By Simon Taylor, Stroud Wine Company
The recent soaring temperatures and sunny days have seen everyone reaching for the bottles of rosé, there is nothing quite like that crisp, fresh berry-fruit.
However, this does not mean you have to forgo your beloved reds altogether. Chilling red wine offers a refreshing way to enjoy your favourite varietals even in the hottest of seasons.
Traditionally, red wines are served at room temperature to bring out their rich flavours and aromas. However, certain reds can benefit from being chilled; favourites for us are the wines of the Loire Valley, many of these tend to have higher acidity, lower tannins and no oak, making them perfect for pairing with seafood, salads and charcuterie.
Domaine des Mailloches in the commune of Bourgueil produce some outstanding wines from their 100-year-old Cabernet Franc vines. Think red and black fruits, subtle herbs, dark cherry and plum, perfect for a sunny day in the garden.
Gamay, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto and Braucol all lend themselves nicely to being chilled down, or for something completely different you could try Liatiko, an ancient variety native to Crete and perfect for sunshine.
Sparkling reds are definitely making a comeback too. Steer clear of cheap supermarket Lambrusco and try a bottle from Donati Camillo in Emilia-Romagna.
This is naturally fermented, bone-dry, delicately sparkling and absolutely delicious. Casa Belfi in Veneto also produce a delicious, frizzante red made from Raboso.
They work biodynamically (more on that next time) and with minimal intervention in the winery. No fining, no filtration and no sulphur added, their wines are summer in a bottle!
Suggestions from further afield should include the Criollas Tintas from Argentina, these are blends of different, ancient varieties such as Cereza and they make wonderful, light reds.
If we get another shot at some sunshine this year, then pop in for a cooling bottle of red. Drink less, but drink better!
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5 Witheys Yard,
55 High Street,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire
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