2nd July 2023 | Top Drops | 2 minute read
The longer days are making a welcome return and we’re oh so ready for some outdoor adventures and alfresco dining. If you’ll be enjoying a splash of red in your glass, check out our top red wines for spring and summer for some seriously hot wine rack inspiration.
This Romanian red is produced from the native grape Feteasca Neagra, and it’s taking the wine world by storm! Packed full of sweet blackcurrant and blackberry flavours, this red has a warming spice and plush tannins, yet feels relatively light and easy-drinking. Serve this with a steak or rack of ribs for a fruity pairing with your summer BBQ.
This German red is light and refreshing thanks to the slightly cooler climate found in the Wurttemberg region. Vibrant blackberry and raspberry notes are found on the palate, while the mouthfeel offers a crispness that you don’t often find in red wine. It’s a refreshing red that’s light and approachable, and (believe it or not) best served slightly chilled.
This is a customer favourite and it’s no surprise why. From the world famous Rioja region, this award winning Spanish red made from 100% Tempranillo has been aged for 18 months in American and French oak, creating a wine with lovely bold savoury notes and a hint of sweetness. Expect ripe fruit flavours and soft tannins, with great structure and complexity. Simply wonderful.
Being a light-bodied style of red wine, Pinot Noir is easy-drinking and ideal for the summer months. This Pinot Noir from the Alsace region of France is a fine example, produced using only handpicked grapes which are carefully handled by winemaker, Pierre Trimbach, and his team. The wine is delightfully fresh and juicy with real texture and depth. Black cherry and bramble can be found on the palate with a touch of spice.
Crafted in Chile’s historic Itata Valley, this delightful red is full of ripe red fruits mingled with hints of violet and a stony salinity. The palate is easy going with a moderate acidity, thanks to the cool coastal breeze this region enjoys that keeps the wine lovely and fresh. Perfect with cured meats or just on its own, this red is bursting with energy and is certain to be a crowd-pleaser at your summer dinner parties and garden get-togethers. It’s wonderful served chilled too!
A full-bodied Aussie red is for all year round, in our book. Blending hedonistic Cabernet and characterful Sagrantino, an indigenous Italian grape originally from Umbria, this intriguing red has heaps of personality with its burly tannins and lingering flavours. Giving mint chocolate and dried herbs followed by hints of leather and rich, decadent flavours of Black Forest cake and cherry liqueur, this one is fantastic on its own and a great match with lamb skewers. 
How about a classic Cabernet Franc from the Loire region that’s awash with soft red berry flavours? This one will have you swooning over its racy red currants and raspberries and crunchy acidity. It’s great for pairing with white meats such as pork tenderloin and soft cheese platters. Loire Valley is renowned for producing exceptional wines with this grape variety, so we can’t recommend it highly enough for your summer wine rack.
This quirky little red, produced by our friends over at 5OS, is crafted from the indigenous Italian grape Sagrantino. With just 117 cases produced, this is a super exclusive vino which you need to get your hands on if you are a fan of rich reds. Packed with bold fruit flavours, crack open a bottle of this and let it breathe for a couple of hours before diving in.
Fans of our Spanish red wines won’t be surprised to see that we’ve popped a bottle from the Pizo range in here. More commonly known as Carignan in France, Carinena is a much-loved grape variety that makes deep, rich red wines just like this one. Expect super-fresh bramble fruit with firm tannins, excellent concentration and a lovely, long, berried finish.
If you’re looking for something super light on those hot sunny days then this low alcohol Pinot Noir from New Zealand is a cracking choice. It’s a well-rounded, silky Pinot Noir that’s packed with floral notes, rich dark cherry flavours and savoury undertones. So, despite the ABV being lower than in a traditional Pinot Noir, this wine still has all the flavour and quality you would expect.
