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Drinking red wine in the summer: yay or nay?
From chilled reds to cooler-climate expressions of Syrah, red wine drinkers have plenty of options to enjoy a glass of their favourite under the summer sun. Become one of them by entering the Global Syrah Masters competition, closing 2 June.
With longer and warmer days calling for a cold glass of wine or beer, and orange wine being crowned ‘drink of the summer’ by TikTok users, does that mean red wine is to be relegated in the cellar for the whole season? Or is it okay to drink red in the summer?
Opposite to some preconceived ideas, red wine should not be served at room temperature.
The chilled red category has become incredibly popular in the past few years, as more and more consumers turn to light and easy drinking styles of reds, made from varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay or Dolcetto for instance.
There’s nothing wrong with putting your red in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before serving it. Even for bolder reds such as Malbec or Syrah, a maximum temperature of 16-18 °C is recommended – otherwise, the wine can feel flabby and overly warm on the palate.
Another myth must be debunked: some grape varieties known to result in full bodied wines over 14% abv can sometimes be made in lighter styles. The key is to balance alcohol levels with a high acidity, which will give a refreshing, lighter feel when you drink the wine.
Syrah, for instance, can have some refreshing and fragrant expressions, such as the Best Syrah 2024, won by Swiss winery Domaine Jean-René Germanier after being awarded a Master medal at the Global Syrah Masters 2023. Chairing judge Patricia Stefanowicz MW described their Cayas Syrah Réserve as “intriguing” and “well-defined”, with its “brisk acidity and structured silky- textured tannins”.
Our dedicated competition returns next month, chaired by a panel of expert judges (mostly Masters of Wine). The wines are all tasted blind, allowing Syrah from across the globe to be judged purely on style and price.
Don’t miss out, as there are only a few days left to enter the Global Syrah Masters 2024! The competition is open to any Syrah varietals or blends with at least 50% of Syrah. Results will be published in the July issue of the drinks business magazine and online.
Entries cost £159 ex -VAT
For more information contact: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com