#chilled red

[wine-porn]

Californication

Shocking clear purple-pink in the glass, a nose glowing with flowery bits and acidic wonder quite unusual to most California wines–CERTAINLY at this price-point. This is my first foray into the new screen-print label, which isn’t as *classic* as sticks-in-the-mud like me would prefer, but not judging. Also happy to see “Arroyo Seco” back on the front, as several vintages have dabbled with…

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[cookingismynewpassion]

chilled red wine in the most perfect glass

[kitchensurfing]

Make Way for Late Summer Reds

We've hit the backlash point of the summer: your jorts are looking a little worse for wear, the novelty of grilled meats has all but worn off, and you're longing for a cool breeze that isn't accompanied by an arriving subway train. Here are four red wines to drink when you're over summer whites and pinks (and the weather hasn't gotten the hint yet). 

1. Sweet Shiraz

The sugar to this Australian red’s typical spice, sweet shiraz is mouth-watering and berry-filled when chilled, with chocolate notes as it comes to room temperature. Great with anything from the grill, or just sitting on the fire escape, especially with its $10 price tag.

Suggested bottle: Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

2. Barbera d’Alba & Barbera d’Asti 

Nebbiolo’s lesser cousin, the barbera grape is grown in the valleys of northern Italy. Its light tannins and high acidity make it an obvious choice for chilling. Meant to be enjoyed young, it’s unnecessary to pay more than $30 for a decent bottle. With its sour cherry and strawberry notes, it’s great with grilled meats, a fennel salad, or anything balsamic.

Suggested bottle: Hilberg Pasquero Vareij Vino da Tavola Rosso

3. Frappato

Frappato has long been utilized only to lessen the heft of full-bodied Italian wines, but some brave young vintners have started letting the fresh fruit flavors of this Sicilian grape stand on their own.

Suggested bottle: Arianna Occhipinti’s 2012 Tamí Frappato

4. Beaujolais

Easy-drinking Beaujolais had its heyday in the US thirty years ago. These days it’s frequently overlooked as great late-summer food wine. As great with a pile of salted tomatoes as with a juicy turkey burger, its low tannins and strong berry flavors are an easy swap for that rosé you’ve been guzzling.

Suggested bottle: Potel-Aviron Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes

Kelley Peters is Kitchensurfing’s in-house wine expert, she writes about wining, dining, and breaking things at Homefaking.