Best tips to savor a refreshing glass of wine in the heat of summer

As the sweltering summer season firmly establishes its hold, we all seek reprieve from the scorching temperatures with plans revolving around the pool, the beach, and a glass of wine under the setting sun or during the appetizer course. However, achieving the ideal wine temperature amidst the current climate can be a challenging endeavor. In order to aid in this venture, we've compiled a comprehensive list of expert tips to enrich your wine-drinking experience during these balmy summer months:

Storing Your Wine Correctly

First and foremost, it is imperative to shield your wine from direct sunlight. The sun's rays accelerate chemical reactions that can drastically alter the wine's characteristics. Just as we lather ourselves in sunscreen, our wine too should be protected from sun exposure.

Ideal Chilling Method

If you're aiming to impress your guests, avoid resorting to the freezer to cool your wine. The ideal way to chill your wine to perfection is by placing it in the refrigerator for approximately an hour and then removing it 10 minutes prior to serving. This technique will ensure that your wine reaches its optimal temperature.

Avoid Overfilling the Glass

Overfilling a wine glass is a common pitfall. To prevent the wine from warming and evaporating, which could ruin its taste, it's advised to refrain from filling the wine glass to the brim. The advantage of this method is that you can top up your wine glass regularly, ensuring that your wine remains cool and refreshing.

Glass Selection and Handling

Always serve wine in a tall-stemmed glass, especially during summer, as it helps keep the wine cool for longer periods. If you're a true wine lover, you'll remember to avoid holding the glass by its bowl. Always grasp the stem to prevent your hand's warmth from heating the wine too quickly, which could alter its properties and degrade its ideal qualities.

Opt for Lower-Alcohol Wines

Amidst the heat of summer, it's best to choose young, cool wines with a lower alcohol content. This is why light, crisp white and rosé wines are perfect for the season.

Maintain Ideal Serving Temperature

One of the most egregious errors you can make is to leave your wine at room temperature, especially when summer temperatures can soar to 40ºC. Each type of wine requires a specific serving temperature. For instance, white wine should be served between 7 and 9ºC, while rosé wine is best enjoyed between 10 and 12ºC.

Find the Perfect Food Pairing

Summer wines can be exquisitely paired thanks to the seasonal temperatures and availability of certain food items. Fruits and vegetables, seafood from our coasts, or meats are all excellent dishes for a perfect pairing. We propose two unique pairings for the refreshing wines of this summer.

A Little Secret

True wine enthusiasts know that adding ice to a glass of wine is considered a disastrous act. A clever workaround is to always keep washed and frozen grapes on hand. You can add these to your wine glass for an extra touch of coolness. Another increasingly popular option is the use of stainless-steel ice cubes, a reusable version of traditional ice cubes, which cool your wine without altering its flavor.

Summertime presents an opportunity to further explore and savor the world of wine. The application of these simple but effective tips will certainly enhance your enjoyment of a perfectly chilled glass of wine in the warmth of the season. As you sit back and sip your perfectly cooled, ideally paired wine, you'll truly capture the hedonistic essence of a summer well spent.

Note: Wine, like many other experiences, is subjective. These guidelines aim to enhance your experience, but remember that the most important thing is that you enjoy your wine, your way.