Chillable Red Wines | Your Ultimate Guide to Drinking Red Wine in Summer

Upgrade your summer drinking. 

When the temperature rises, most of us instinctively reach for white wine, rosé, or something with bubbles. But here’s the insider tip: some of the best summer wines are actually red — you just need to chill them.

Chillable red wines are one of the fastest-growing trends in modern wine drinking, and once you’ve tried them, it’s easy to see why. Fresh, vibrant, and full of juicy fruit, they offer all the character of red wine with the refreshing feel of something far lighter.

 

 

What are chillable red wines?

Chillable reds are usually:

  • Light-bodied 
  • Low in tannin 
  • High in acidity 
  • Designed to be drunk fresh and young

 

Which grape varieties chill well?

Here's the some to look out for (but make sure these are light bodied, cool climate, drink now styles):

  • Gamay 
  • Pinot Noir 
  • Frappato
  • Trousseau
  • Pelaverga
  • Corvina
  • Nebbiolo
  • Grenache
  • Cinsault

 

Why chill red wine?

Chilling red wine:

  • Lifts aromatics
  • Sharpens acidity
  • Softens alcohol
  • Makes it genuinely refreshing

 

How long to chill red wine?

20-30 minutes in the fridge 

5-10 minutes in an ice bucket 

Serve cool, not cold — think “cellar temperature with a summer upgrade”.


Our go-to chillable red wines: 

     

    Côtes du Jura Sur la Cour Trousseau, Domaine Jean-Luc Mouillard

    This is one of our latest finds and it also happens to be THE perfect wine to chill. Light, lifted and a little wild. Tart cherry, spice and that signature Jura edge. 

    Shop Here

     

    Schioppettino 'RiNera', Ronchi di Cialla

    This baby Schioppettino is a brilliantly fresh, characterful northern Italian red from the unique Cialla Valley. Expect tart cherry, crunchy red berries, wild herbs, and a cheeky rustic edge.

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    Coste della Sesia Nebbiolo 'Orbello', Tenute Sella

    A stunning Nebbiolo wine which bridges the gap between classic and modern styles. Refined and lifted, with delicate red fruit and subtle earthiness. Chilling makes it even more vibrant and moreish.

    Shop Here

     

    Bourgogne Pinot Noir 'Les Ardillers', Vincent Wengier

    Everything you want from a Pinot Noir: purity, balance, and finesse. A light chill enhances the fruit and keeps it fresh, making it an ideal light red for summer evenings.

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    Valpolicella Classico, Speri

    Vibrant cherry, red currant, black berry fruit, wild strawberries, and fragrant violets. Elegant, with velvet drinkability, this Valpolicella is bright and full of life! With superb freshness to take a chill beautifully.

    Shop Here

     

    As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or for more refreshing, and ridiculously drinkable chillable red wine suggestions. 

    Salute and stay chilled out there!

    Sociovino x 

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