Kentlands Wine Club — July Meeting

Chillable Reds

It’s not just white and rosé that will take a chill without losing its character

With temperatures rising into triple digits this month, it’s time for us to focus on wine that will take a chill. (We don’t mean plopping a few ice cubes in your glass, but Rob will look the other way if you must!) White wine and rosé drinkers are accustomed to keeping their wine on ice, but in case you haven’t noticed, we’re a decidedly red-wine drinking crowd. Thankfully there’s a growing movement in the wine world to produce and promote so-called “chillable reds.” Some are new wines made from red grapes but specifically in a lighter, crisper style meant to be chilled. (For example, Garnachill – a new take on Garnacha from Spain – available right here in the ‘hood up at Grape Escape.)

There are also plenty of traditional reds that are lighter in body and won’t lose their flavors when chilled; think lighter styles of Pinot Noir or Beaujolais from France (or any wine made with the Gamay grape).  A few more obscure, hard to find options for the adventurous among us are Cinsault (from southern France and pronounced “sin-so”), Frappato from Sicily, Bonarda (originally from Italy but more commonly found in Argentina), Austrian Zweiglt or Italy’s Valpolicella (not to be confused with Amarone or Ripasso, made in Valpolicella from the same Corvino grape but sun-dried for concentration). Email Rob if you’d like suggestions on where to find some good candidates. We’ll have extra ice on hand and will accept any chilled wine, so white and rosé drinkers feel free to bring one of your favorites to share if you’re not into chilled reds. And don’t forget some light fare that will go with the wine and won’t wilt in this heat. Leftovers from your 4th of July barbeque or a recent graduation party may do.

Looking forward to chillin’ with you all on Friday.

Cheers!

Membership is open to individuals aged 21 and over who register online by agreeing to the Membership Statement and contributing an annual donation of $30 per person through the Kentlands Community Foundation. This fee helps cover regular club expenses, though additional costs may apply for special events.

Registered members may bring one guest (21+) up to two times per year. To ensure an enjoyable experience for all, the committee may limit the number of guests based on event space availability.