Chill the right bottle and you can enjoy a glass of red at the height of summer.

When you think about red wine it tends to conjure up warm and cosy images: fireplaces, roast dinners, and hearty glasses of full-bodied, deep red wine. Reaching for a big, bold shiraz during the sizzling Aussie summer doesn’t exactly sound like a treat, does it? But by only considering red wine during the cooler months of the year you’re depriving yourself one of the wine world’s best kept secrets: chilled red.

That’s right, the secret to enjoying red wine during summer is as simple as picking up the right bottle and serving it chilled. Not every style of red wine performs well once plonked into the ice bucket, but when you find the right one it’s magic. Turning down the temperature on lighter style reds transforms them into a super summer-friendly drink that’s bright, juicy, and most importantly, refreshing. Aromatic and light-bodied red varietals like pinot noir, grenache, and gamay (more on them below) are taken to thirst-quenching new heights once they’re cooled down.

To get you started this summer we’ve picked out six of our favourite red wines to serve chilled. Pick up a bottle, stick it on ice, and get ready to enjoy red wine all year round.

Yering Station Little Yering Pinot Noir

Yering Station is Victoria’s very first winery in the state’s oldest wine region, the Yarra Valley. As a region the Yarra Valley is celebrated for producing world-class pinot noir and with this Little Yering Pinot Noir you can see why. Bright, perfumed, and fresh, it’s one of the best value pinot noirs on the market and will go down a treat when served chilled.

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

Running With Bulls Barossa ‘Garnacha’ Grenache

With this bottle Running With The Bulls have created the perfect tapas wine, which is exactly how we’d recommend you drink it. Once chilled the vibrant, juicy flavours of the grenache really come through and deliver a top notch accompaniment to food. Pop the bottle on ice ahead of your next summer get together and snack the afternoon away.

Chaffey Bros Not Your Grandma’s Grenache Mourvedre

Like the name says, this is not your Grandma’s plonk. But we bet she asks for a try once she sees it poured in a glass. This absolutely luminous red wine has some of the best and brightest colour that you’ll ever come across. And that’s how it tastes too: bright, juicy, and kaleidoscopic thanks to its minimal intervention and hand-crafted production.

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

Tempus Two Fleur Grenache

If you’re new to chilled reds then consider this grenache your gateway. The delicately soft tannins make it ideal for serving chilled without removing all of the structure. And the dry finish means it’s perfect for someone who usually enjoys more medium-bodied wines like tempranillo or some cab savs. But even long-running fans of chilled red will get a kick out of the luscious red fruit flavour.

Francois Martenot Gamay

Gamay (also known as gamay noir) is a super-drinkable red wine varietal that doesn't get better with age and is ready to be enjoyed right now, in the moment. A cousin to pinot noir, gamay has a similar character with the added bonus of being slightly more floral. Francois Martenot Gamay is a great example of how the French have perfected this uncomplicated and easy-drinking drop.

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

Henry Fessy Gamay Noir

Henry Fessy is a traditional family run French wine house that has been running since 1888 — so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about making exceptional gamay. Their gamay noir is a deep ruby colour with stunning bursts of red fruit flavours and a little extra spice. It’s an extra soft wine on your palate which means it’s a real pleasure to drink once chilled.