Five great value summer reds
Nevermind all of that rosé hype, if you'd rather stick to red wine this summer then Decanter.com is here to help. See five of the best summer reds below - and find out where to buy them.
Many wine lovers instinctively reach for the Provence rosé or fresh, crisp whites at the first hint of summer sun. Failing that, sales of Prosecco and sparkling wine in general have soared in several countries in the last few years, including the UK and US.
But, don’t overlook lighter reds on your summer wines shopping list. Here’s five great value summer reds to try, courtesy of Decanter’s team of expert tasters.
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Alpha Box & Dice, Dead Winemaker's Society Dolcetto, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia, 2015
91
Another exciting wine from the Fairweather brothers, Dylan and Justin, and their winemaker Sam Berketa, who are about 80% towards their aim of having a wine for each letter of the alphabet. D is for Dolcetto, and is dedicated to Piedmont legend Bartolo Mascarello and his traditional, hands-off approach to winemaking. Fruit is from 20 year old vines, matured in neutral oak so the fresh red cherry fruit shines through. Juicy, lightly spiced and dangerously quaffable.
2015
Alpha Box & DiceAdelaide Hills
Hans Igler, Classic Blaufrankisch, Burgenland, Austria, 2015
90
Blaufränkisch is a great choice when you're looking for a good value, medium-bodied and versatile red on a restaurant wine list – try it next time you order duck. Hans Igler was one of the first estates to produce premium reds in Austria's Burgenland region. After his death, his daughter Waltraud and her husband Wolfgang Reisner took the reins. This is among their entry-level reds, and is a joyful glass, dancing with juicy, ripe black cherry fruit. It's not hugely complex, but is a very enjoyable alternative to Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
2015
Hans Igler
The Ned, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2016
89
A crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir that delivers smoky, toasty oak on the nose balanced by red cherry fruits. It has a light body and smooth texture and the aromas are mirrored on the palate with wood influence adding structure and depth. One for roast ham, white meats or even on its own.
2016
The Ned
Caruso & Minini, Terre di Giumara Frappato Nerello Mascalese, Sicily, Italy, 2015
Fermented in stainless steel, with a third then racked into oak tonneaux for eight months. A light, fresh cherry character fills the glass, with darker...
2015
Caruso & Minini
Louis Tête, Beaujolais, Villages, Burgundy, France, 2016
89
The 50-year-old vines are hand-harvested and aged in stainless steel, producing a broad and fleshy Villages with ripe raspberry and spice flavours. The acidity is well defined, lending bite and length to the palate.
2016
Louis TêteBeaujolais
