Labor Day, the first Monday in September, traditionally marks the end of summer for Americans and brings with it the fashion convention to stop wearing white.
As the temperature begins to drop, there is a similar convention with wine. Consumers are beginning to shift away from white wines and are beginning to gravitate towards reds to complement cooler temperatures and seasonal foods.
But that’s not the only way to get away from white wine. Rosé and sparkling wines, in particular, have generally been accepted as year-round beverages rather than summer, holiday, or celebration drinks.
“Rosé is definitely enjoyed beyond the summer months,” says Nicole McAllister, sommelier at the two-Michelin-star Jean-Georges restaurant in New York City.
For those looking for more traditional fall wines, Sarah Plath, former assistant director of wines at The NoMad Bar and Restaurant in New York, suggests that cooler vintages can bring out a mix of spicy and savory flavors in the red burgundy after five o’clock.
Here are some suggested bottles to consider opening this fall, many of which pair very well with your cooler-weather comfort foods.
Santi Ventale: The Santi winery is located near Lake Garda, one of the most respected wine regions in Italy. The winery meticulously obtains its wood for aging, in which the Ventale is aged for 18 months in 70% oak, 20% chestnut and 10% cherry barrels. The result is an intense red wine with notes of black fruits and velvety tannins that imitate red fruit jams on toast.
Hecht & Bannier – A boutique winery in the French epicenter of rosé production, the Hecht & Bannier bottle exemplifies the rosé of Provence with a refreshing floral wine. H&B Provence is a great rosé for fall, when you haven’t gotten back to heavy, muscular reds yet, says winery owner Gregory Hecht: “I always see it as a great option for Thanksgiving. Its Fruity character and lively expression go well with turkey. Rosé is the best of both worlds and is a perfect alternative to the traditional combination of turkey and Pinot Noir.
El Esteco: Bodega El Esteco is located in the Calchaquí Valley of Argentina, known as the region with the highest wine production in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested from a height of over 6,000 feet. The high exposure to the sun, the low humidity and the wide thermal range make the Calchaquí Valley an exceptional wine region. Garnet-red in color with an elegant and spicy nose, this wine is ripe and round in the mouth with black fruit, notes of chocolate and balanced oak.
Olivier Leflaive: The Leflaive family has roots in Burgundy since 1717 and produces one of the best examples of Puligny Montrachet. This bottle presents an incredible value within its category and is obtained from a variety of terroir within the Côte de Beaune with a large percentage of origin in the city of Pommard. Flattering nose with aromas of small red fruits (especially strawberry and raspberry). Fresh and elegant palate with crunchy fruits and fine tannins.
The Cream: The 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is packed with scents of black plum, raspberry and forest floor, complemented by flavors of bing cherry and sassafras and hints of baking spices. This 100% Pinot Noir bottle pairs with a full spreadable table, from grilled and roasted meats to Bolognese pasta, prosciutto, mushrooms and cured black olives.
Justin: Produced on the central coast of California, the 2017 Isosceles is made with the same care as traditional Bordeaux red wines of the highest quality. Also the flagship wine of the Paso Robles winery, the 2017 vintage is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot grapes. Expect a full-bodied wine with a palate full of ripe black fruit and spices on tap, and you’ll be ready to drink right out of the box or after a few years in the cellar.
