Who doesn’t love a wonderful wine to accompany a nice dinner especially as the temperature outside begins to drop and you listen to the roar of a crackling fire? Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s a time for friends, family and of course, fine wine!
As many of you know, I am quite partial to hearty red wines for all meals. I tend to not follow the standard white/red rule when it comes food and wine pairings. I am a firm believer in drinking what you enjoy and it will complete any meal.
Here are some wines which I recommend serving during your fall festivities (In no particular order):
Skyside Chardonnay 2017 (SRP: $19.99) - A refreshing fruit-forward blend of nectarine and stone fruit with vibrant aromas of peach, bright citrus and honeysuckle. The citrus and stone fruit attributes weave together with subtle oak notes coupled with good acid to lengthen the finish.
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2017 (SRP: $19.99) - This perfect rich red wine is synonymous with very intense colors, aromas of fresh fruit, flowers, and spices. This vintage is kind, aromatic and fresh. Its precise tannins provide great softness and presence in the mouth.
B Vintners Reservoir Road Pinot Noir 2016 (SRP: $26.99) - This vibrant Pinot Noir displays concentrated raspberry and dark cherry flavors, intertwined with spicy notes of clove and curry leaf. Bright acidity lends a tension and freshness, while the fragrant spice character brings a savory depth to the wine.
Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2015 (SRP: $26.99) - The grapes for this elegant, floral Syrah come from three vineyard blocks, with a touch of Viognier, Roussanne and Petite Syrah in the blend. It’s richly textured, with concentrated dark fruit aromas and notes of licorice, violet and white pepper. Pair this with grilled steak, burgers or lamb.
Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (SRP: $19.99) -This classic Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from various blocks of vines on the estate, giving it complexity and balance. Youthful, leafy and very pure, with blackcurrant pastille fruit, tangy acidity and fine tannins.
Montenero Montecucco Rosso DOC 2016 (SRP: $15) - From the Tuscan hills of Montecucco, this wine made with Sangiovese grapes has a fresh and fruity nose with cherry and mix berries aromas. Tannins are sweet and never aggressive, giving the wine great pleasantness and drinkability even on a hot day while enjoying your grill in the backyard.
Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2017 (SRP: $34.99) – This Chardonnay begins with intense aromatics of fresh cut lilies, chive blossoms, zesty lemons, limes and pithy white grapefruit. The abundant citrus on the nose persists on the palate as you are greeted with invigorating notes of freshly squeezed lemon juice, jasmine green tea and spicy wasabi arugula.
Clos Pegase Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (SRP: $55) - Once in the glass, this wine reflects an opaque dark purple core. As the aromatics waft towards the nose, they deliver generous layers of cassis, antique wood, cigar box and black currant. On the palate, brooding dark fruits give way to briar, black currant and forest floor. More subtle notes of graphite, wet clay and seasoned leather, transition across the palate.
Smoke Tree Chardonnay 2016 (SRP: $19.99) - The Smoke Tree vision for its Chardonnay is one of balance, elegance, and vibrancy. It is a delicious choice whenever you’re looking to enjoy a glass of wine. For creative culinary opportunities, pair with seasonal salads, roasted poultry, or locally sourced shellfish.
Commanderie de Peyrassol Cuvée de la Commanderie 2018 (SRP: $20), This is the perfect expression of Provençal rosé. Soft pink in color with silvery highlights, the 2018 vintage opens with red fruits such as raspberries and wild strawberries, followed by citrus. Its fresh finish makes this a very thirst-quenching wine.
Do ut Des IGT (SRP: $40) - This wine is 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 33% Petit verdot. A delicate and persistent bouquet of blackberries, blueberries and plum allow for a powerful aromatic finish. Pairs well with strong cheeses, pasta and stews.
Montefalco Sagrantino “Collenottolo” DOCG (SRP: $61.99) - This 100% Sagrantino wine has a bright ruby red color with notes of blackberries and wild berries. It has great texture with spicy and mineral sensations which add to the sophistication and complexity of the wine. Pairs well with cignale, red meats, hearty pastas, “aged” cheeses and cured meats.
Oak Farm Chardonnay (SRP: $23) - This Chardonnay is full of apricot, lemon, gala apple and subtle oak spice aromas and richly textured and concentrated with balanced acidity that drives a lingering finish.
Marques de Casa Conch Pinot Noir (SRP: $25) - A multi-layered red with blue and black berry fruit, plums and cherries, and a hint of blood orange on the palate.
Azul de Bobal (SRP: $16) - Made with 100% organic grapes, dry farmed resiny oak aromas rest atop blackberry, raisin and prune scents on what amounts to a full but lazy nose. This Bobal is fleshy and tannic, with spiked acidity that provides a needed shock.
Tarantas Tempranillo Crianza (SRP: $11.99) - Aromas of ripe forest berries, freshly tilled earth, fine leather, and roasted nuts with a round, lively, fruity medium-full body and a seamless, complex, long bramble, tar, cured meats, and black pepper finish with well-integrated, firm tannins and moderate oak.
Granza Tinto de Toro (SRP: $14.99) – This wine has an assertive, brash core of fleshy dark berries and plums. The palate has punchy, convincing blackberry flavor. Dense, fleshy and really delicious.
Capela Santa Margarida (SRP: $14.99) - This wine is structured and firm. It offers chocolate flavors as well as plenty of black currant fruits. Acidity and a dry edge give plenty of structure, but the wine is ready to drink.
Matané Primitivo (SRP: $12.99) - 100% Primitivo was grown in the Puglia region of Italy; ruby red in color, this wine has aromas fresh red fruits and a smooth palate. It has a nice and gentle acidity that balances and softens the typical sweet finish of the grapes. Pairs nicely with pizza, meat-based Asian dishes, and red meats.
Monte Antico Toscana IGT (SRP: $11.99) - This Tuscan wine is 85% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is dark ruby in color and has aromas of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice, and plums. On the palate, it is spicy, elegant, fruity and extremely versatile. This medium to full bodied wine pairs well with pasta or risotto, red meats, fowl and cheeses.
Koyle Gran Reserva Carmenere (SRP: $11.99) – Attractive herb and berry character with hints of spices. Medium body, firm, tight and silky tannins and a flavorful finish.
Inkarri Estate Bottled Malbec (SRP: $10.99) - This has a brambly array of ripe red berries and blackcurrants, leading to a palate with very smooth, supple tannins holding blueberry flavors long and fresh.
Castello del Poggio Moscato IGT (SRP: $12.99): Deep straw yellow with golden reflections and an unmistakable bouquet of peach and honey; light, elegant, a little bit sweet, and gently frizzante. Its low minerality and hints of musk and white flowers makes this an especially perfect pairing for all your harvest fruit pies with flaky, buttery crusts, from apple to cranberry-pear.
9 Lives Malbec (SRP: $9.99) - A deep ruby hue, this 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina is delicate yet offers intense and fruity floral aromas. The smooth tannins and persistent finish pairs well with wild rice and mushroom stuffed peppers or barbecued beef ribs.