There is a wine rule that refuses to die: red wine at room temperature, white wine cold. Like most wine rules, it is wrong — or at least, far too simplistic.
The truth is that some of the best drinking experiences of the summer come from red wine served slightly chilled. Here is everything you need to know.
WHY DO PEOPLE SERVE RED WINE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?
The 'room temperature' rule dates from a time when European rooms were significantly cooler than modern centrally heated homes — around 16-18°C rather than the 20-22°C most UK homes sit at today.
At 20°C+, a full-bodied red wine can taste hot, astringent, and heavy. The alcohol is more pronounced, the tannins feel harder, and the fruit loses freshness. Serving it slightly cooler — around 14-16°C — brings everything back into balance.
WHICH RED WINES ARE BEST SERVED CHILLED?
Not all reds benefit equally from chilling. Lighter reds with fresh fruit character and lower tannins respond best. These include Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Zweigelt — and the increasingly popular category of light, juicy reds specifically designed to be chilled.
Left on Red by Loco Wines is designed specifically for this. Made from Zweigelt and Blauer Portugieser grapes grown in the Kremstal region of Austria by the Hoch family, it is light, juicy, and full of fresh red fruit — raspberry, cherry, and plum. Pop it in the fridge for 30-45 minutes before serving and it transforms.
HOW COLD SHOULD CHILLED RED WINE BE?
For light reds like Left on Red, aim for around 12-14°C — roughly 30-45 minutes in the fridge from room temperature, or 15 minutes in an ice bucket.
You are not chilling it to the temperature of a white wine. You are just taking the edge off. The difference in taste is significant.
WHAT FOOD PAIRS WITH CHILLED RED WINE?
Chilled light reds are extraordinarily versatile. They work brilliantly with charcuterie and cured meats, pizza and pasta, grilled chicken, salmon, and even — controversially — fish and chips. The freshness and acidity make them cut through food in a way that heavier reds cannot.
They also work on their own, which is increasingly rare for red wine at a summer barbecue or garden party. Left on Red is the red wine for people who think they do not like red wine in summer.
OTHER WINES TO SERVE CHILLED
White wines: Serve all white wines chilled — around 8-12°C. Lighter, more aromatic whites like Rizzling (our organic Riesling) are best at the cooler end of that range.
Sparkling wines: Always serve cold — 6-8°C. PROST! our pét-nat and Session Fizz our canned sparkling are best ice cold.
Orange wines: Serve at 12-14°C — a touch warmer than white wine to let the aromatics open up. Arriba and Skin Deep work beautifully at this temperature.
Rosé: Serve cold — 8-10°C. Thirst Trap, our organic Cinsault rosé from the South of France, is best served well chilled.
WHERE TO BUY CHILLED-FRIENDLY ORGANIC WINE
Left on Red and the full Loco Wines range are available at locowines.co.uk. All certified organic, all vegan friendly, all made by producers we genuinely believe in. Free delivery on orders over £100.
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