When we think of red wine, we often picture cozy evenings by the fireplace, savoring rich, full-bodied wines at room temperature. However, the world of wine has evolved, and some red wine varietals have proven to be surprisingly delightful when served chilled. We recommend that you try all reds with a varying degree of chill and not just the ones we have selected in this article. As the scorching summer days and nights roll on, and as we move into autumn when perfect patio weather calls, there's no better time to explore the pleasures of chilled red wines, especially with the revolutionary VoChill, the world's first personal wine glass chiller.
Here are some of our top red wine picks to enjoy as we transition from summer and into fall. And there are many more varietals to try with a bit of chill!
- Lambrusco - From the Heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Lambrusco hails from the picturesque region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. This effervescent red wine, made from the Lambrusco grape family, offers a delightful burst of fruity flavors with a subtle sweetness. Traditionally a sparkling wine, Lambrusco has gained popularity as a chilled red due to its low alcohol content and refreshing taste.
*Food Pairing*: Lambrusco's light and sparkling nature make it an ideal match for cured meats, pizza, pasta dishes, and fruity desserts. Its effervescence and vibrant flavors cleanse the palate, making it an excellent choice for various meals.
- Beaujolais - Vibrant Gem of Burgundy, France
Beaujolais is a red wine made from the Gamay grape, originating in the scenic Beaujolais region of Burgundy, France. This wine offers a light, fruity, and youthful character that flourishes when served slightly chilled. With bright cherry and berry notes, Beaujolais is an excellent accompaniment to summer picnics and outdoor gatherings.
*Food Pairing*: Beaujolais pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roast chicken, charcuterie, and even Asian cuisine. Its versatility and freshness make it an easy-going partner for a wide range of dishes.
- Zweigelt - Austria's Pride and Joy
Zweigelt, Austria's most widely planted red grape variety, creates wines that are perfect for chilling. Developed in the 1920s by crossing St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch grapes, Zweigelt wines are juicy, light-bodied, and bursting with red fruit flavors. When served slightly chilled, they provide a refreshing option for warm summer days.
*Food Pairing*: Zweigelt complements lighter fare such as grilled vegetables, roast turkey, and mushroom dishes. Its vibrant fruitiness and gentle tannins make it a versatile partner for both vegetarian and poultry-based meals.
- Dolcetto - Piedmont, Italy
Dolcetto, meaning "little sweet one," hails from the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Despite its name, Dolcetto wines are dry and fruit-forward, making them perfect for chilling. Their bright red fruit notes and moderate tannins create a wine that's both refreshing and full of character.
*Food Pairing*: Dolcetto pairs wonderfully with classic Italian dishes, including pasta with tomato-based sauces, pizza, and antipasti. It also goes well with grilled meats, charcuterie, and aged cheeses.
- Grenache - Priorat, Spain
Grenache, or Garnacha as it is known in Spain, is a versatile red grape that thrives in various wine regions worldwide. For a chilled red wine experience, look no further than the wines from the Priorat region in northeastern Spain. Here, old vines produce Grenache wines with concentrated fruit flavors, moderate acidity, and a unique mineral essence that stands out even when enjoyed cool.
*Food Pairing*: Grenache pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled lamb, barbecue, and roasted vegetables. Its bold flavors and moderate tannins make it an ideal match for rich and savory meals.
- Schiava - Alto Adige, Italy
Schiava, also known as Vernatsch, is a lesser-known red grape that finds its home in the Alto Adige region of northern Italy. These wines are light-bodied with a vibrant ruby color and a pleasantly fruity bouquet. When served chilled, Schiava wines are an excellent companion to light dishes and warm summer evenings, offering a delightful interplay of cherry and berry flavors.
*Food Pairing*: Schiava pairs beautifully with prosciutto, Alpine cheeses, salads, and seafood dishes. It is also a great choice for charcuterie boards and appetizers.
VoChill: Redefining Wine Enjoyment one chilled glass at a time
Innovations in the wine industry have always been welcomed, and VoChill is a groundbreaking addition for wine enthusiasts. This revolutionary personal wine glass chiller allows you to maintain the perfect chill of your wine directly in your glass, ensuring you enjoy every sip at the ideal temperature. Whether you prefer your red wine slightly chilled or have a room temperature red that needs a quick cool down, VoChill delivers a flawless solution.
With VoChill, you can transform your favorite red wines into bright, refreshing delights, even on the hottest summer days and nights. Gone are the days of missing red wine in the hot summer months because with VoChill those will be pleasurable to drink year-round.
As we venture into the realm of chilled red wines, we uncover a whole new world of delightful flavors and refreshing experiences. From the fizzy delight of Lambrusco to the fruity allure of Beaujolais and the Austrian charm of Zweigelt, these varietals offer the perfect accompaniment to warm summer days.
Thanks to VoChill, embracing the chilled red wine trend has never been easier. By preserving the perfect chill in your glass or cooling down room temperature reds within minutes, VoChill adds a touch of sophistication and convenience to your wine enjoyment. So, raise your glass to the joys of chilled red wines and let VoChill elevate your wine-drinking experience to new heights of pleasure.
Cheers!