While Fall flavors of apple, pear, cranberry, pumpkin, cinnamon and spice beckon for introduction into your heartier salads and grilled dishes; Jimmy suggests reaching for wines from different climates to pair with these more flavorful meals.
Craving a summertime crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Look instead for a Bordeaux blanc, these wines have lower acidity and riper style fruit from the Semillon grape. As for reds, look for wines from Rhone Valley, France or Paso Robles, California. These offer medium bodied, not too dry wines from a familiar blend of red grape varietals to compliment your dinner table.
Here are some wines to consider for the Fall season.
Spring Seed ‘Forget-Me-Not’ Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, McLaren Vale, Australia
A classic dry white blend showing meyer lemon and d'anjou pear. The citrus and herbaceous characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc become less acidic and more meyer lemon, and the blend of Semillon grape lends floral and ripe orchard fruit characteristics. This wine holds up to hearty grain salads, broiled white fish, and spicy Thai food.
Carol Shelton ‘Coquille Blanc’, Paso Robles, California
A dry full bodied aromatic white wine sourced from Paso Robles produced from a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, and Marsanne varietals. This wine shows rich and baked flavors of white peaches, pears, and marzipan on the finish. Enjoy with chicken pot pie, breaded pork chops with home made apple sauce, or simply on its own.
Kermit Lynch, Côtes du Rhône, France
This red blend is of red grapes from the Rhône Valley in France produced from a primary blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Rhône rouge shows black cherry, dried herbs, black olive and classic ‘garrigue’ or stony earthiness gained from this region. Pair this wine with chicken Coq au Vin, Ratatouille, or charcuterie in the late afternoon.
Red Schooner ‘Voyage 11’ Malbec, Argentina
Produced by the famed Wagner Family, think Caymus, Mer Soleil, and Conundrum. The ‘Voyage 11’ is a Malbec sourced from Argentina and produced in their Napa Valley winery. A full bodied red showing baked black and blueberry pie, smooth tannins, and hint of black liquorice. Pair this wine with Osso Buco, grilled lamb chops, or after dinner with strong flavored cheeses.