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NOTHING is better than a cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé on a warm summer day.
But would you try a chilled bottle of red wine instead?
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According to retailers, sales of red wine were not as low as usual in the summer last year, while budget supermarket Aldi has named chilled red wine as the drink of choice for 2024.
Wine experts believe that some grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir and Gamay (used to make Beaujolais), are best served slightly chilled.
In this article, writer and wine expert Alex Lloyd tests the best supermarket wines that are suitable for the fridge and gives them a score out of five.
ESTEVEZ CHILEAN MERLOT
(£4.19, Aldi)
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THIS Chilean wine has a sweet nose with flavors of plums, blackberries and even chocolate.
It’s a bargain with a medium body and a soft character.
5/5
MORRISONS THE BEST CHINON 2023
(£8)
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MADE in France’s Loire Valley from Cabernet Franc grapes, this deeply colored wine has flavors of blackcurrant and green pepper, with a hint of tannin. Great with chicken.
3/5
CO-OP IRRESISTIBLE PAIS 2022
(£8.50)
9
I DISCOVERED a hint of vanilla in the aroma of this recently launched light red wine from Chile.
There are also hints of black cherry and subtle smoky notes. Wonderful.
5/5
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE MARZEMINO TRENTINO 2022
9
You will enjoy notes of red cherries, raspberries and plums in this ripe and fragrant Italian wine.
It’s a very summery dish, but still a bit spicy.
4/5
PINOT NOIR 2023 VIN DE FRANCE
(£5.49, Lidl)
9
A LIGHT, easy-drinking wine with a slight dryness on the tongue.
Expect flavours of red and black berries and a mild alcohol content of 12.5%.
Ideal to combine with a salad.
3/5
TESCO FINEST SAINT-CHINIAN
2021 (£9)
9
If you like rich, full-bodied red wines, this is a great choice thanks to its blackberry and spicy flavors, plus a hint of smoke.
Delicious with roast beef.
4/5
M&S EXPRESSIONS ORGANIC GARNACHA
(£8.50, Ocado)
9
A FRESH and fruity Spanish red wine with flavours of strawberries and cherries.
With a powerful alcohol percentage of 14%, this beer is a good match with spicy meat dishes.
4/5
CUVÉE DES VIGNERONS BEAUJOLAIS
9
A LIGHT and smooth, easy to drink cocktail with lots of juicy red fruit flavour, plus a little tartness.
A good choice for white wine lovers who want to try something new.
4/5
HOW TO GET THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
IN the UK we are used to getting our white wine from the fridge and our red wine from the shelf.
But in warmer countries such as Spain, it is common to store red wine in a fridge or ice bucket, says Co-op wine buyer Sarah Benson.
She adds: “The recommended temperature for serving red wine is 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, but modern British homes tend to be much warmer, meaning room temperatures can be too high.
“In summer this can give your wine a soupy quality and affect the flavours.
“But chilling your red wine brings out the fruity flavors. It can make wines easier to drink. I describe it as a ‘session wine,’ a bit like you might have a ‘session beer’ that’s drinkable and refreshing.”
Sarah has a simple formula for the cooling process.
She explains: “For white wines, you should take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before drinking to release the flavours.
“For red wines, you should put them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before drinking them, so that they cool without affecting the taste.
“An ice bucket is also a good option to add some cooling. Ideally, don’t add ice cubes to your drink. They melt and dilute the wine.
“Instead, freeze some grapes ahead of time and throw them in.”
While all red wines can be chilled, some grape varieties actually benefit from it and are at their best when served colder.
“Light, fruity wines go well with this,” adds Sarah.
“Pinot Noir, Pais and Grenache are good choices, along with Beaujolais.
“A good combination with chilled red wine is a fresh salad with a bit of acidity, such as a tomato salad or something with a dressing.
“Perfect for summer.”
