There is a special smell in the air that’s crisp but still dusty from summer—fall brings the feeling of completeness of a season and thoughts of red wine. Wine is an all-seasons beverage, but if you’re eating seasonally, it makes sense to be drinking seasonally. It’s time to begin thinking about richer whites and more robust reds for the coming cold season.
It’s time to look for reds are light- to medium-bodied and have a range of spicy flavors that pair well with autumn fare. Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Syrah- and Grenache-based wines always feel more autumnal, similarly, Viognier, Pinot Blanc, or Chardonnay are wonderful for fall.
Here are a few wines that are a bit off the beaten path but will fill out your autumn cellar beautifully.
1. Garnacha/Grenache.
Ranging from rustic-and-leathery to vanilla-fruit-bomb, this is a flamboyant grape. It has brilliant, red fruit flavors (strawberry/raspberry) and offers some of the highest natural alcohol levels (just behind Zinfandel). It matches up to any fall squash recipes you throw its way.
Altovinum Evodia Old Vine Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain.
This is 100% Garnacha sourced from the highest elevation vineyards of Garnacha of any DO in Spain. It has a slightly exotic nose of earthy minerality, mocha, black cherry, and black raspberry. Savory and concentrated, this medium-bodied wine is very much fruit-forward personality. A great value wine. Aficionados familiar with the wines of the Priorat and the Roussillon will enjoy this delicious Spanish red. (Gerard’s Wine & Spirits, $9.99)
2. Carignan/Cariñena.
If you love savory wines, then this is definitely something that you need to have in your cellar. Good Carignan is bold and gamy with smooth tannins. Carignan’s red fruit-driven flavors pair wonderfully with any turkey or poultry dish.(Thanksgiving anyone?)
Cantina Santadi Carignano del Sulcis Grotta Rossa 2011
This 100% Carignano wine is from the southern Sulcis region in Sardinia. The nose is intense with hints of licorice, pepper and earth. Red fruit flavors just ooze from this elegant, medium-bodied, silky-textured wine. As it is food-friendly with a wonderful acidity, it’s perfect for pairing with red meat, cheeses and dark olives. (Spring Lake Bottle Shop, $16.99)
3. Nero d’Avola & Nerello Mascalese from Sicily
This blend is so perfect for fall. Sicily was reinvigorated with Nero d’Avola, yet there is another delicious red: Nerello Mascalese. Lighter than Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese is similar to the delicacy of Pinot Noir, with a distinct smoky volcanic aroma along with a fruity-flower basket of cherry, raspberry, plum, rose and violet flavors that tends to sway on the more plush, end of the ‘pinot noir-like’ spectrum.
Corvo Rosso, Sicilia
This classic Sicilian wine is aged in oak barrels. Full-bodied and high in acidity, it’s not quite as overpowering as other high-octane reds like Zinfandel or Syrah. Intensely aromatic, with powerful, seductive aromas of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and spice that practically billow out of the glass. Soft and approachable, it has a friendly, easy-drinking style. Extremely versatile, it’s perfect for everyday dinners and informal occasions as it goes well with grilled and roast meats and medium-aged cheeses. (Circus Wines, $10.99)
4. GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre)
GSM as in Garnacha, Syrah and Mourvèdre—the three classic varieties in a southern Côtes du Rhône red wine. Since it’s a blend of grapes, expect a mix of red and black fruit flavors. The wines from the Old World countries tend to have this tart herbaceous note, while New World versions tend to be juicier and more pure in their fruit flavors.
Schild GMS, Barossa Valley, Australia 2011
This red is a mouthful of juicy, ripe red cherries and spice. Grenache’s blackberry and cherry flavors appear on the front palate while Mourvedre and Shiraz provide structure, concentration and depth. White pepper and spice are evident with a soft tannin framework ensuring a supple, soft texture to finish. (Circus Wines, $11.99)
5. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah blend
M. Chapoutier Cotes du Roussillon Villages les Vignes de Bila Haut 2012
This French red from Languedoc-Roussillon is a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and is a wine that will top anyone’s value list. Fleshy and well-structured, this red is medium to full-bodied, concentrated and balanced, with impressive amounts of blackberry and currant-styled fruit, herbs, pepper and smoked earth aromas and flavors. Showing more minerality with air, this powerful red offers concentrated cherry, plum tart and blackberry flavors that feature plenty of spicy notes. A dark chocolate accent lingers on the firm, moderately tannic finish. (Circus Wines, $10.99)
6. Pinot Blanc from Alsace.
It may seem a strange pick for fall until you realize it’s a surprisingly awesome match with shrimp and curry dishes. The flavor of Pinot Blanc can range from fruity pineapple and white peach flavors to green apple and sage with lots of minerals. These wines have high acidity and the best versions offer a rich, haunting honeycomb-like aroma, yet it’s perfectly dry.
Alsace Willm Pinot Blanc 2011
This golden white wine is fresh, fruity, subtle and balanced. It is a crisp wine with a delicate nose that opens with lime, golden apple and almond blossom. The flavors are fine crisp apples with hints of citrus, honeydew melon and limestone. A great wine for sipping or pairing with spicier dishes and vegetable-based meals. (Circus Wines, $10.99)
7. Viognier
Viognier is capable of producing extraordinary wines. Flavors are dry, luscious peach, apricots and apple fruit, nuttiness and undertones of spice. At its best, it is alluring, lush, aromatic and rich with amazing complexity and a wonderful alternative to Chardonnay.
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2012, South Australia
This white has aromas that typify this exotic variety: honeysuckle, candied ginger and glacé pineapple. The dry and medium-bodied palate is rich in texture, with lots of soft fruit flavors that make it a pleasure to drink.
Fresh, refreshing and expressive, packed with pineapple, pear and spice, the wine smells sweet but finishes dry and silky with flavors of fresh pineapple and lychee. Perfect with white meats, freshwater fish and mild cheeses. (Spirit of 76 Wines & Liquors, $12.99)
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