Can You Chill Red Wine?

When most people think of red wine, they imagine a bottle being served at room temperature, swirling elegantly in a glass. But did you know that some red wines actually taste better when slightly chilled? Chilling red wine can enhance its freshness, balance acidity, and make it even more enjoyable—especially during the warmer months.

Which Red Wines Should Be Chilled?

Not all red wines benefit from being chilled, but lighter reds with higher acidity and lower tannins tend to shine at cooler temperatures. Wines such as Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Zweigelt are excellent candidates. These varietals have bright fruit flavours and a vibrant structure that can become more pronounced with a slight chill. On the other hand, fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which have more tannins, can taste overly astringent when too cold.

A perfect example of a chillable red wine is Domaine de Leyre-Loup’s Morgon AOC which is made from 100% Gamay Noir grapes from Beaujolais, France.

How to Properly Chill Red Wine

To get the perfect chill, avoid storing red wine in the fridge for too long, as excessive cold can mute flavours. Instead, follow these simple guidelines:

• Refrigerator Method: Place the bottle in the fridge for 30–45 minutes before serving.
• Ice Bath: If you’re short on time, submerge the bottle in an ice-water bath for about 15 minutes.
• Wine Sleeve: A specialised wine chiller sleeve can be a quick and effective way to cool down your wine to the right temperature.

Aim for a serving temperature between 12-16°C (54-60°F) for the best balance of flavours and aromatics.

Why Chill Red Wine?

Chilling red wine can enhance its crispness, highlight its fruit-forward characteristics, and make it more refreshing. This is especially great for summer drinking, patio gatherings, and pairing with a variety of foods, from charcuterie boards to grilled seafood. The right temperature can also help moderate alcohol perception, making for a smoother sip.

Try a mixed case of Chillable Reds from The Daily Pour’s Shop!

Chillable Summer Reds

Lambrusco is another type of red wine that can *and should* be served cold. Read more about Lambrusco here: L’Acino Lambrusco

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can—and should—chill certain red wines! The key is knowing which wines work best and serving them at an optimal temperature to enhance their unique characteristics. Next time you’re sipping a glass of Gamay or Pinot Noir, try serving it slightly chilled and experience a whole new side of red wine enjoyment.

Looking to explore chilled-friendly red wines? Visit The Daily Pour’s Shop for a curated selection of boutique wines perfect for every occasion!