Red, Gold & Glou: New Wines for Fall
As warm summer days recede into hot and humid memories, and closets begin to shift, cozy sweaters taking to the streets, palates and flavors start to change as well. Folks are looking for wines to warm them up instead of cooling them off. They’re rolling on from rosé to light-bodied or lightly chilled reds. The fuller flavors of autumn menus—squash, soups, steak and potatoes, for example—are no match for light, summery sippers. Different wines are needed. Luckily, there’s wine for that. Our buyers have been prospecting all summer long for the best wines to kick off the new season. Look out steak and potatoes! Here are some of our team’s latest picks for Fall.
La Font d’Olivier Cotes de Thongue Vielles Vignes Carignan 2017
The return of fall means a return to this longtime fave, old vine Carignan from the south of France. Rich and elegant, the wine opens with notes of sandalwood, white pepper, woodsy herbs, and brambly black raspberries. Supple tannins, a touch of olive, and spice fill out the cozy and lingering finish. This red is fits any occasion like a favorite sweater (that pairs well with steak).
Trousse-Chemise Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018
We fell first for winemaker Anne Sery’s lush Washington state Cabernet Sauvignon a few years ago. Now, her Willamette Valley Pinot Noir takes center stage, showing beautiful cherry, cranberry and rhubarb notes, peppered with fresh pink flowers, pine needles, and savory sweet herbs. These aromas blossom into a juicy and harmonious experience on the palate. Simply enchanting.
Muzic Collio Ribolla Gialla 2017
Collio, nestled in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is a little-known, undisputed source of serious, beautiful white wines in Italy. This 100% sustainably produced Ribolla Gialla is no exception. Crisp and linear, with notes of yellow flowers, stone fruit, and citrus, this is a fabulous alternative to Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, particularly with poultry and creamy pastas.
Al-muvedre Monastrell 2017
If there’s ever been a rock star in the world of Spanish winemaking, it’s Telmo Rodriguez, a lifelong advocate for native varietals tied to the country’s unique terrain and making world-class wines of astounding character from regions popular and less-so across Spain. This wine is 100% Monastrell, and conjures the richly distinctive spirit and culture of the Mediterranean. Red berries, sweet herbs crushed flowers greet the nose, becoming vibrant and spicy on the palate, backed by fine acidity and silky tannins.
Cruset Blanc de Blanc NV
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again ― bubbles go with everything. This new budget bubbly from Alsace is fruity, yet crisp and dry on the finish, making it a “fall-tabulous” partner for everything from ― from Korean fried chicken to herb-crusted roasts, hearty grains and greens, chocolate cake, and of course, weekend mimosas.
