Why Chilled Red Wines Are the Biggest Summer Wine Trend

The trend is increasing; young and elderly people want to try them. They are perfect for our moments with friends at an evening aperitivo or during our summer barbecues. Young, fruit-forward reds with gentle tannin, bright acidity and little or no oak aging naturally lend themselves to chilling. They offer a lively acidity and youthful tannins, making them the perfect glou-glou wines: light, fruit-forward, easy to enjoy in one sitting, and well-suited to chilling.

Not every red wine benefits from chilling. Full-bodied wines with powerful tannins and oak aging can lose complexity when served too cold, making the tannins feel firmer and muting their aromas. Wines such as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico docg are best enjoyed at their traditional serving temperature 18°C (64°F), where their richness and depth can be fully appreciated.

In this article, we are going to list three red wines from Lake Garda that should be served chilled during summer.

What Makes a Red Wine Suitable for Chilling?

BARDOLINO DOC

Putting a bottle of Bardolino doc, one of the most iconic Lake Garda red wines, in the fridge isn’t sacrilegious; it's one of the best ways to enjoy this iconic Lake Garda red wine during the summer. Light, vibrant and effortlessly refreshing, Bardolino DOC is the perfect summer red wine. Its naturally soft tannins and lively acidity make it perfect to enjoy slightly chilled. 

At Monte del Frà, a short cold maceration before fermentation and vinification in stainless steel help preserve the wine's bright aromas of wild strawberry, cherry and raspberry, enhanced by delicate hints of black pepper and sweet spices.

Serve Bardolino at 12–14°C (54–57°F) with grilled fish, pizza or Mediterranean summer dishes. Chilling the wine makes it feel even smoother and highlights its vibrant fruit, creating a refreshing balance with the slightly smoky, tangy flavors that develop when fish is cooked over the barbecue. If you're serving grilled meats instead, try Bardolino a little warmer, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), where its lively acidity helps cleanse the palate and complements richer flavors.

CORVINA IGT 

Made from 100% Corvina, this Lake Garda red wine celebrates Verona's most iconic grape in its purest expression. Naturally rich in juicy fruit and balanced by elegant tannins, Corvina wine is surprisingly enjoyable when served slightly chilled, making it an excellent choice for warm summer days.

At Monte del Frà, a gentle cold maceration followed by fermentation in stainless steel preserves its vibrant aromas of black cherry, berries and delicate spices, allowing the grape's freshness to shine through.

The ideal serving temperature is 14–15°C (57–59°F). Enjoy Corvina wine  with summer barbecues, cured meats, grilled fish or a generous sharing board with friends. It's a versatile summer red wine that brings together the freshness of a chilled white with the character and depth of a red.

VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC

Elegant, balanced and wonderfully versatile, Valpolicella Classico DOC is the perfect Lake Garda red wine for relaxed summer dinners. Produced from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grown in the historic hills of Valpolicella Classica, it offers floral notes, fresh cherries, plums, and subtle spices, with a smooth, harmonious finish. 

Its natural vibrant acidity and refined structure make it surprisingly enjoyable when served slightly chilled, around 14–15°C (57–59°F). At this temperature, the wine's fruit becomes even more expressive while maintaining the elegance that makes Valpolicella Classico so distinctive.

We recommend pairing it with pasta, grilled chicken, mushrooms, pizza or Mediterranean vegetable dishes, and enjoy it outdoors as the evening begins to cool - a wine that perfectly bridges the freshness of summer with the character of a classic Italian red.

A New Trend Rooted in Tradition

Around the world, chilled red wines are becoming one of the biggest wine trends of the summer. Around Lake Garda, however, this isn't really a trend—it's simply a natural way of enjoying wines that have always been defined by freshness, elegance and drinkability.

Whether you choose a vibrant Bardolino DOC, a fruit-driven Corvina IGT or an elegant Valpolicella Classico, don't be afraid to serve them a little cooler than usual. You may discover that your favorite summer red has been waiting in your fridge all along.

The next time you visit Lake Garda, order a chilled glass of red and experience a local tradition that the rest of the world is only just beginning to discover.