Maceration

Aside from the varieties that are inherently lighter bodied and more fruit driven, wines made using carbonic maceration are also exceptional when chilled. The process of carbonic maceration yields characteristics of fresh strawberries, watermelon, bubblegum and more. A great example of a wine made brighter by carbonic maceration is 2020 Monte Rio Skull Red. It is made with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Mission, which aren’t varieties that would automatically make a chillable wine. However, carbonic maceration accentuated the fruit tones and mellowed the tannins, creating the perfect chillable red. 

So, try something new this season with your red wine and pop that bottle in your fridge! You might just love it.