We like to think we’re ahead of the curve in embracing new trends, especially those inspired by the European style of drinking. In recent years, summer wine has become synonymous with rosé. Don’t get us wrong – we’re as liable to reach for a bottle of the pink stuff as anyone else, but why not hop on the hottest (or coolest) trend and chill down your bottles of red wine?
A staple in French bistros for generations, this European style of red wine drinking is a great alternative to white or rosé for several reasons. In fact, we’d bet that it’s the next big movement akin to rosé as we see drinkers gravitate towards wines that are lighter in body, lower in sugar, and higher in acid.
So if you’re itching to try this new trend, then you’ve come to the right place. Meet Keep It Chill, Summer Water Rosé’s equally refreshing red counterpart. Red wines made in this fresh, vibrant style have bright, brambly flavors that pop when the wine’s temperature drops. Made from Gamay, Keep It Chill is packed with red fruit aromas that make it an ideal accompaniment to any alfresco meal.
The chillable red makes for a real crowd-pleaser for its versatility. For starters, they’re more forgiving of temperature fluctuations. In contrast to white and rosé wines, where people often have a “the colder the better” attitude, chilled reds actually drink best at slightly higher than fridge-level temps. 55-60°F is the ideal temperature for these bottles, but they are forgiving, going from cooler to picnic table with ease.
With more substance and tannins, Keep It Chill is able to stand up to heartier foods. If you’re having an outdoor barbeque in the heat of summer, you’ll want a refreshing drink. These lighter reds are the perfect solution for any foods hot off the grill. The smoky flavor of grilled meats or veggies pair perfectly with red wines that have a nice chill to them.
A charcuterie board is another ideal pairing for Keep It Chill. Packed with flavor and savory saltiness, cured meats can easily drown out white or rosé, but a red wine has the tannin to support this style of cuisine. Amp up the intensity with some cheeses – cheddar, pecorino, triple crème – and jams – fig or cherry – and you’ll have a cool new summer combo that you’ll revisit for years to come.
And finally, we have the easiest way to enjoy this trend – all on its own. Bolder, more structured reds can fatigue your palate, especially when you’re not having a meal at the same time. On the other hand, Keep It Chill has just the right amount of intensity and body, making it the perfect bottle to reach for at the end of a long day when you’re craving a red but don’t want to go all out.
