CorkSavvy

On sweaty summer days a cold glass of wine is the perfect refresher. So why should whites have all the fun? There are plenty of red wines that taste great cold, too.

Just about any red that’s high in alcohol will be better after twenty minutes in the fridge, as the cold will take the "heat" out of the wine. Big reds from sunny climates like those in California and Australia will taste notably "cooler" after a quick chill. Those that are low in tannins are great at even colder temperatures, so feel free to keep them in an ice bucket or refrigerate them an hour or more. With that in mind, here are a few wines we’d like to put on ice:

A light or medium-bodied Pinot Noir can be fantastic after a 20-minute stint in the refrigerator. Try Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2006 from New Zealand.

Ripe, juicy Beaujolais is France’s answer to the wine cooler. Try an easy drinking Beaujolais Villages, such as Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2002 . Or for something with a little more body and earthiness, try a cru Beaujolais, such as Chateau de la Chaize Brouilly NV. Both are wonderful after a thorough chilling.

France’s Loire Valley produces Chinon from Cabernet Franc grapes that are all at once fruity, earthy and lively with an acidity that makes them a wonderful match with food. Try Bernard Baudry Chinon Clos Guillot 2005. --J.L.