THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIGHT RED WINES
Light red wines are all about easy drinking and vibrant flavors. They're perfect for those seeking a refreshing and approachable red wine experience, without the intensity of more complex styles. This guide dives into the world of light reds, exploring:
- Popular types and their distinctive characteristics
- Perfect pairings for a delightful dining experience
- Top grape varieties for creating chilled delicious reds
WHY CHOOSE A LIGHT RED WINE?
Light red wines boast a slender body, a smooth sip, and low tannins. They often have a ruby red or light garnet color, with delightful aromas of fresh red fruits like cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Their higher acidity creates a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes..
Here are three reasons why you'll love light red wines:
- Versatility: Enjoy them with cured meats, salads, fresh cheeses, and even some fish dishes.
- Lower Alcohol: Light reds typically have a lower alcohol content, making them perfect for enjoying at a slightly cooler temperature than other reds.
- Easy Drinking: Ideal for bag-in-box packaging, these wines are ready to enjoy fresh from the harvest. No need for long aging!
THE NOBLE GRAPE VARIETIES FOR A LIGHT RED
Several grape varieties excel at creating light and delicious wines:
- Pinot Noir: Known for its elegance and complexity, Pinot Noir can also produce simpler reds with fresh fruit and spicy notes. Try our Pinot Noir Bio - Sfusobuono for a taste!
- Dolcetto: This Italian grape variety produces fruity, fresh wines with a bouquet of black cherries and plums. Don't let the name fool you – Dolcetto wines are dry and balanced.
- Barbera: Certain vinifications of Barbera can create light-bodied wines with smooth drinkability, especially when aged in steel vats. Explore Vino da Sete - Tenuta il Nespolo, a blend of Barbera, Freisa, and Sangiovese, for a perfect example.
SERVING LIGHT BODIED RED WINES
To fully appreciate the delicate nuances of light-bodied red wines, serving them at the optimal temperature is crucial. Here's how to enhance your experience:
Summer: For a refreshing taste, serve light-bodied reds slightly chilled, around 10-12°C. This brings out their fresh, fruity notes.
General Recommendation: While traditional wine guides often discourage refrigerating red wines, we believe that light-bodied reds benefit from a lower serving temperature.
Red Wine Glasses: Use red wine glasses with a shape that allows the wine to breathe, releasing its aromas and flavors.
Vintage Charm: Especially for red boxed wines, consider using slightly vintage glasses reminiscent of old-fashioned taverns
Classic Choice: A classic tulip glass with a medium opening can also elevate the tasting experience.
FOOD PAIRING
Light-bodied red wines are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some suggestions of starters and main dishes:
- Bruschetta: Enjoy classic Italian bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Savory Pies: Pair with savory pies made with mixed seasonal vegetables and cheese.
- Charcuterie: Complement a board of local cold cuts or a tartare with a light-bodied red like our Grignolino Piemonte DOC - Sfusobuono.
Italian Classics: Pizza margherita and spaghetti al pomodoro are perfect pairings for light-bodied reds.
Flavor Balance: The acidity of tomato sauce and sweetness of pasta require a soft, not-too-tannic wine. A Pinot Noir is the ideal choice, offering a fresh, cleansing sip.
