Light reds perfect for summer: enjoy them chilled and without complications

When the heat arrives, many wine lovers put red wines aside and switch straight to whites or rosés. It is an understandable reaction, but there is a category of wines that does not deserve to be abandoned in summer: light reds. Fresh, easy to drink, with soft tannins and an acidity that invites you to keep going: a well-chosen light red is one of the great pleasures of summer. The key is knowing which ones to choose and how to serve them. In this article we explain everything about light reds perfect for summer, and we leave you a selection of options from Ferrer Wines that fit perfectly with the warmest months of the year.

What makes a red wine suitable for summer?

Not all reds work equally well when temperatures rise. Wines with a lot of body, high alcohol content and very present tannins can feel heavy and not particularly refreshing in the middle of August. Light reds, on the other hand, have characteristics that make them especially enjoyable in summer: lower alcohol content, soft or almost imperceptible tannins, good acidity and fresh red fruit aromas that do not tire the palate. Another determining factor is serving temperature. A light red served between 14 °C and 16 °C, slightly below the usual, gains a great deal in freshness and is far more appealing than one served at room temperature on a hot day. Some winemakers even recommend putting the bottle in the fridge for twenty minutes before opening it.

The freshest grape varieties for the warm months

Some grape varieties naturally produce lighter, fresher wines that are ideal for summer. Garnacha is one of the most beloved in Spain for its fruity character and roundness on the palate. Young Tempranillo, with no time in oak or just a short ageing period, offers that characteristic freshness of red fruit without the heavy structure of the great reservas. Pinot Noir, a Burgundian variety that is also produced in Spain with very good results, stands out for its lightness and elegant aromas. And Malbec in more accessible versions brings a juiciness and deep colour that pleasantly surprises in summer. All these varieties share the fact that they do not need to be great wines made for ageing in order to be extraordinarily enjoyable. They are wines for the moment, for the terrace, for a long afternoon at the table or to accompany a good charcuterie board in the shade.

Light reds from Ferrer Wines: our selection for this summer

In the Ferrer Wines shop you will find several options that fit perfectly with what you are looking for in a summer red. Here are the ones we recommend most: Etcétera Tempranillo — 6.20 € An accessible, fresh and uncomplicated Tempranillo from La Rioja. With aromas of young red fruit and a clean, easy finish on the palate, it is the perfect everyday red for summer. Its price also makes it an excellent option for outdoor gatherings and celebrations. Valdubón Tempranillo — 6.95 € From Ribera del Duero, this Tempranillo from Valdubón is a perfect introduction to one of Spain’s most recognised wine regions in a light and affordable format. Fresh red fruit, good balance and a structure that does not weigh you down. Ideal to accompany grilled meats or semi-cured cheeses. Orube Garnacha — 9.50 € The Garnacha from Rioja in its most expressive and summery form. The Orube Garnacha has that fruity and warm character that defines this variety, but with enough lightness to enjoy it slightly chilled. Aromas of ripe red fruits, a hint of spice and a gentle finish that invites you to have another glass. Panot Gaudí Pinot Noir — 12.00 € Pinot Noir is perhaps the most summery of all red grape varieties. Light, elegant and with a natural acidity that makes it tremendously fresh on the palate. This version from Cavas Hill, part of the Panot Gaudí collection, is a different and sophisticated option for those who want to try something out of the ordinary this summer. Also perfect to accompany salmon, tuna or fusion cuisine dishes. Acordeón Malbec — 9.95 € An Argentine Malbec with a very defined personality: deep colour, ripe dark fruit and a medium body that makes it more versatile than its appearance might suggest. Served at the right temperature, it is surprisingly fresh and a great companion for summer barbecues.

How to pair them at the table

Light summer reds work especially well with food that is not too heavy either. Grilled meats, Iberian cold cuts, medium-intensity cheeses, pizzas, artisan burgers or pasta dishes with simple sauces are natural pairings for this type of wine. They can also accompany some oily fish dishes without any problem, such as bluefin tuna or sardines — something many consumers do not dare to try, but which gives surprisingly good results with a light Pinot Noir or Garnacha. If you are hosting a gathering with people of different tastes, a light red is usually the safest option to please everyone. It does not impose, it does not tire and it goes well with almost anything you put on the table.

Serving temperature: the detail that changes everything

We mentioned this earlier, but it deserves its own section because it is one of the most common mistakes. Serving a red in summer at room temperature, when the house may be 28 or 30 degrees, ruins even a good wine. Light reds should be served between 14 °C and 16 °C. If you do not have a wine fridge, simply put the bottle in a conventional refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before opening it. In summer, that small gesture makes an enormous difference in the glass.

The light red: the great misunderstood wine of summer

For years, red wine has carried the label of a heavy wine, a winter wine, for cold days and hearty meals. It is an image that does not do justice to an entire category of wines that, when well chosen and well served, are perfectly capable of shining in the middle of July or August. Wine tourism and the growing wine culture among consumers are helping to change that perception, and more and more people are discovering that a good light red can be just as refreshing and enjoyable as any white or rosé. This summer, dare to give red wine a chance. With any of the options we have shared from Ferrer Wines, you have an excellent starting point.