Do you know the saying "Rosé all day"? Well, how 'bout we change that to "Gamay all day"?!
I try my hardest not to show any favoritism towards a certain wine type or varietal. However, ever since I started drinking wine - I've always preferred reds over everything else. So you better believe that I don't switch over to just rosés or white wines during the hot summer months.
The good news is that there are several AAA-MAZING RED wines that can be chilled and are quite refreshing on a hot summer day.
If you're interested in trying one out for yourself, look for red varietals that are light-bodied, highly acidic, not super oaky and low in tannins. Whatever you do, avoid wines that are full-bodied, oaky and have a higher alcohol ABV. For example, popular full-bodied varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel are great examples of wines you should avoid chilling at all costs. If you chill them, they'll taste metallic and very astringent - which isn't pleasant at all.
See below for a few of my favorite reds that are just PERFECT FOR SUMMER. To chill them, put them in the fridge around 45-60 minutes before you plan on drinking.
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How to say it: "gam-may"
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Where it mainly grows: France (wine regions Beaujolais and Loire Valley), Switzerland, Canada, Turkey, Italy
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Typical tasting notes: Very light and fruity flavors of cranberry & banana
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Shopping Tip: Look for 'CRU Beaujolais' or 'Beaujolais-Villages' (less expensive)
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How to say it: "grenn-nosh"
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Where it mainly grows: France, Spain, Italy, United States
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Typical tasting notes: strawberry, plum, leather, dried herbs
The world's most popular light-bodied red is loved for its red fruit and spice flavors and smooth finish.
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How to say it: "pee-no nwar"
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Where it mainly grows: France, United States, New Zealand, Chile, Australia, Italy, Argentina
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Typical tasting notes: cherry, raspberry, clove, mushroom, vanilla
Meaning "wild grape," Lambrusco is actually a variation of eight closely related grapes native to Italy. Wines are typically semi-sparkling and range from dry to sweet.
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How to say it: "lam-broos-co"
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Where it mainly grows: Italy
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Typical tasting notes: strawberry, blackberry, rhubarb, hibiscus
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Shopping Tip: If you are a fan of dry wines, make sure to look for "secco" on the wine
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How to say it: "fra-pat-toe"
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Where it mainly grows: Italy (Sicily, Mount Etna)
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Typical tasting notes: strawberry, pomegranate, tobacco, white pepper
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How to say it: "blauw-fronk-keesh"
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Where it mainly grows: Austria & Hungary
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Typical tasting notes: Blackberry, black cherry, allspice, dark chocolate and pepper
The bottle of 2018 Gamay I'm sippin' on here is cleverly called 'Pool Boy'.
My Tasting Notes:
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Color: Bright garnet
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Dominate Flavors: Cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry
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Taste Profile: Crisp and bright. Medium acid levels, Low tannins and very refreshing