It’s difficult to remember a time when I didn’t enjoy a nice glass of wine. My first real encounter with the drink (sips on Christmas as a teenager don’t count) was in college when my friends and I would chip in to get the family size bottle of Yellowtail pink moscato. Thankfully, as I’ve matured, so has my taste in wine. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t have more to learn. My most recent lesson? Chilling certain types of red wine can actually enhance the flavor.
I recently visited Mendoza, Argentina, to tour vineyards (I absolutely loved Viña Cobos!) and learn about what sets the region apart from other wine areas around the world. One of the most popular varietals to come out of Mendoza is, unsurprisingly, malbec. On the trip, I learned from wine expert and sommelier Sarah Tracey that chilling malbec is a simple way to upgrade the wine. Plus, it makes it an even better option during the warmer months!
“We recommend serving red wines like malbec to the ideal temperature of 57°F to 61°F,” Viña Cobos’ Maca Esteller tells The Kitchn. “It enhances its fruity aromas and flavors, making the wine feel fresher and more vibrant. Serving malbec too warm can make the alcohol more pronounced and mute its aromatics, especially in wines with higher alcohol content.”
Esteller recommends chilling the malbec in a wine fridge or placing the bottle in a standard refrigerator for 30 minutes to gradually reach the recommended temperature. Try to avoid rapid chilling in the freezer, as this can destabilize the wine and cause sediment to form.
I have to admit that as someone who loves to enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner, I was shocked to learn that chilling malbec is recommended. I always thought red wine should be served at room temperature and white, orange, and rosé wines were better chilled.
“Many people associate red wine with room-temperature serving, a tradition from when rooms were naturally cooler,” Esteller continues. “Modern indoor environments are often warmer, leading to reds being served too warm and missing their optimal expression. There’s also a misconception that chilling will dull red wine’s flavors, when in fact, the right temperature enhances them.”
Viña Cobos creates delicious malbec varietals that are even better chilled. The Felino has a deep red color with violet tones. It includes aromas of plum, blueberries, and hints of flowers and menthol. It’s concentrated, balanced and juicy, and has a long finish.
The Bramare is slightly different from the Felino because it is a deep ruby red color with violet tones. It includes aromas of red fruit, plum, graphite and floral notes. It’s round and balanced, with sweet and juicy tannins.
Both wines would be delicious served at a summer BBQ or for an at-home date night. “Chilled Malbec is excellent with grilled or roasted red meats, especially Argentine asado, as well as lamb, goat, and even game,” Esteller explains. “It also pairs beautifully with dishes like mushroom and blue cheese risotto, thanks to its acidity and earthy notes, and can complement hearty, full-flavored foods.”
So, the next time you want to open a bottle of malbec, be sure to stick it in the fridge before enjoying it. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.