5 Red Wines You Can Drink All Summer Long

Several Wine Suggestions and Food Pairings for the Summer Months

Most people decide to give up red wine once it gets hot out and switch to just beer or white wine. There's no need to do that! There are many excellent reds that can be consumed even when it is 90 degrees out! It is recommended to chill down these wines slightly (10 minutes in an ice bath or 30 mins-1 hour in a refrigerator) before serving with your favorite BBQ, grilled meats, pasta salads and hot dogs!

1. 100% Grenache (preferably un-oaked) from the Languedoc of France or Spain. Grenache, when the vines are young and the wine fermented in stainless steel, are fruity, fresh, dry and very appropriate for the hot weather! Check shelf-talkers or ask your local shop for suggestions. Brands to look for: Le Drunk Rooster, Las Rocas, Higuerela, Cuvee de Pena.

2. Zweigelt or Blauer Zweigelt. Yes, hard to pronounce (zw-eye-gelt or blauw-er zw-eye-gelt) is a great Austrian red wine. Most bottles run around $15. Imagine your favorite Pinot Noir, but a little lighter and a touch earthier. Chill it for an hour in the fridge before serving with your favorite grilled meats and you won't be disappointed. Brands to look for: Berger (a one-liter version) or Sattler.

3. French red blends. There are so many to choose from, but look for a Cotes du Rhone, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, the Cotes de Ventoux and the Languedoc regions. They have so much to offer. 2007 was an excellent vintage for the Rhone valley and the grapes ripened nicely, bringing well balanced fruit and integrated tannins. Look for one based on Syrah or Grenache, which covers the majority of production.