Red Wine in Summer? Absolutely!
Serve It at the Right Temperature
The secret to enjoying red wine in summer starts with serving it at the right temperature. While many people assume red wine should be served at room temperature, this can cause it to lose its freshness and vibrancy. Instead, aim for a serving temperature between 15°C and 18°C.
To achieve this, pop your bottle in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving. This slight chill enhances the wine’s characteristics without muting its flavours or creating a bitter taste. Be careful not to over-chill, as this can dull the wine’s profile.
Choose the Right Style
Not all red wines are created equal when it comes to summer enjoyment. Look for lighter, more refreshing options that have:
- • Lower alcohol content (12-13% ABV)
- • Low tannins
- • High acidity
- • Minimal oak influence
- • Younger, fruitier profiles
A pro tip from our Cellar Door team: seek out “fresh, crunchy, aromatic, lighter reds” that avoid heavy oak and tannin structures. These wines are perfect for sipping in the sunshine.
Our Summer Favourites
We’ve got some fabulous red wines that are just right for summer:
- • Tempranillo: Try our 2023 Saddler’s Tempranillo
- • Hunter Valley Shiraz: Try our 2022 Saddler’s Hunter Valley Shiraz
- • Malbec: Try our 2023 Winemaker’s Craft Malbec
- • Nebbiolo: Try our 2023 Single Suitcase Nebbiolo
Each of these wines offers a unique flavour profile that’s perfect for warm-weather sipping.
Pairing Red Wine with Summer Foods
Summer red wines shine when paired with seasonal dishes. Some of our favourite pairings include:
- • Grilled vegetables
- • Kebabs
- • Seafood
- • Charcuterie boards
- • The classic Aussie backyard BBQ
These lighter, flavourful foods complement the refreshing qualities of summer-friendly reds.
Get Creative with Wine Cocktails
Why not take your summer wine experience to the next level with a refreshing spritzer or cocktail? Our Saddler’s Summer Wine Spritz Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy red wine in a whole new way. Featuring a delicious Sangria recipe, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any summer gathering.
To find the recipe and discover more inspiration, CLICK HERE.
Raise a Glass to Summer
With the right red wine and a few simple tips, you can make red wine a star of your summer. Whether you’re sharing a bottle with friends, pairing it with seasonal dishes, or creating a fun cocktail, there’s no limit to the ways you can enjoy red wine in the sunshine. Cheers to great wine and endless summer vibes!
If you’re discovering us for the first time or are already part of the Saddler’s Creek family, we invite you to visit our winery in Pokolbin or explore our online wine shop. Call us at (02) 4991 1770 or visit us online.
