Chillable Red Wines - Sampler #1 (2025 Edition)

Clos des Fous "Mr. Chile" (Itata, Chile) - An expressive blend from Chile’s Itata Valley that captures the wild character of old bush vines and coastal granite soils. Composed of 68% Cinsault, 22% País, and 10% Carignan, it opens with a heady nose of ripe red raspberries, juicy red apple, rose petals, mint, eucalyptus, and a touch of tobacco. The palate is energetic and fruit-driven, bursting with raspberry and strawberry, followed by hints of caramel apple and a savory finish that evokes dark chocolate and Earl Grey tea. Medium tannins provide gentle grip, while native yeast fermentation and stainless steel aging preserve freshness and purity. Originally conceived as a collaboration between Clos des Fous, Brazos Wine, and Bacchanal in New Orleans, Mr. Chile is a joyful, chillable red that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roast pork, or even spicy seafood dishes.

Capitulo 7 "Belinda" (Mendoza, Argentina) - A strikingly fresh and unconventional blend from Mendoza, Argentina, marrying 55% Bonarda with 45% Pedro Ximénez—a red and white grape duo that somehow feels like long-lost lovers rediscovered. It pours a bright ruby red with a vivid magenta rim, and the nose is wild and aromatic, bursting with ripe red and blue berries, violets, and fresh herbs like sage. There’s a distinct mineral streak—crushed rock and iron—that gives the wine lift and tension. On the palate, it’s light yet firm, with tart red fruit, crisp acidity, and a structure that recalls Cru Beaujolais more than typical Argentine reds. The finish is mouthwatering and refreshing, and a slight chill brings out its best qualities, making it a versatile year-round option. With just 13.7% alcohol, it’s clean, vibrant, full of personality and great with a chill.

Claus Preisinger "Puszta Libre!" (Osterreich, Austria) - A joyful, biodynamic red from Burgenland, Austria, crafted as a tribute to glou-glou drinkability and natural winemaking. A blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent, it’s made with partial carbonic maceration and aged in large 3,000-liter casks, which gives it a juicy, lifted character while preserving texture and depth. In the glass, it pours a vibrant ruby with purple hues and opens with aromas of cherry cola, strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of violet florality. There’s also a subtle earthy edge—think wild blackberry, black plum, and balsamic—that adds savory complexity.  On the palate, it’s light-bodied, smooth, and energetic, with minimal tannins, bracing acidity, and a salty finish that makes it incredibly refreshing. With just 12% ABV, it’s ideal for chilling and sipping with abandon. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, fermented with native yeasts, and made with minimal intervention—Preisinger’s signature style.

Grape Abduction Co, "Awesome Mix #4" Red (Stajerske, Slovenia) - A wild, minimal-intervention blend from Stajerska, Slovenia that channels cosmic energy into a juicy, glou-glou-friendly bottle. Made primarily from Blaufränkisch, it pours a vibrant ruby and opens with pungent aromas of sour cherry, boysenberry, and a touch of cigar leaf. There’s a light funk—think mild barnyard and forest floor—that adds natural wine character without overwhelming the fruit. The palate is zippy and electric, with ripping acidity, crunchy red fruit, and a slightly savory finish that keeps things interesting. Aged for seven months in stainless steel and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it’s all about freshness, texture, and personality.This is a wine that begs to be chilled and shared—ideally with beef carpaccio, tomato-based dishes, or mushroom risotto. And yes, it comes in a 1-liter bottle, because one standard size just isn’t enough for this kind of party.

Santa Julia "La Vaquita" (Mendoaz, Argenaina) - Santa Julia's La Vaquita is a vibrant, natural clarete-style wine from Maipú in Mendoza, Argentina, made from a co-fermentation of 80% Malbec and 20% Torrontés. It pours a pale red with pink sparkles and opens with a fresh, fruity nose layered with floral notes—violets from the Malbec and orange blossom from the Torrontés. On the palate, it’s juicy and bold, with lively acidity and a velvety texture that makes it both refreshing and gastronomic. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts, bottled unfiltered, and made without added sulfites, reflecting Santa Julia’s commitment to organic and sustainable practices. Despite its light color and easy-drinking style, La Vaquita carries surprising depth, with flavors of savory plum, cherry, peach, and pomegranate. It’s a clean, expressive wine that pairs beautifully with paella, spiced vegetables, or pasta dishes, and it’s especially compelling when served slightly chilled. With 13.5–13.8% ABV, it’s a standout example of Argentina’s evolving natural wine scene.

Field Recordings "Freddo" Sangiovese (Paso Robles, CA) - Freddo is a chillable, low-intervention Sangiovese from Paso Robles that reimagines the grape with California flair and natural wine sensibility. It pours a vibrant ruby and opens with bright aromas of cranberry, Montmorency cherry, and strawberry jello, underscored by subtle spice and a touch of earth. On the palate, it’s light-bodied and zippy, with crisp acidity and a whisper of frizzante that adds a cleansing, refreshing edge. Unlike traditional Tuscan Sangiovese, Freddo leans into juicy red fruit and playful texture, making it ideal for casual sipping and warm-weather pairings. Fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly on fine lees, the wine preserves purity and freshness, with minimal sulfites and no added sugar. At just 11.9% ABV, it’s perfect served chilled and pairs effortlessly with antipasto platters, grilled vegetables, or even spicy street food.