Drink Up!
The summer of 2026 is very special. On July 4, we will celebrate the semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! Over the next four weeks, I will focus on ways you can celebrate this summer and all of its events with wine. Now, I understand that most folks likely picture rosés or light white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, when thinking of summer wines. Although these certainly have a place at your summer events, this week, let’s explore some of the red wines that also deserve a place on your shopping list.
Pinot Noir is an excellent summer choice and may be the most versatile of red wines, pairing well with poultry, lamb, duck, beef, and even fish. Bourgogne, or Burgundy, is the birthplace of this noble grape, so let’s start there. Pable and Vincent Chevrot at Domaine Chevrot are excellent winemakers. Domaine Chevrot Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune is an organic, terroir-driven wine and is a great demonstration of this noble grape at its finest.
Another great region for Pinot Noir is the Russian River Valley of Sonoma, California. Winemaker John Balletto’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a perfect example. The tannins are rich but soft with the flavor of red cherries and raspberries with notes of black tea and baking spices. The fruit flavors are balanced with earthy soil notes. Treat yourself to this excellent wine.
Oregon has become world-renowned for its wonderful Pinot Noir. The Benoni Red Hill Douglas County Pinot Noir is an elegant yet affordable example of Oregon’s contribution to the Pinot Noir story. The grapes come from a single-vineyard located in southern Oregon at 800–1,200 feet in elevation. The higher altitude and exposed location result in cooler growing seasons that create excellent acidity and freshness. The flavor is lively on the palate with fresh raspberry, bright blackberry, and baking spice, balanced by fine, integrated tannins and a lengthy, floral finish. This Pinot Noir has summer written all over it.
Another summer red option from France is the L. Tramier & Fils Moulin-a-Vent from the Beaujolais. I have written about my love of Gamay wines in previous articles, as it is a varietal that is extremely underrated but worthy of consideration. There is more to Beaujolais wines than the Thanksgiving Beaujolais Nouveau! The lighter body and acidity of this Moulin-a-Vent Gamay is similar to Pinot Noir, but is a bit smoother and a touch fruitier. The aroma has tones of dark fruit, violets, and soil; the flavor is currants and black raspberries with that distinctive French earthiness. The tannins are relatively light, allowing this wine to pair well with anything from salmon or tuna to chicken, pork, or grilled or roasted vegetables. Another outstanding region of Beaujolais is Fleurie. Try the Arnaud Combier Fleurie. The flavors are darker and richer than those of other Beaujolais wines, making a great pairing for grilled steaks and other red meats.
For many, summer means grilling season. Grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables can be overwhelmed by heavy red wines or those with higher tannins. However, lighter and medium-bodied reds can do very well with a summer menu. Consider the Cantine Povero Langhe Nebbiolo from the Piedmont wine region of northern Italy. Nebbiolo is a dry red wine with more subtle tannins than you may find in heavier wines. The flavor profile of this award-winning wine is the fruit of tart cherries, red and black raspberries, and a touch of peppery spice. Check this one out as a great wine for summer grilling.
The great red grape of Sicily is the Nero D’Avola. The Villarini Nero D’Avola is 100% organic grapes from Sicily and makes one of the best pizza/pasta wines you could imagine. This dry wine is made with organic grapes and is very reasonably priced. The flavor is a wonderful mix of ripe cherries, red berries, and blueberries with a touch of baking spices and leather. The finish is long and stands up to flavorful dishes, such as chicken parmesan or lasagna, as well as traditional spaghetti and meatballs.
Or, try the La Gerla Poggio gli Angeli Sangiovese made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso from the Montalcino region of Tuscany. La Gerla is considered one of the top Brunello producers in the region, and they make this Sangiovese from the younger organic vines in the vineyards. This complex wine features flavors of red raspberries, currants, pomegranate, and red cherries with a touch of tobacco leaf and baking spices. Great for your summer evening dinner or for the best summer activity: porch-sitting.
A great Spanish red for summer is Garnacha. Garnacha is a widely planted red grape from the Calatayud region of Spain. Try the Breca Breca Garnacha made from 100% Garnacha de Aragon, the world’s oldest clone of this grape. This dry red wine features ripe red fruit flavors with notes of citrus and spice. It’s perfect for your next grilling adventure.
My final recommendation for summer red wines comes from one of California’s most well-respected wineries. In my opinion, the two best red grapes produced in the Golden State are Zinfandel (the red variety, not White Zinfandel) and Petit Sirah. The Caymus Walking Fool Red Blend is a blend of these two awesome grapes. It is very dry but with the wonderful fruitiness that comes from the Zinfandel and Petit Sirah. This is winemaking artistry at its summertime best. You will be surprised at how complex yet affordable this Caymus red wine can be.
Here is a sommelier’s professional tip for enjoying red wine. There is a misconception that red wine should be served at room temperature; however, the old rule of thumb dates back to chilly European castles before central heating. Modern indoor temperatures, typically hovering around 70°F and 75°F, are too warm for most red wine. At that heat, the alcohol feels harsh, and the flavors taste stewed or unbalanced. If your bottle of red wine is stored at room temperature, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before enjoying.
I hope this article shows you that there are great red wines to enjoy in the warm summer months. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop in the store. Until next time, happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
