As temperatures rise and palates shift toward freshness, wine buyers know the season calls for more than just rosé and whites. Enter chillable reds—vibrant, versatile, and increasingly in demand. These are the wines that thrive with a slight chill, offering fruit-forward character, zippy acidity, and lower tannins, making them ideal for warm-weather sipping. Whether you’re curating a seasonal shelf or refreshing your by-the-glass list, here are five standout bottles that balance approachability with intrigue, and absolutely shine when served cool.
KC Labs Zinfandel
California, USA
This is not your average Mendocino Zin. From the experimental arm of Kivelstadt Cellars, KC Labs Zinfandel is light on its feet, with crunchy red fruit, subtle spice, and just enough wildness to keep things exciting. It’s a fresh, low-intervention take on a classic California grape—bright, energetic, and a natural fit for chilling. It’s Zin for the Pinot crowd and a great introduction to chillable reds for hesitant drinkers.
Why buy it: New-school California flair, natural wine appeal, and major patio potential.
Certified Organic, KC Labs Zin hails from 70+ year old vines.
El Pacto ‘Ojo Gallo’
Rioja, Spain
El Pacto’s Ojo Gallo harkens back to old-school, forgotten village wines, combining Garnacha with Viura in what’s called a “claret-style” Rioja. Lifted aromatics, delicate structure, and notes of strawberry yogurt and balsamic (attributed to the addition of a white varietal) sets it apart. Made from high-altitude, old-vine fruit and fermented for freshness, this wine delivers purity and elegance with a cool-climate edge. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes and watch it fly off your shelf.
Why buy it: A rising star among critics, terroir-driven character and wide food-pairing range.
El Pacto (The Pact) is a commitment to small-scale farming and natural viticulture, aimed at preserving a precious winemaking heritage.
Paladin Raboso Fiore
Veneto, Italy
For customers craving bubbles and boldness, Paladin Raboso Fiore checks every box. This unique sparkling red from Veneto is made from the traditional native Raboso grape. Back in the Roman era, Raboso was once the most widely planted red in Northeastern Italy and was prized for its its tart, juicy, and black cherry and wild berry flavors. Today the Paladin family brings new life to this historic grape: it’s lightly fizzy, off-dry, and unapologetically fun. Great for aperitivo hour, barbecue season, or anyone looking for something unexpected.
Why buy it: Crowd-pleasing, playful, and a natural upsell for Lambrusco lovers.
Now in its 3rd generation, Paladin was founded in 1962 in Motta di Livenza, near Treviso.
Lubanzi Cinsault
Swartland, South Africa
Cinsault is having a moment, dubbed ‘the Pinot Noir of Swartland’, and Lubanzi nails the category. From sustainable vineyards in South Africa, this bottle offers chewy red fruit, gentle floral notes, and minty tannin in a moderate-alcohol frame. It’s unfussy, affordable, and incredibly easy to love. Best of all, Lubanzi is a certified B Corp, Fair Trade and 100% carbon neutral brand—an ethical choice as well as a delicious one.
Why buy it: Value-driven, socially responsible, and tailor-made for summer retail.
Lubanzi Cinsault is made from 36-year-old, dry-farmed grapes.
Teliani Valley Kindzmarauli
Kakheti, Georgia
(Note: Currently only available in the Texas market)
Travel with us to the cradle of wine’s earliest recorded origins for a bottle that’s outside the box. Chillable, semi-sweet, and deeply intriguing, Teliani Valley’s Kindzmarauli brings Georgian heritage to the summer red lineup. Made from the Saperavi grape and fermented to retain natural sugar, it’s plush yet balanced, with notes of blackberry, dark plum, and a whisper of spice. Serve lightly chilled and watch it win over sweet red and dry red drinkers alike.
Why buy it: A bridge between traditional and adventurous, with strong hand-sell appeal.
Teliani Valley Winery is currently one of the top producers of quality Georgian wine and has the longest tenure on the American market of any Georgian company, to date!
Chillable reds continue to carve out space on summer wine lists with bright fruit, approachable structure, and seasonal charm. These five bottles reflect a range of styles and origins but share a common thread: they’re made to be enjoyed cool and without pretense. Stock them now to stay ahead of the curve—and give your customers more ways to raise a (refreshing) glass all summer long.