For years, the perceived wisdom has been that chilling red wine is a big no-no. However, the truth is that chilling red wine can actually help to bring out its best flavors and aromas.

In fact, certain varieties of red wine can benefit greatly from a small amount of time in the fridge. In this article, we’ll explore why chilling red wine is important and how you can do it effectively.

Why Chill Red Wine?

The most obvious reason to chill red wine is to bring it to the correct serving temperature. Serving wine too warm can cause the alcohol to evaporate more quickly, which can destroy the delicate flavors of the wine.

Additionally, if you’re drinking red wine in the summer or at a warm outdoor event, a chilled glass of red can be the perfect way to cool down without compromising on taste.

Another reason to chill red wine is to make it more refreshing. A chilled red can be a great way to cool off on a hot day and is often much more palatable than a warm or room temperature version of the same wine.

Chilling red wine can also help to bring out certain flavors and aromas that may not be detectable when the wine is warmer.

Best Red Wines to Chill

Not all red wines are created equal, and some are much better suited to being chilled than others. Here are a few of the best red wines to chill:.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais is a light-bodied wine that is perfect for chilling. It has a bright, fruity flavor and is often described as being refreshing, making it the ideal summer red wine.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied wine that is often chilled. It has a delicate flavor that can be easily overpowered by strong flavors, so chilling it can help to bring out its subtle nuances.

Barbera

Barbera is a medium-bodied wine that is perfect for chilling. It has a bright acidity that makes it refreshing when served cold, and it also has a strong fruit flavor that can be enhanced by chilling.

Grenache

Grenache is a medium-bodied wine that is often served chilled. It has a spicy, peppery flavor that can be enhanced by chilling and is perfect for pairing with a range of foods.

How to Chill Red Wine

Chilling red wine is easy, but you need to be careful not to overdo it. Ideally, you want to bring the wine down to a temperature of around 55-60°F, which is cooler than room temperature but not so cold that you can’t taste the wine properly.

Here are a few tips for chilling red wine:.

Put it in the fridge

The easiest way to chill red wine is to put it in the fridge for around 30 minutes before serving. This will be enough to bring the wine down to the right temperature without making it too cold.

Use an ice bucket

If you don’t have 30 minutes to spare, you can use an ice bucket to chill your wine. Fill a bucket with ice and water and place the bottle of wine in it, making sure that it is fully submerged.

Leave the wine in the bucket for around 10-15 minutes before serving.

Use a wine chiller

If you’re a serious wine drinker, you might want to invest in a wine chiller.

These devices are specifically designed to chill wine to the perfect temperature and can be set to different temperatures depending on the type of wine you’re drinking.

Serving Chilled Red Wine

When serving chilled red wine, it’s important to use the right glasses. Ideally, you want to use glasses with a wide bowl and a narrow opening, as this will help to concentrate the aromas of the wine.

Make sure that the glasses are clean and dry before pouring the wine.

When pouring chilled red wine, you should aim to fill the glass to around 2/3 full. This will help to aerate the wine and bring out its flavors. Allow the wine to breathe for a few minutes before drinking it, as this will help to release its aromas.

The Verdict

Chilling red wine is a great way to bring out its best flavors and aromas. While not all red wines are suited to being chilled, wines like Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Barbera, and Grenache can benefit greatly from a stay in the fridge.

With these tips, you’ll be able to chill your red wine perfectly every time.