Cool Reds for Hot Days: Four Chilled Wines to Try This Summer
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Time to read 3 min
Summer isn’t just for whites, rosés, and spritzes. When the heat is on, a cool, juicy red wine can be just as refreshing—if you pick the right bottle and serve it with a slight chill.
Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, picnicking by the sea, or just looking for something versatile to sip while the sun goes down, chilled reds are your underrated summer heroes.
The trick? Choose reds that are light- to medium-bodied, juicy, low in tannin, and high in acidity. These wines shine at cooler temperatures, waking up their fruit and freshness without tasting bitter or closed off.
Here are four standout red wine bottles we’re reaching for this summer—each one vibrant, full of character, and built for chilling.
Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2021 (Sicily, Italy)
Grape varieties: Nero d’Avola & Frappato
Chill factor: 20–30 minutes in the fridge
Vibe: Mediterranean picnic meets sophisticated aperitivo
Sicily’s only DOCG wine, Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a beautiful blend of bold and fragrant—just like the island itself. Planeta’s version balances the muscular dark cherry notes of Nero d’Avola with the bright red berry lift of Frappato, resulting in a wine that’s both structured and silky.
When lightly chilled, this wine becomes electric. The red currant, pomegranate, and subtle herbal notes leap out of the glass, while the gentle tannins keep it grounded.
Perfect with: grilled lamb skewers, roasted vegetables, or even tomato-based seafood dishes. It’s a red with summer sunshine in its veins.
Why it works chilled: Frappato brings a natural lightness and floral character, and chilling sharpens its acidity while softening Nero d’Avola’s darker edges.
Niepoort Nat Cool Bairrada Tinto DOC 2022 (Portugal)
Grape variety: Baga
Chill factor: 30–40 minutes in the fridge
Vibe: Backyard BBQ
Dirk Niepoort’s “Nat Cool” series champions freshness, low intervention, and maximum drinkability—and this Baga is the poster child for that mission. Baga is often a tannic, age-worthy grape, but in this iteration, it’s all about juicy raspberry, cranberry, and floral notes with just a hint of earth.
What makes it special? It comes in a one-liter bottle—because 750ml of this summer sipper just isn’t enough. Serve it with a slight chill, and it becomes an instant party wine: fun, funky, and dangerously easy to drink.
Perfect with: grilled sardines, burgers, cold cuts, or nothing at all. Bonus: it’s low in alcohol, so you can sip without the siesta.
Why it works chilled: Its light extraction and minimal oak keep the tannins in check, while the vivid acidity sings louder when cold.
Niepoort Nat Cool Primata Douro Tinto 2021 (Portugal)
Grape varieties: Field blend (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, others)
Chill factor: 30–45 minutes in the fridge
Vibe: Wild and playful, with serious Douro roots
Another entry from Niepoort’s Nat Cool collection, this Primata Douro Tinto is a field blend from old vineyards high in Portugal’s Douro Valley. It’s rustic and complex, yet feather-light on the palate—an unusual combo that somehow just works.
While the Douro is known for powerful reds and Port wine, this version flips the script. You’ll find notes of tart cherry, wild strawberry, pepper, and dried herbs, with a whisper of mineral salinity.
Pop it in the fridge for half an hour and you’ve got a chilled red with backbone and charm.
Perfect with: It’s ideal for summer stews, grilled sausages, or rich vegetarian fare like mushrooms or lentils.
Why it works chilled: Its naturally fresh style, juicy fruit core, and fine-grained tannins mean it thrives when served cooler than room temp.
Bela Maruxa Mencía 2022 (Valdeorras, Spain)
Grape variety: Mencía
Chill factor: 20–25 minutes in the fridge
Vibe: Modern Spanish cool with mountain soul
Mencía from northwest Spain has been gaining attention as the country’s answer to cool-climate reds. Grown in the granite-rich soils of Valdeorras, Bela Maruxa’s 2022 vintage is a textbook example of what makes Mencía so refreshing: violet aromatics, silky texture, and crisp, tangy red fruit.
This is a wine that feels alpine and coastal at the same time—pure, zippy, and super quaffable. Give it a light chill and it turns into an ideal warm-weather red: smooth enough to sip on its own, yet complex enough to stand up to charcuterie or grilled octopus.
Why it works chilled: Mencía’s brightness and floral notes are amplified by cooler temps, and the low tannin makes it ultra-smooth when served slightly cold.
How to Chill Red Wine (The Right Way)
Not all red wines benefit from a cold shock, but these do. Here’s how to do it right:
Fridge time: 20–45 minutes, depending on the wine. You're aiming for around 12–14°C (55–58°F).
Ice bucket hack: In a pinch, 10–15 minutes in a bucket with ice and water works wonders.
Test the pour: If it feels slightly cool to the touch but not icy, you’re golden.
Don’t overdo it: If it's too cold, let it warm up for a few minutes. Over-chilled reds can mute flavors.
Final SIP
Chilled red wine is more than a trend—it’s a reintroduction to reds as bright, fun, and summer-friendly. Whether you’re heading to the beach, setting a table under string lights, or just staying in with good company and cheese, these four bottles will elevate the moment without overpowering it.
Pro tip: Stock up on one-liter bottles—you’ll thank us later.
