Reds for the Ice Bucket
by Tom Wolf and Meghan Foley
You should never feel like there are any rules in wine, but there are two Commandments most of us at Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant live by that have significantly raised the bar of pleasure over the years. The first is enjoying rosé year-round—not just in these hotter months—and the second is to put a chill on our favorite reds. Doing so heightens a red’s floral side while also rendering its bright fruit notes even more refreshing and vivid. If you are not yet a convert to the notion of red wine with a chill, there is no better place to start than with these three beautiful bottles from France and Italy. —T.W.
2024 Vin de France Rouge “Raisins Gaulois”
France | Beaujolais
Every decision the Lapierres make in the vineyard and the cellar is aimed at capturing Gamay at its most irresistibly drinkable. They harvest only from young vines for this cuvée, and age the wine for just a few months. This may seem like barely enough time for grapes to transform into wine, but that’s the point: to deliver the freshest Gamay possible. The 2024 is coursing with energy, and each sip delivers mouthfuls of fresh fruit. A wine as inviting as this one opens itself to endless pairing possibilities, from takeout burritos to your next picnic. —M.F.
2023 Valle d’Aosta Fumin
Italy | Valle d’Aosta
Capturing the purity of its mountainous terroir, this Fumin is the sort of bracing refreshment you’d hope to be served at an alpine rifugio, mouth parched from hiking up the steep slopes of Valle d’Aosta. Its vivid aromas of berries and herbs and a mouthwatering acidity are rejuvenating. But the longer you relax in the crisp air, the more complexity emerges with notes of plum and undercurrents of smoke and spice. This rosso’s lingering finish lasts almost as long as the trek down. —M.F.
2024 Méditerranée Rouge “Terre d’Ombre”
France | Provence
If I could snap my fingers and make any wine wish come true, it might be that all of our Bandol growers made a cuvée like this, declassifying their youngest vines in order to produce a “baby Bandol”—a more youthful and exuberant red at a more approachable price. Keeping essentially the same blend as his Bandol rouge, Reynald Delille aims to capture the class and character of his incredible Trias terroir, just with a touch more lighthearted whimsy. Open Reynald’s stony, dark-fruited, and most fun wine at your next cookout! —T.W.