THE REDDER THE BETTER: THURSTQUEEN SHARES 5 BIG BOLD REDS FOR SUMMER SIPPING
For many, Summer is white or rosé season - and big red-lovers often feel left out in the heat. I’ve worked in wine for about ten years now, and over the years I’ve watched (often quite sadly) as big, structured reds have fallen out of favor for mineral-laden white wines. Now as much as I love the racy thrill of a Pfalz Muller Thurgau or a Kerner from Alto Adige, sometimes a girl wants to shake shit up, yaddidamean?
Anyway, you could imagine how excited I was when in my last position at Domestique Wines, there was plenty of buzz about 2023 being the year of big, bold, structured and high ABV - YAAS KWEEN - reds. Domestique was ranked by Wine Enthusiast as one of the top natural wine shops in the country, and I can say with confidence that those peeps know what they’re talking about.
Basically, big reds are back, betch! And since we’re highly likely smack in the middle of a recession, HIGH ALCOHOL IS BACK, BABY! No more of that sub 10% ABV shit, it’s time to hit up those 14-15% big AF reds.
So essentially, if you’re a #Cabernetallday kind of drinker, check out these sultry AF red wines to bring a little bit of heat to the Summer of 2023. These reds are meant to be enjoyed poolside or during your next grill out. Let’s get into it!
BIG RED 1: XINOMAVRO
If you’re the type of individual who loves big, bold Italian reds like Nebbiolo, you’re going to crush hard on Greece’s tannic varietal, Xinomavro. The name literally translates to “sour black,” and has major structure with its enormous tannins. Xinomavro is savory, with plenty of herbaceous characteristics - think major licorice vibes. Consider chilling this badass AF varietal, as the high acid in this wine is majorly thirst quenching and refreshing.
BIG RED 2:
NIELLUCCIO
Fans of Chianti’s big, Summer-ripened tomato vibes will fall hard for Corsican Nielluccio. This grape is actually genetically identical to Sangiovese, one of Tuscany’s most famous grapes. Nielluccio has loads of red fruit vibes with plenty of spice and thrives in hotter climates like Corsica. Nielluccio is a savory and sultry wine with plenty of black pepper aromas. Consider this the quintessential outdoor pizza party wine.
BIG RED 3:
NERO D’AVOLA
Syrah-lovers who are all about brooding inky fruit will fall hard for this feral varietal that grows in Sicily. Nero d’Avola is the quintessential Cabernet-lovers wine, and the best part? You can usually score excellent expressions of this wine at amazing values. Like seriously, some great Neros cost around $20.00. Bold and smoky, Nero d’Avola pairs great with any occasions that involve firing up the grill.
BIG RED 4:
NÉGRETTE
You’ll take one sip of this darkly floral, hedonistic and deliciously bent grape from Southwestern France and wonder… “Is it getting hot in here? Or is it just this sexy AF wine I’m having?” Négrette is an obscure varietal planted within Fronton that loves hot and dry weather. You can find great Cali expressions as well, like Ryan Stirm’s offering from his négociant label. The great thing about Négrette is it has all that bold, dark fruit yet isn’t massively structured and tannic, making you want to go for glass after glass of the stuff if big reds are your vibe.
BIG RED 5:
CARMÉNÈRE
Carménère, especially Chilean Carménère, is a powerfully tannic - and at times a bit spicy - kind of red grape. Though originally planted in Bordeaux, Carménère fairs really well within hotter climates in the Southern Hemisphere. Folks who love earthier, savory wines and dig grapes like Carignan will vibe really well with Carménère and should consider adding it to their rotation. As a bonus, Carménère is also nice with a little bit of chill on it and can also come in carbonic (aka glou glou) expressions.