This unprecedented heat wave calls for icy cocktails, cold beer and well-chilled whites. While my main concern about the weather is the lack of water and forest fires, I’m also slightly worried about red wine drinkers. Surely, they’ve figured out how to slake their thirst in these sizzling temperatures. But just in case…
You don’t have to abandon reds altogether. Even wines of this hue can offer some refreshment value. Rather than rich, full-bodied tannic beasts, I crave light to medium alternatives with lively, crunchy acidity.
Light, bright and low in tannin, Pinot Noir is the quintessential summer red. Produced around the globe with varying degrees of fruitiness, it tends to be earthy and restrained in Burgundy and more fruit forward from New World regions. You can choose the style you prefer.
Similarly structured, Gamay enchants with a mouthful of summer berries. It’s just so fitting for the season (though I drink it year round). Locally, both Blue Mountain and Orofino boast delicious examples. This grape, however, is more famously associated with the French region of Beaujolais, from the simplest regional bottlings to more concentrated and complex Crus. For the latter, look for Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent and Fleurie on wine labels.
Italy is also a reliable source of lighter reds. In the Veneto region, the neighbouring DOCs of Valpolicella and Bardolino are prime candidates. At the other end of the boot, Sicily surprises with the gorgeous Frappato grape. Charmingly light on it’s own, it gains a bit more weight when blended with Nero d’Avola in the DOCG of Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
Serving temperature plays a big role in the ability of these reds to cool you down. Regardless of the time of year, around 15 C is actually ideal for all of the above. Stick the bottle in the fridge for half an hour or throw it on ice for fifteen minutes. A slight chill will focus the aromas and flavours and make these reds all the more thirst quenching and easy to chug.
2013 Monte del Frá • Bardolino DOC, Italy • $15.99
This bright and cheerful Bardolino jumps delightfully out of the glass with juicy red berries. On the palate, fleshy, spiced Asian plum and raspberry lead to a snappy finish of black pepper. Enjoy with charcuterie.
2012 Cono Sur, ‘Block 21 Viento Mar’, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir • Valle de San Antonio, Chile • $17.39
Plush black cherry and maraschino meet clove and vanilla. Friendly, layered and lively with a subtle suggestion of tannin, this Pinot Noir is just right for grilled chicken.
2013 Jean Maurice Raffault • Chinon AOC, France • $19.29
France’s Loire Valley also offers hunting ground for summer reds. Crafted from 100 per cent Cabernet Franc, Raffault’s Chinon is crunchy with red currants, mineral and a mouthful of cherry pits. Assertive and firm, it’s sufficiently bold for burgers but still light and tangy enough to refresh.
2011 Louis Latour • Bourgogne Gamay AOC, France • $22.59
Bourgogne Gamay is a new appellation in France allowing only grapes from Beaujolais’ best Cru villages. A touch of Pinot Noir adds extra class and complexity to Gamay. Savoury and silky, it truly is the perfect match with salmon in a strawberry sauce.
2013 Arianna Occhipinti, ‘Il Frappato’ • Sicilia DOC, Italy • $47.89
A serious Sicilian wine featuring the Frappato grape, this absolutely bursts with cherry blossoms, fennel pollen and violets. The palate is light and lovely exuding wild thyme and pure strawberry making it a fantastic red for grilled fish with herbs.
All wines available at BC Liquor Stores. Prices are exclusive of taxes.
