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12 Top Red Wines for Fall Fiestas


With fall soirees just around the corner, it is important that the right wines are chosen to accompany your meal. While white wines tend to be popular during the summer months, the reds take the stage in the fall and winter. Here are some of our recommendations this fall season: 2015 B.R. Cohn Pinot Noir (SRP: $48) - From the acclaimed Russian River Valley, this Pinot Noir shows lush and complex favors of black cherry, strawberry and dried cranberry intermingled with a bouquet of toasty vanilla, caramel and spice. This wine has smooth and supple tannins and a long finish, try it with fall fare such as pork loin stuffed with apples. Two Range Red (SRP $25) - This full-bodied red blend pays homage to Napa Valley’s ideal location between the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges, and reflects the depth and character of wines from this world famous wine grape growing region. Aromatic spices coupled with black cherry aromas, alongside fresh raspberry and dark chocolate flavors. Rich tannins lead to a full bodied wine with a long finish. 2014 Purple Heart Red Blend (SRP $20) - A lush and subtly herbaceous Merlot-based cuvée with the tools to work for every stage of the transformative fall season. The blend's savory and floral notes up front lend a juicy complexity that welcomes a slight chill during a last-minute fall heatwave; meanwhile, a small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine enough acidity and structure to wash away the flecks of fat and dairy that make their way into cold-weather dishes as fall turns to winter. Cliffhanger Vineyards Proprietary Red Blend (SRP $13.99) - The name “Cliffhanger” comes from the fact that the Teroldego (70%) and Lagrien (30%) grapes used to make this wine are grown on and around the steeply terraced granite-faced slopes and ledges of the Dolomite Mountains in Trentino, Italy. After the grapes are harvested, the wine ages for 12 months in oak barrels before spending another 12 in the bottle. Flavors and aromas of ripe, red and black fruit are balanced with notes of toasty oak, vanilla and spiciness. This sophisticated (yet incredibly affordable) wine is wonderful on its own, and pairs well with red meat and seasoned cheeses. 2014 Stemmari Cantodoro (SRP $13.99) - Made from 80% Nero d’Avola, the indigenous red grape of Sicily, this wine is refined, structured and has great depth while the restrained use of oak adds a layer of complexity. This pairs beautifully with grilled meats, games, aged cheeses and grilled swordfish so it’s very versatile and can find a space at any table. Hahn GSM (SRP $15) - Enticing aromas of blueberry and strawberry jam come to the fore followed by cedar and a hint of exotic spice. The palate delivers layers of bright cherry, strawberry, white pepper and cinnamon. A poised balance of acidity and tannins carry through to its smooth finish. Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux from Vignobles Raymond (SRP: $14) - Good fruit, raspberry and strawberry summery flavors from winemaker Lionel Raymond. Full of character, from a blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Only indigenous yeasts used at this organic estate – the family has a full 180 hectares certified in the Entre Deux Mers region, with new cellars that are powered by 2,500m2 of solar panels. http://naturalmerchants.com/organicwines/wine/les-hauts-lagarde-rouge-red-bordeaux/ Certified Organic Spartico Tempranillo/Cabernet (SRP: $11.99) - From Bodegas Iranzo in the Utiel-Requena region of Spain. The name Spartico and the label design are derived from the word Esparto, or Esparto Grass. For centuries Esparto Grass has grown alongside Spain’s vineyards, providing various forms of life sustenance (woven tapestry, coverings, papers) for the grower families. Spartico wine celebrates the venerable union of terroir and man — a biodiversity between Esparto and Spaniards— that has lasted through the ages. http://naturalmerchants.com/organicwines/wine/spartico-no-detectable-sulfites-tempranillo-cabernet-sauvignon/ Mas Janeil Les Hautes de Janeil Syrah-Grenache 2015 (SRP $12.99) - This luscious Syrah-Grenache blend is crafted by world-renowned winemaker François Lurton. A strong believer in biodynamic and low-intervention wines, this wine is made without the use of pesticides or chemicals, perfect for the health-conscious wine drinker. Kanonkop Kadette 2015 (SRP: $14.99) - This full-bodied red is the perfect accompaniment to char-grilled foods. The Kadette’s bold profile will stand up to steaks and burgers and is the ideal wine to drink during the fall season. Pizzolato Rosso Convento (SRP: $12) - Vinification in classic red without the addition of sulfur dioxide. The best and healthier Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are picked, hand-picked. The fermentation is activated with selected low yeast producers of sulfur dioxide and is done with the skins at a temperature of 25 ° C for one week. Subsequently the wine is filtered sterile and stored in controlled temperature tanks to avoid possible oxidation. http://naturalmerchants.com/organicwines/wine/pizzolato-rosso-convento-no-sulfites-added-italian-blend/ Fabio Vivani Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP: $14.99) - This wine gives off flavors of dark chocolate, fresh black currants and vanilla with caramelized oak. Balanced tannins and focused acidity leads to a long, structured finish! Predator Six Spot Red Wine (SRP: $24) - A vibrant, sweet bouquet of raspberry jam, caramel and cinnamon toast. Excellent oak integration provides silky tannins and spice to pair with Lodi’s unrestricted wild berry fruit. Honorary Mention Electric Sky Wine (SRP: $12.98) - Electric Sky Wine is a brand new single-serve wine aimed at the music-loving, festival-going consumer. Born out of music at Las Vegas’ legendary Electric Daisy Carnival, it’s everything wine on-the-go should be: innovative, convenient, and delicious. With no corkscrew, stemware or breakable glass, Electric Sky is perfect for sharing with friends outdoors or at home when you simply want one glass of wine at a time. The wine comes in four single-serve portions, each individually sealed and delivered in shatter-proof, recyclable plastic. For additional info: website https://www.electricskywine.com

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