It’s summertime and the living is easy. Thank you, George Gershwin, whose song ‘Summertime,’ written in 1934 for the opera Porgy & Bess, conjures a sultry, carefree mood that sets the tone for summer.

What does ‘living easy’ in the summertime mean to you? For me, it’s fuss-free dinners that include simple-to-prepare grilled fish, fresh-from-the-farm vegetables and fruits, and low-alcohol wines that are fresh, juicy, and chilled.

While whites and rosés get all the summertime glory, there’s a whole world of red wines that belong in the mix, too. I’m talking about those with little to no oak aging—light in body with bright acidity, low tannins, and delicate fruit flavors. These are the reds that are perfect for warm-weather sipping.

A Few Chill-Worthy Reds

If you're looking to stock your fridge with some lively reds that can handle the heat, here are a few bottles I’ve recently sampled that deliver both freshness and flavor without being heavy or tannic.

Hermann Moser Zweigelt 2020 (Kremstal, Austria)
Zweigelt doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but this bottling from Hermann Moser makes a strong case for the grape’s summer-friendly charm. It’s bursting with juicy red berry fruit—think raspberry and sour cherry—with just enough acidity to keep it bright and lively. The tannins are whisper-soft, making it perfect for chilling and sipping on a warm evening. Try it with grilled bratwurst, herby pasta dishes, or even a tomato salad. ($16)

Can’t find this Zweigelt? Try another light and fruity one from Weingut Wiederstein.

Avaline Red Blend
I’ll admit I’m usually skeptical of “celebrity” wines, but this one surprised me. The winery was co-founded by actress Cameron Diaz and entrepreneur Katherine Power, and the wines are made from organically farmed grapes. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault, this red blend bursts with juicy cherry and blackberry flavors. It’s lifted by a savory streak of tobacco and a touch of tar that adds depth. Light, fresh, and totally chillable, it’s a pizza-night winner and a reliable everyday red. ($24)

**the label lists ingredients and nutritional information—something you rarely see in the wine world.**

Whitehall Lane Pinot Noir Sonoma Stage Vineyard 2021 (Sonoma, CA)
From a windswept site in Sonoma’s Petaluma Gap, this Pinot Noir offers a beautifully layered expression of cool-climate fruit. Silky tannins and subtle hints of spice and forest floor frame lively notes of red cherry and pomegranate. Elegant yet vibrant, this chillable red works just as well with grilled salmon as it does with a plate of cheese and charcuterie. ($45)

Dr. Konstantin Frank Lena Reserve Red Wine 2022 (Finger Lakes, NY)
This unusual red blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 12% Pinot Noir, and 12% Blaufränkisch is light in body yet full of character. It opens with tangy red cherry and cranberry notes, backed by a subtle earthiness and a touch of spice. Medium to low in tannins with a dusty texture, it’s the kind of wine you can serve with a slight chill and pair with everything from grilled sausages to veggie kebabs. A great introduction to what the region can do beyond Riesling. ($59)