There are some red wines that, in summer, should be served at lower temperatures than average. Only in this way they express themselves at their best. Let’s find out what these wines are and what characteristics they must have in order to be served fresh.

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Fresh Red Wines: what characteristics should they have?

Not all red wines can be served fresh, but only those wines with specific organoleptic and structural qualities.

First of all, the red wine that can be served fresh must not be too alcoholic, full and persistent. Low temperatures, in fact, decrease the perception of the alcohol content of the wine. The red wine to be served fresh should not have an excessive alcohol content (indicatively it should not exceed 13.5%, maximum 14%). Do not serve a Barolo or Amarone at low temperatures because they will lose their characteristic power. For the same reason, do not serve fresh an aging wine. A young and unstructured red wine is more suitable for a low service temperature.

Another important quality for those wines that should be served fresh is aromaticity. Low temperatures hide the most delicate aromas. For this reason, slightly aromatic wines would lose some of their aromatic potential.

Last important property is a good acidity and freshness. A wine of good acidity is fresh on the palate, light and delicate. It is more pleasant when served fresh because the low temperatures enhance the freshness.

Serving a red wine at low temperatures means bringing it to the table at 12 ºC, maximum 11 ºC, no less. Below this temperature, even younger, fresh and aromatic wines could lose some of their qualities.

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6 Red Wines to Drink in Summer

We can make an identikit of the red wine ideal to be served at low temperatures: a young, fresh wine, with a good acidity, fragrant and aromatic, poorly structured and with low alcohol content.

At Wineshop.it we have identified 6 wines perfect to drink fresh in summer.

1. Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro

Lambrusco is a very eclectic and versatile wine. A particular red wine, with intense and persistent aromas, light and fresh. It is a wine that can be served fresh, between 12 ºC and 14 ºC. It goes very well with an important fish dish.

2. Bardolino

Try to serve the Bardolino fresh, during an alternative aperitif. You won’t regret it. Its simple but intense fruity and spicy aromas will make this moment extremely pleasant.

3. Lacrima di Morro d'Alba

Lacrima di Morro d'Alba is a wine from a very ancient vine, unique and rare. It is a wine with an intense bouquet of undergrowth, rose and violets, and, at the same time, it is light and surprisingly delicate. It is aromatic, low alcohol and fresh, perfect to be served at low temperatures. Fish dishes are its ideal teammates.

4. Schiava

Schiava is one of the main red wines for the summer. It is simple, light, pleasant and very fruity. It is the red wine for a summer barbecue, to be served fresh between 13°C and 15°C degrees with fish. Schiava is really amazing.

5. Rossese di Dolceacqua

Very fragrant and with a not too high alcohol content, Rossese di Dolceacqua is a wine suitable to be drunk fresh in summer. If you want to refresh your palate, perhaps with a seafood dish, this is the wine for you.

6. Valpolicella Classico

It is a wine with good acidity with a very rich bouquet of floral, fruity and spicy aromas. At Wineshop.it we drink the Valpolicella Classico strictly fresh, as a wine for the whole meal and for every type of meal.