A common misconception rooted in the world of wine is that white is for summer and red for winter. Yet, a journey through the gentle hills of Piedmont or the asados in Argentina during the warm season will reveal a surprising truth: red wine does not disappear with the arrival of the first heat waves. While some reds may seem intense under the summer sun, others, light and fruity, are a true ode to the season.

In recent years, chilled reds have won the palate of many, although the idea persists that only Pinot Noir deserves a place in the fridge. Certainly, Pinot Noir, with its light body, benefits from the cold, but other varieties like Frappato, Dolcetto, and even Malbec are no less.

Here are some proposals from our ArsWine.it sommeliers for an unforgettable summer marked by fresh reds!

Chionetti, Dolcetto di Dogliani "San Luigi"

A bright and charming bouquet welcomes the nose as this Chionetti Dolcetto opens in the glass. On the palate, it is soft, with juicy notes of red cherry and raspberry that stand out more when served fresh. It is the perfect pairing with a wood-fired pizza.

Heinrich Zweigelt

Zweigelt, a harmonious cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, shines cold with dense tannins and aromas of morello cherry. Heinrich's Zweigelt highlights the best qualities of the grape, with notes of dried herbs and white pepper spices on the nose, and a palate rich in red fruits. Try it with a watermelon, feta, and mint salad for a pairing that enhances the wine's freshness.

Kosta Browne Monte Carmelo, Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir from the Central Coast is a summer surprise, able to accompany game meats in winter and delight with cold cuts on a summer evening. The wine offers a clean mineral structure, with notes of morello cherry and red gooseberry, for a sip that enchants and invites you to drink more.

Donnafugata Bell'Assai Vittoria DOC Frappato Sicilia

Frappato is a very fresh wine much loved in Sicily, and this bottle from the Donnafugata winery is a true testament to its excellence. The nose is a seductive weave of freesia and strawberry, while on the palate velvety tannins and persistent cherry merge. Perfect with grilled shrimp on a barley and aromatic herbs salad, for a pairing that tastes of sea and sun.

Elena Walch Schiava

In Alto Adige, Schiava is the summer wine. Elena Walch creates a style that captures the lively acidity of cranberry and the juiciness of strawberry, with a light acidity and tannins that persist in a refined finish. This bottle invites you to enjoy fresh pasta with tomato and a touch of basil, in a blend of flavors and traditions.

Our Arswine.it Sommelier team has decided to award as a wine to serve very fresh, the Salina Rosso di Colosi. A blend of Nerello cappuccio and Nerello mascalese. Persistent, fruity, with notes of ripe cherry, vanilla, black pepper. Just the right sapidity that enhances it when paired with game, complex cheeses, elaborate sauces