Cool, crisp air, vibrant colored leaves, and bright blue skies are what come to mind in October. We don our sweatshirts, embark on hikes and head to local festivals filled with autumn delights. This is the time of year that the earthy smell of fallen leaves and the soft, golden hue of the sunlight casts a warm glow and the transition from summer grilling and margaritas to root vegetables, soups, apples, complex wines and everything pumpkin fills our plates and glasses.
Autumn is a season rich in flavors and foods that bring warmth and comfort. The desire for deep, warming flavors extends across the board with beverages as the days get cooler and the fire pits arrive in the backyard.
Beers move from the light, crisp summery style to Oktoberfest or Marzen styles that are rich, malty and slightly sweet, as well as the Brown Ales that are nutty, the Pumpkin Ales that are brewed with pumpkin cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, and the Porters that are dark and robust with flavors of chocolate, coffee and roasted malt.
Wine strays from rose and crisp whites to richer, more robust flavors that complement the heartier dishes and cozy atmosphere of the season. Skin-contact (orange) wines are great for the fall as they have tannin structure which is perfect with nuts, cheese and root vegetables. Earthy reds such as Nebbiolo (Barolo), Tempranillo (Rioja), Syrah (northern Rhone) and Cabernet Franc (Loire Valley) are a few known for their flavors that evoke characteristics of forest floor, wet leaves, and mushrooms. These are ideal for pairing with rustic dishes, game meats, and dried herbs. White wines that are a great transition for Fall tend to be more complex, layered and richer in style. Try a Chenin Blanc, Old-World Chardonnay, Alvarinho/Albarino and an earthy, herbal Gruner Veltliner from Austria.
Cocktails revolve around more of the brown spirits such as whiskey or brandy which are perfect for Hot Toddy’s and Maple Old Fashions. Apple Cider Mules with vodka, ginger beer and apple cider is a great fall twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Pumpkin Spice Martinis with vanilla vodka and Irish cream and pumpkin puree captures the essence of autumn.
These foods and drinks embrace the cozy, earthy, and slightly sweet flavors that are characteristic of autumn, making them perfect for the season. Embrace the gradual transition of nature preparing for winter. Find that cozy warm sweater in your closet, gather some wood, make a fire, roast some meats and vegetables and pour a glass of your favorite beverage to warm your heart and soul. Savor the present moment, appreciate the richness of life, and reflect on this season of quiet beauty as you prepare for the stillness of winter.
Kindred Spirits & Wine is a local wine shop with four locations – Fairfield, Westport, Monroe and Shelton. They have a well-curated shelf of wines from around the world. Each weekend they offer in-store tastings and monthly they have educational wine tasting events to enhance your discovery. Monica McCall is the Wine Director who goes above and beyond to bring wines of great quality and value at every price point. kindredspiritsandwine.com
Kindred Spirits & Wine
2260 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 374-0040
kindredspiritsandwine.com
The desire for deep, warming flavors extends across the board with beverages as the days get cooler and the fire pits arrive in the backyard.
Wine strays from rosé and crisp whites to richer, more robust flavors that complement the heartier dishes and cozy atmosphere of the season.