July is not a time to shy from bold red wines. Think about it: when the mercury rises as far as it has the last week plus, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. Instead you head out back to the grill. And what better accompaniment to a robust protein is there than a beefy red wine? Quite possibly… none. The key is to just get your beverage to the right temperature. Even if you can’t cool off, there’s no reason your wine shouldn’t! Give it a break from higher than desirable “room temp” by popping the bottle in your fridge for 20 minutes or so before uncorking it. No joke – you’re enjoyment, guaranteed, will be far superior! This month’s Wicked Wines will give you a few ideas to get you going. Check them out!

What’s your Go-To summer red?

And…. We’re off! The World Cup games have started so it is definitely time to uncork a few bottles and celebrate the games. Of course there’s no better way to do that than traveling the world a bit. This month our Wicked Wine tour starts in France, travels to Italy, then comes back to Portugal and ultimately flies south of the equator to the home of the games: South Africa. Who are you rooting for?

Which of these picks gets the most points on your tally sheet?

Ok, ok. So I’ve been off traveling the Southern Cote du Rhone and relishing the “in person”, “hands on” experience. That doesn’t mean I didn’t give great thought to and select May Wickeds before I left! Check ‘m out here.

Which of these are you likely to try?

We figure there’s no time like springtime to select wines that may tend to hibernate otherwise without a little special attention, simply because they are lesser known. So this April we’re keeping things both familiar (staying closer to home with domestic wine picks) and more… interesting! Our red wine choices don’t exactly roll off the tongue, but with such powerful juice in the bottle, we know that’s about to change. Enjoy learning about these noteworthy April Wicked Wines on Wicked Local today!

Are you familiar with any of these more off-the-beaten path picks?

Three big earthquakes now in so short a time. It’s a lot to digest. And with the biggest one having hit Chile, the 5^th largest exporter of wine to the United States, it seems only right to feature four of Chile’s most Wicked Wines this March.

For many wine drinkers, Chilean wines are an acquired taste. But if you have a little guidance, you can surely find some tremendously delicious and often fabulously priced wines. Pay respect to Chile (and to the many quake victims worldwide) by popping over to Wicked Local to see what deliciousness is in store for you this March!

What is your impression of Chilean wines?