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Sep 18 2026
Popular Chilled Spanish Red Wines to Try
Wineries around Spain are seeing a rise in popularity for lighter, refined red wines. In the last few years and particularly with young adult consumers, these terroir-driven and singular varietal reds have enjoyed an increased interest, for their versatility and easiness. These types of lighter red wine go hand-in-hand with the preference for chilled wines in milder weather - at a picnic, BBQ, or celebration such as a wedding - because some of Spain’s lighter reds actually benefit from a short spell in the refrigerator.
Chilling certain red wines will bring out their fruitiness, adding freshness and taming the alcohol. This is ideal for light Spanish red wines, but not recommended for highly oaked reserva or high-tannin reds, as the tannins will taste too bitter. The general rule of thumb is to look for young, fruit-forward wines that have not been barrel-aged, and keep them in the fridge for half an hour, so that their service temperature reaches around 14C - optimal for enjoyment.
Here are several Spanish varieties that thrive when served slightly chilled in summer.
Trepat from DO Conca de Barberà
This lesser-known Trepat variety from DO Conca de Barberà in Catalonia is gaining international appeal, thanks to its lively acidity, balsamic notes and red berry aromas. It pairs well with cold pickled skewers, or if a chilled red is needed for a mixed paella, this is the one.
Old-vine Garnacha from DO Calatayud
Located in the pre-Pyrenees, old-vine Garnacha wines from the mountainous area of DO Calatayud are darkly cherry-hued, fruit-forward and slightly spicy or mineral. They are ideal for summer wedding menus, served slightly chilled with grilled vegetables and lighter main courses.
Mencía from DO Bierzo
Native to northern Spain, the lighter aromatics and earthiness of a Mencía red wine are often compared to Pinot Noir, with red fruit, licorice and blackberry notes. Mencía wines from DO Bierzo are best served chilled as an aperitif with a charcuterie board and cheeses with herbs.
Bobal from DO Utiel-Requena
The rising star of lighter red wines and rosés from southeastern Spain, the densely fruity, velvety undertones of Bobal from DO Utiel-Requena become punchy when chilled. They are a perfect complement to tangy BBQ flavors, and a Bobal rosé is excellent with sticky ribs or wings.
Young Tempranillo from DOC Rioja
Forget the aged Rioja reds in the summer and opt for a lighter counterpart with a young Tempranillo from DOC Rioja - its naturally bright profile can include berry notes and floral violet undertones. This red, when chilled, goes with casual tapas, or BBQ sausages and burgers.
So whatever the occasion, be it a picnic, BBQ or a more formal event, Spanish chilled red wines will be the welcome surprise on the menu.