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5 red wines you should be chilling, according to a sommelier

Pinot noir

5 red wines you should be chilling, according to a sommelier

Cabernet franc

Cabernet franc

This ancestor of cabernet sauvignon does well in colder temperatures because it intrinsically is less oaked than other types of red wines.

According to the sommelier, the location of this type of wine is an important characteristic to consider. "The ones from the Noir valley are often labeled cabernet franc," said Tidwell. "But the ones from Bordeaux is a blend so there is a bigger, more oaked wine that is typically not conducive to chilling."

Lambrusco

Lambrusco

Tidwell said one of the best wines to chill is Lambrusco, since the red wine's refreshing quality is further enhanced by chilling.

While there are many varieties of Lambrusco, from dry to sweet, and still to slightly bubbly, Tidwell says you can chill pretty much any variation.

"It goes really well with salumi, or a ham and cheese plate," Tidwell added. "The crispness [of the wine] cleanses your palate."

Beaujolais (or wines labelled as Gamay)

Beaujolais (or wines labelled as Gamay)

"Almost any beaujolais or gamay wine would be wine that would be made to certainly handle a little chilling," said Tidwell

Beaujolais is made from a special grape called gamay. The wine is great for chilling because it does not have any oak barrel treatment and light in taste.

Brachetto d'acqui

Brachetto d

Almost on the opposite side of the spectrum of Lambrusco is Brachetto d'Acqui. Tidwell describes it as the red version of Moscato, a sweet white wine that is chilled.

"It's a red, fruity, slightly sweet and bubbly wine," said Tidwell. "It's almost like a refreshing cocktail in itself. It's not high in alcohol (around 7% or less) and perfect for 107 degree heat by the pool in August."


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