PHEW what a scorcher. (Well, until today's predicted rain anyway.)

After the sun came out, most people would probably have opted for a cold white wine (or one of them lager things) straight out the fridge. Crisp, refreshing and lovely.

But there are red wines which can do the same job, perhaps even better.

Indeed this column has been a fan of refrigerated reds ever since a locals' bar outside Pescia train station charged less than a euro for a massive round glass of fridge-cold, unlabelled red wine at the end of a long sweaty journey several moons ago.

But aren’t red wines supposed to be served at “room temperature”? Well, not really.

For a start, “room temperature” when it comes to wine doesn’t necessarily mean the temperature of the room, silly as that sounds. It’s just an easy-ish way of saying give it plenty of time to warm up out of the cellar and whatever you do, don’t put it in the freezer. Generally, the bigger the red wine, the warmer it should be served, but even a big old Bordeaux blend shouldn’t really go above 17 or 18 degrees. A comfortable room temperature for most folk, though, is generally around 21 degrees.

It also depends on the wine and personal taste, and how hot the weather is. For example, some Italians swear by sticking a Chianti in the fridge, especially in the summer months and especially when it’s been opened. But you wouldn’t necessarily do that on a wet December in the north of England when you’re making a winter stew.

Anyway, one type of red wine that certainly benefits from being put in the fridge is Beaujolais, the much-loved light French classic.

And, as luck would have it, one to have chilled this warm week is currently on discount offer at Waitrose – the Cuvee des Vignerons Beaujolais, down from £7.29 to a bargain £5.79 until June 6.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Beaujolais that offends - the Gamay grape from this region south of Burgundy produces fresh, fruity easy-to-drink tipples which go well with all types of food from chicken to fish to beef to salads, and which can appeal to even the most stubborn white wine-only drinker.

This Cuvee des Vignerons - made from a selection of grapes from individual vineyards and winegrowers, hence the name - is no exception.

Always best served below room temperature, it’s particularly pleasing to have properly chilled on hot days.

Also at Waitrose, by the way, is a bottle that might be worth snaffling now while it too is on discount offer.

This column has lauded Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines before – glorious red blends from a place near Avignon where a 14th Century pope set up home, hence its name, and where the weather and soil combine to produce high-quality grapes.

Such quality is generally reflected in the price but this Le Relais du Roi is currently down from £20.99 to £13.99 and is a relative bargain.

Containing “special parcels” of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, it’s a juicy, ripe, full-bodied wine with raspberry, plum and blackcherry notes interwoven with olive tapenade and a little black pepper spice.

Easy to drink yet complex and interesting, have it this weekend (keep it out of the sunlight if it stays hot and maybe even ever-so-slightly chilled) or save it for when it gets wet and cold again and you need cheering up.

* Until June 4, Sainsbury’s is offering 25 per cent off when customers buy six or more bottles.