A Summer Selection: Bright and Bold Reds

As the warm season is in full swing, Sotheby’s Wine has curated a selection of red wines tailored perfectly for summer enjoyment. Three of these wines were featured at our June in-store Third-Thursday Tasting, largely ending up as crowd favorites.

With surprising color and structure for Beaujolais, Lafarge-Vial’s Fleurie “Clos du Vernay” shows a herbaceousness that adds a layer to its vibrant red fruit and floral notes, making it a quintessential charcuterie wine. From Jean-Claude Ramonet, a producer sought-after for his racy whites, comes this fragrant and supple Côteaux Bourguignons, made from young Pinot Noir vines of Chassagne-Montrachet.

With its eerie occhio-di-pernice hue, Roagna Comune di Barolo 2017’s gracious notes of withering roses and raspberry liqueur are carried on the palate by firm tannins and uplifting acidity. Definitely a bolder wine, to be paired with grilled meats.

Those seeking classicism will opt for Stater-West’s outstanding Saumur Rouge or the Pagodes de Cos, Cos d’Estournel’s second vin, whose vintage 2016 shows a welcome bit of evolution, with emerging leathery notes and polished tannins. Domaine Fourrier’s entry-level Bourgogne Rouge 2019 displays notes of cherry pits and spice, loose tannins, and a palate-cleansing brightness.

For this seasonal selection, we’ve also included a peppery Mencia from Bierzo (Perez) with a rustic and cool-climate character, a dense Garnacha with smoky notes (Mentridana), and a thirst-quenching Argentinian Pinot Noir from a Sassicaia heir, Barda.

Served slightly below cellar temperature, these easy-drinking reds are versatile at the table and will bring joy to your summer afternoons, barbecues, and other gatherings.