Chill Out Reds

October 2013
Written By: 
James Ginley

These red wines can take the cold

 

 

Antinori Santa Cristina 2011
Tuscany, Italy,  $11
Lots of dark fruit make this one OK to chill down a bit more than other reds. The Sangiovese grapes are blended with a tad of Merlot, offering hints of tobacco and violet with a big aroma and full-bodied finish. Good with risotto, hard cheeses and grilled vegetables.

Erath Pinot Noir 2009
Willamette Valley, Oregon, $16
From the best locale for pinot in the United States, the Willamette Valley of Oregon. A bargain price for a wine that offers plum and raspberry notes mixed with juicy cranberry, spice, sage and a bit of vanilla. Because Pinot Noir is food-friendly, try it slightly chilled on a cool fall evening with any favorite food. 

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2011
Burgundy, France,  $12
Beaujolais should always be served cooler than any other red wine from Burgundy. With cool weather here, a little extra chill on a Beaujolais Villages (a step up from just Beaujolais) like this one is fine. It opens up the fruit-laden palate and refreshes just like a chilled white. Great to pair with any lighter meats and salads.

Vina Real Crianza Rioja 2012
Rioja, Spain, $16
Hand harvested grapes, mostly Tempranillo, this wine displays cherry and raspberry flavors with a hint of vanilla. Deep and balanced with lingering fruit on the palate and slight tannins. Chill down to 55 or 60 degrees and enjoy with lots of fall favorites such as BBQ pork and chicken with green vegetables.

Les Acanthes Tavel Rose 2012
Provence, France, $13
Roses are red wines, but the skins are removed sooner, resulting in less red color, or pink shades. Roses are always chilled, always dry, and this area of France makes the world’s best.  50 percent Grenache with five other grapes create a complex wine with delicious red fruit and balanced acidity in the aftertaste.

 

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE WINERIES

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