Fiona Beckett in the Guardian Newspaper, discusses the shift towards lighter red wines suitable for spring, highlighting the changing preferences in wine styles towards lighter, fresher varieties. This change isn’t limited to traditional wine regions but is also seen in areas like Australia, South Africa and Chile. Even grapes typically associated with fuller-bodied wines, such as Grenache and Shiraz, are being produced in lighter styles.
The author suggests looking for specific grape varieties known for producing lighter reds, such as Cinsault, Gamay, and Pinot Noir, and notes the influence of vintage, winemaking techniques and serving temperature on the wine’s lightness. The article concludes with a list of some recommended light red wines:
Adnams Cinsault Darling 2020
Price: £7.99, ABV: 13.5%
A surprisingly fresh South African wine, great value.
Co-op Irresistible Pinot Noir Valle de Casablanca 2021
Price: £8 (on offer), ABV: 14%
Features generous ripe cherry fruit, recommended with duck.
Tenuta Fernanda Cappello Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2022
Price: £12.40, ABV: 13%
A delicious, light, herby red commonly found in Venice’s wine bars.
Pizzini Nonna Gisella Sangiovese 2022
Price: £13.97 (on offer), or £12.48 as part of a mixed dozen; £16.25 NY Wines, ABV: 13.9%
A light red from Australia, ideal for casual gatherings with pizza.
Frédéric Berne Pierre Bleue Beaujolais Lantignié
Price: £22.45 Shelved Wine, £23.98 3-wines.com, ABV: 13%
A young, fresh and vibrant Beaujolais from the 2022 vintage and Lantignié appellation.
