04-07-2025
Wine with Leslie: Looking for lighter reds that refrigerate well?
All this warm weather is largely welcome, I suppose, but it is not just me that is suffering, so are red wine drinkers looking for refreshment.
I do, of course, drink both white and red wine but her good self, the Engineer, has converted almost completely to red wine, and has resorted to putting bottles of red in the fridge.
I'm okay with this most of the time; we generally drink red wine far too warm (remember that 'room temperature' means 16-18 degrees), and as long as the wine is fruity and light then serving it cool or cold is fine by me.
Alcohol levels have never been higher, however, and these days finding wine at 13% or lower has become a challenge.
Best to look to mountainous regions and places like Austria which routinely has reds at 12%.
A few factors have led to wines having higher average alcohol, including better vine-husbandry, longer hangtimes and of course global warming.
Higher alcohol means higher calories, so I'm also seeing a push towards lower alcohol.
I mentioned the Traces (11% abv) range last December which is in Tesco, and lists calories on the front label (try the rosé).
The same folk have recently launched with a range of red and whites from well-known regions that contain zero sugar and ABVs at 13% and lower.
Suggestions this week are three reds for drinking cool: a cheapy, an old favourite and a wine with grapes you've never tasted.
Parraleta and Moristel are native to Somontano in the foothills of the Pyrenees where Tom and Emma Holt's 'Paso-Primero' wines are 'built on grit, heart and a deep love for the craft... for drinking, not thinking!' as Tom says.
In this region, you mostly find Garnacha and Tempranillo but Tom has revived these two local varieties almost single-handed.
Ancora Sangiovese IGT Puglia, Italy; €13.99
Ancora Sangiovese IGT Puglia, Italy; €13.99
This is only available online from Drink Well Ireland who focus on wines with full flavour but with lower alcohol (and thus lower calories).
This is riper and darker than a Sangiovese from Tuscany but comes in at 12.5%.
Ripe red and black fruits, supple and fruity and with balancing acidity. There is also an 11% Shiraz from David Peace.
Gran Cerdo Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain; €15.95
Gran Cerdo Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain; €15.95
JJ O'Driscolls; Bradleys; L'Atitude 51; World Wide Wines; Drink Store; LeCaveau;
I've featured this brilliant natural wine before but not this year and it is perfect for serving cool.
Biodynamic grapes with whole bunch fermentation, minimal intervention and low sulphur so expect bright primary fruit flavours - black cherries, raspberries and blueberry fruits, and an appealing freshness. Serve chilled or cool.
Paso Próximo, Somontano, Spain; €24.95
Paso Próximo, Somontano, Spain; €24.95
Vintry; On The Grapevine; Ely Wine Store;
This wine is new to Ireland and only beginning to appear on shelves.
Meaning 'First Step', this is from Tom and Emma Holt based in Somontano in N. Spain and made with organic local Moristel, Parraleta and Garnacha.
Bright, vibrant and juicy with big crunchy fruits, easy-going and moreish and perfect for serving cool or chilled.
Cider of the Week
Longueville House Cider, 5.5% ABV, 500ml, €4.50
Longueville House Cider, 5.5% ABV, 500ml, €4.50
Bradleys; Ardkeen; Carry Out; O'Briens; Independents;
I last featured Longueville in 2015, so surely time to remind you one of the great Cork drinks.
From Dabinett and Michelin apples harvested and pressed on their estate near Mallow, wild yeast fermented with nothing added (not even sulphur).
Golden in colour, apple and pear essence aromas, fruity and richly satisfying with a luscious but dry finish.
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