As summer trudges on, many of us are looking for light refreshing wines.
Most references we see to "light and refreshing" are for white wines. So what's a red wine lover to do?
Start by drinking your red wines slightly chilled. If that isn't refreshing enough, the next step is to consider tannin levels. It's generally the tannin level that gives a wine a heavier tasting profile.
Tannins are gained from red grapes soaking on their skins during fermentation, a process most white wines do not undergo. This process adds a substantial difference in the taste of white and red wines.
The "drying" effect tannins produce on the palate simply isn't refreshing, at least not in the way a zippy white wine is. The good news is there are many red wines with moderate or even soft tannins offering a subtle juicy taste.
Lambrusco has been a sought-after red wine refresher for decades. Not only is it refreshing with barely noticeable tannins it is low in alcohol (usually only 8%). It's made in the Emilia Romagna region in Northern Italy. It has a slight bubbly spritz with taste of blueberries and strawberries adding to the refreshing style.
THE VALUE
NV Cavicchioli Lambrusco Dolce, Italy (about $8 retail)
THE SPLURGE
NV Bell'Agio Lambrusco, Italy (about $12 retail)
Pinot Noir may be the standard for the light-bodied low tannin red wine. It lies at nearly the opposite end of the spectrum as a big bold cabernet sauvignon. Pinot noir will have lower tannins and taste of strawberry, cranberry with fresh fruity aromas. If served at correct serving temperature (55-60 degrees) it is a more refreshing style.
THE VALUE
2018 Sean Minor Four Bears Pinot Noir, California (about $13 retail)
THE SPLURGE
2018 A to Z Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $21 retail)
Gamay is best known as the grape behind the famed Beaujolais of France. There are full-bodied examples of this grape, but this time of year look for the lighter bodied, youthful styles. Beaujolais offers almost all of the traits red wine drinkers are searching out with light taste of strawberries, raspberries and ripe cherries.
THE VALUE
2018 Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais, France (about $14 retail)
THE SPLURGE
2018 Louis Jadot Beaujolais, France (about $16 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR 72203, or email:
Food on 07/31/2019