After a long, wet winter spring has finally sprung! If you are familiar with Central Coast seasons, you know that it is only a matter of days until the weather is in the high 90s to 100s and we are seeking refuge from the heat with a cold drink in our hand. Finding a nice chilled wine is an easy feat for a white wine fan, but what about the red wine lovers?  You’re in luck! We asked our wineries what their favorite red wines are best served chilled so that you are prepared for the upcoming summer days.

Emercy Wines – 2020 Culver Cabernet Sauvignon

Cab lovers rejoice! Cabernet Sauvignon is not often the first red wine varietal you would think to chill, but Emercy has created a Cab perfect year round! “This beauty offers up a classic bouquet of blackcurrants, lead pencil, sandalwood, and sappy green herbs. Medium to full-bodied and impeccably balanced. ” Enjoy the Culver Cab at 55 degrees on those warmer days outside or at room temperature any time!

Stilson Cellars – 2019 The Return

A take on the popular blend GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) this Mourvèdre heavy blend is composed of 42% Mourvèdre, 38% Grenache, and 20% Syrah. “Fine-grained tannin cascade over the palate staging dimensions of spiced black cherry, cranberry crumble, vanilla latte, and Herbs de Provence. Underscored by a punchy acidity, the finish is seasoned with nuances of clove tobacco, pink peppercorn, and a dash of blood orange pith.” This blend offers all of the flavor profiles you could ask for in a medium-bodied red wine! Best served at 50-54°F.

Tablas Creek Vineyard – 2021 Counoise

Counoise, pronounced Coon-wahz, is a varietal you don’t hear about often, but is the perfect varietal to enjoy with a light chill to it. “The Counoise grape has an unusual combination of vibrant blue and purple fruit (blueberries and cranberries), sweet spice (nutmeg and cinnamon), light-to-medium body, bright acidity, ruby color, and soft tannin.”  Counoise’s light body allows for this wine to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature on these warm days. Tablas Creek suggests enjoying their 2021 Counoise at 58 degrees.

Thacher Winery & Vineyard – 2021 Cinsault

Cinsault (sin-so) is another hard-to-pronounce varietal that makes for a great chilled red. “A wine for every meal and season, this bottling offers cranberry, potpourri, dank herb, and fennel pollen on the nose. Crisp raspberry and pomegranate flavors enliven the palate, where cracked pepper and an array of herbs add complexity.” Similar to the Counoise in body, the Cinsault is also best served at 58 degrees.

Thibido Winery – Just Because 2021 – Carbonic Syrah

We are sure the word “carbonic” caught your eye. If you are not familiar with what a carbonic wine is or what makes a carbonic wine, this process is called carbonic maceration. This winemaking technique is often used to make red wines fruitier and soften their tannins. “Punchy tannins and bright berries make this carbonic Syrah an entertaining dinner guest. Forthcoming in flavor, offering layers of intrigue. We love this wine chilled down to 55 or at room temp. A deliciously fun wine!” If you want to learn more about carbonic maceration, check out this article by Wine Enthusiast!

Whatever you choose to put in your glass, we hope you beat the heat this summer enjoying some great Paso wines!