Wines of the World - Light and silky summer reds

A true red wine drinker is going to drink red all summer long, even in Texas. For many people a compromise on the texture and body of red wine is appropriate when the temperature reaches 100 degrees. Even in hot weather, the heavy, concentrated fruit and oak can be refreshing if you choose a red with the following thoughts in mind.....the grape, the price, and a good wine sales person.

Reds such as Beaujolais, Dolcetto, or Grenache are satisfying as are Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Tempranillo. A fresh, lower-priced Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, or Zinfandel can be surprisingly light and easy to drink in hot weather. Many of these lighter reds are made using less oak, a shorter fermentation, and little bottle aging.

Hahn Monterey Pinot Noir ($12)

Tapena Tempranillo from Spain ($8)

Parducci Sustainable Red Wine ($11 )

McPherson Cellars dbs (Dolcetto, Barbera, Sangiovese) from Texas ($10.99)

Di Majo Norante Sangiovese from Italy ($10.99)

Clayhouse Vineyard Adobe Red ($12.99)

Rex-Goliath California Merlot ($8.99)

Meridian California Cabernet Sauvignon ($10)

ForestVille California Zinfandel ($6)

Kenwood Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($16)

Crane Lake California Malbec ($4.99)

Fogdog Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($35)

Irony Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.99)

Aresti Pinot Noir from Chile ($10.99)

Alamos Malbec Seleccion from Argentina ($20)

Bonny Doon Ca’ del Solo Dolcetto ($22)

Ghost Pines Merlot ($16)

Fat Cat California Pinot Noir ($10)

Alternate serving suggestions are a red wine spritzer with club soda and ice cubes, or a pitcher of sangria made with orange juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, red wine, and ice cubes floating among fresh fruit slices. Try Castello Banfi Rosa Regale if you’re in the mood for a fresh strawberry tasting red wine with spritz.