Rich, deep reds for winter and light, fruity whites for summer, right? But what wines suit the autumn season best, with its bright Indian summer days that carry just a bit of chill and those crisp, clear nights?

 

Let’s leave aside for the moment whether the question of what wine goes with what season can be so easily reduced to “red in winter; white in summer.” Autumn is a perfect time to explore a range of wines, from delicious medium-bodied reds to, yes, even perky rosés. And if you love white wine, don’t worry. Unlike that old rule about wearing white after Labor Day, there’s no such thing when it comes to drinking white wine well into September (and even beyond).

 

So what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic and head out to enjoy some of that beautiful fall foliage. We’ve got some wines ideal for the occasion…

 

 

Crisp White Wines

You might want to ratchet up the intensity of your crisp whites and look for wines that will be just as fabulous when it’s 55 degrees outside as they will be in 80 degree weather. A nice Pinot Bianco is a great choice. There are tons of great options available from Italy, Alsace, Oregon and other regions, such as Austria and Germany. Pinot Blanc is a star on the rise, and this is a great time to enjoy it!

 

Two to Try:

 

2010 Tenuta Costa Lahnhof Pinot Bianco Alto Adige, $19

A fairly rich style of Pinot Bianco that delivers a classic combination of fruit and minerality.

 

2009 Paul Blanck Pinot Blanc d’Alsace, $14

This is a lighter-weight style of Pinot Blanc, but one that shows off the typical aromatics attained in Alsace.

 

 

Rich Whites

There’s never a bad time for a rich white wine. They’re the kind of wines you can drink all through the day and into the night, equally ready to be paired with a simple salad or a fancy dinner.

 

There are several options for rich whites, and Chardonnay is the number one choice of wine drinkers almost everywhere, from New York to San Francisco, Chicago to Burgundy.

 

Look for a medium-bodied version. Burgundy is a great region for this wine, along with those from cool-climate regions like New Zealand, Chile and even Oregon.

 

Two to Try:

 

2009 Domaine Faiveley Montagny Chardonnay

A classic Burgundy that is surprisingly affordable since it comes from a little-known appellation.

 

2009 Kumeu River Village Chardonnay

One of New Zealand’s premier producers of Chardonnay, made in a style that showcases the purity of fruit that New Zealand can attain.

 

 

Rich Rosé

Many wine drinkers believe that the end of summer means the end of rosé season. Don’t believe it — rosé wines can and should be enjoyed year round, particularly when they’re made in a richer style. The wines are food friendly and fun to drink, not to mention ideal for enjoying during the cooling hours of a late-summer sunset.

 

Two to Try:

 

2011 Waterbrook Rosé of Sangiovese, $12

This is an absolutely delicious rosé, packed with zesty fruit in a modestly rich style that is perfectly balanced for pairing with lightly spicy foods.

 

2011 Fincas Las Nubes Rosé

You might not think of Malbec as a great rosé grape, but it produces a nice, meaty style with richness and complexity.

 

 

Lighter Reds

Just like rosé, red wine should not be considered seasonal.

 

Light reds are always appropriate and can be some of the most delicious wines around. Light and juicy with fine tannins and bright red fruit, they can pair well with food or be equally attractive on their own. The Pinot Noir is a great option to fill this role.

 

Two to Try:

 

2010 De Ponte Cellar Pinot Noir, $30

This wine is just being released, but it’s a wine worth searching for. A real standout from my recent trip to Oregon for its wonderful purity and elegance.

 

2010 Terlan Pinot Nero, $24

Pinot Nero from the Alto Adige tends to be light and fresh, and this bottling from Terlan captures the style perfectly with pretty fruit and a slightly edgy texture.

 

 

Medium-Weight Reds

This is a group of wines that doesn’t get a lot of play when it’s warm out. The combination of high temperatures mixed with high tannins and high alcohol make for an unpleasant experience, but that doesn’t mean they should be abandoned!

 

Stick with a medium-bodied, moderate-alcohol option like Carmenere, and you’ll be set to pair these wines up with steaks and other dishes you’ll find yourself craving in late summer and through autumn. The slightly herbal-toned fruit flavors love grilled beef.

 

Two to Try:

 

2008 Oveja Negra Single Vineyard Carmenere

Oveja Negra is a great introduction to Carmenere for those looking for a more modern-styled wine full of blue and black fruits.

 

2011 Apaltagua Reserva Carmenere Colchagua Valley

For a more classic example of Carmenere replete with herbal and vegetal accents to black and red fruits, check out this Apaltagua.

 

 

Bubblies

It’s always a good time for bubbles! The fizzy sparkling wines may not be a favorite for everyone, but they’re good to always have on hand for celebrations, casual sipping or brunch cocktails.

 

In those cases, Prosecco (and more specifically Prosecco Frizzante) is a great option because it’s gently carbonated, which makes the wine refreshing and easy to drink without getting in the way of the freshness of fruit that Prosecco is so well known for.

 

Two to Try:

 

Cortesia Prosecco Frizzante

This pick-me-up selection is gently fizzy and very pure. It’s a classic example of the Frizzante style.

 

Toffoli Prosecco di Conegliano Frizzante

If full-on Prosecco is more your thing, the Toffoli is a great value.

 

 

– Gregory Dal Piaz, Snooth.com

 

 

 

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Because a great meal deserve a great wine, Recipe.com is exited to partner with Snooth to bring you tips and tricks to help you pick the perfect wine. To read more, visit Snooth.com.

 

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Categories: Dinner Tonight | Tags: Champagne, Fish and Seafood, French Cuisine, Steak, Wine
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