SIX OF THE BEST... CHILLED REDS

CHILLED reds are an absolute winner during the summertime, especially when the sun's beating down and you're roasting your face over a sizzling hot barbeque. You don't have to unleash a full-on frost on reds to bring out their secret capacity to refresh- half an hour in the fridge or ice bucket is plenty to bring out the fruit, tighten up the structure and tickle your tongue as an alternative to whites or rosés. Red candidates for chilling need to be light in body - if you chill down a red that's as beefy as big daddy, it's a bit like chewing on rubber grapes. Tough work and supremely unrewarding.

Look for reds from cooler climates such as France's Loire Valley, Chile's Casablanca and some patches of New Zealand - or focus on grape varieties that have low tannin (the stuff in grape skins that dries your mouth out like a cup of over-stewed tea). Cabernet Franc, unoaked Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Garnacha/Grenache, Gamay, Pinot Noir and Nero d’Avola are your best bets. Never chill down old reds; the more savoury it is, the more it'll taste like drinking a dirty iced lolly. You want fruit-driven, pure reds and aim for around 11-12 degrees celsius to whip them into prime lickable shape. If in doubt, experiment - cheers!

AVAILABLE FROM WAITROSE

Cono Sur Pinot Noir, Rapel Valley - value Pinot Noir is hard to come by and this is still a reasonable purchase – chill down for a glass of chilled Chilean vino. Taste with tuna or swordfish.

Les Nivieres Saumur 2007 - Les Nivieres Saumur 2007  is a soft red Loire wine made of Cabernet Franc with dark fruit and brilliant with cured meats or lamb from the barbeque.

Cerasuolo De Vottoria - Cerasuolo di Vottoria  - an absolutely brilliant red wine that smells like honey – sniff it. It’s a magnificent fragrant blend of Nero D’Avola and Frappato from Sicily. Have it!

THE BEST OF THE REST

Asda Extra Special Beaujolais Villages 2007 (Asda) is a bit of a bargain for a light glass of chilled summery red fruit. Grab a slither of cured meat and devour it alongside this wine.