Best Red Wines for Summer: 5 You Need in Your Rotation

Let me guess, someone has told you red wine is off the table in summer. Too heavy. Too warming. Save it for fall. And I am here to tell you, lovingly but firmly, that is a lie.

There is an entire world of red wine built for warm weather. They are lighter-bodied, lower in tannin, and yes, some of them can even be chilled. In this episode of The Wine Down, I'm breaking down five summer reds that deserve a spot in your glass all season long.

The Summer Reds that Need to be on Your List

1. Beaujolais (Gamay) - France

The ultimate summer red gateway. Beaujolais is made from the Gamay grape in the region just south of Burgundy, and it is everything you want on a hot day: light, juicy, and bursting with fresh red fruit. Low in tannin, easy to drink, and here's the move - serve it with a light chill. 15–20 minutes in the fridge before opening makes all the difference. Look for a one of the ten Beaujolais Crus for a step up in quality.

2. Pinot Noir - Burgundy, New Zealand, Ontario, Oregon

Pinot Noir has a reputation for being fancy, but a well-chosen bottle is one of the most versatile summer wines out there. Light to medium-bodied with gorgeous red cherry, and earthiness. It's complex without ever feeling heavy.

3. Lambrusco - Emilia-Romagna, Italy

The wild card. Lambrusco is Italian, it's red, and it is sparkling. Before you raise an eyebrow, hear me out. This is one of the most fun, refreshing, and underrated summer wines in existence. It comes from the same region as prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano (so you know they have good taste), and it delivers dark cherry, blackberry, a little earthiness, and gorgeous fizz. Look for secco or amabile styles for a drier experience, and serve it cold!

4. Grenache - Spain, Southern France

Grenache, or Garnacha as it's called in Spain, is the underdog that doesn't get nearly enough credit. Medium-bodied and low in tannin, it delivers juicy red fruit, a touch of white pepper, and warm spice in a soft, round package that just drinks beautifully. From Spain, look for Garnacha de Aragón or Campo de Borja. Here you'll find excellent quality under $20 in many cases. From Southern France, Longuedoc-Rousilliin regional wines are a safe and affordable bet.

5. Zweigelt - Austria

And the conversation starter. Zweigelt (pronounced TSVYE-gelt) is Austria's most widely planted red grape, and it is criminally overlooked. A cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, it produces a light to medium-bodied wine with sour cherry, violet, a touch of pepper and herbs, and just enough structure to keep things interesting. This is the bottle you bring to the summer BBQ that makes everyone ask "wait, what is this?"