As an avid Pinot Noir drinker, I believe that your favorite wine is appropriate at all times of the year, in all kinds of weather. Sometimes, however, the perfect drink for the current season really hits the spot, even if it’s not your favorite.
We know that in the summer, a refreshing glass of Prosecco or a deliciously concocted Sangria are better paired with the hot days than, say, a big glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. In the winter, that big glass of Cab really does the trick, as well as a warm glass of Gluhwein to snuggle up with and watch the snow. In the spring, Rose season kicks off, as I’ve written about in a previous article – the perfect potable for that weekend trip to the lake. As for fall, the wines seem less obvious to me. With this season upon us, I thought I would dive into the perfect wine list for this time of year, for when we all need a break from our Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
First, the clear choice that I cannot leave out: the Oaked Chardonnay. When you age a Chard in oak, you are imparting warm flavors such as vanilla and baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. This toastiness, combined with Chardonnay’s natural creamy texture and apple fruit notes, create the perfect pairing for falling leaves and baked dishes. How can you tell if the wine is oaked or not? Stick to Chards from the U.S., most commonly from California, and look for “oaked” on the label. They won’t always label this way, so look for tasting notes on the back that indicate these warm, rich flavors, and they should lead you in the right direction.
If you like Chardonnay but aren’t a fan of the oaky variety, then this next wine is for you. One of my personal favorites, Viognier (vee-own-nay) is a perfumey varietal that has the texture of a Chard, but with more of a tropical fruit flavor and less oak. Its notes of honeysuckle and peach make it a delectable choice for fall food pairings. In the Rhone Valley, Viognier is typically blended with two different grapes, Marsanne and Roussanne, which add flavors like creamy pear and hazelnut to the mix, which falls right in line with our fall flavors. When looking for these blends, look for white wines from the Rhone region in France.
For all of the red wine drinkers excited for the changing season, light and spicy is the key! Luckily for me, Pinot Noir fits right into this list, offering delightful flavors of fresh cranberry and baking spices, even flavors of tobacco and wet leaves. Pinot Noir is the perfect pairing for fall in my mind. Specifically, Pinot from the Willamette Valley in Oregon or from Burgundy, France offer lighter body and warmer spice.
Similar to Pinot, Gamay is an excellent autumn option. Grown primarily in the Beaujolais region of France, just south of Burgundy, Gamay is also a light-bodied red with incredible aromatics and flavors of cherry and plum. This wine also has an amazing ability to pair with a wide variety of foods, making it very handy when trying out new recipes.
If you couldn’t tell by now, autumn is my favorite of the seasons, full of warm colors and cool breezes, cozy sweaters, PSLs and great wine. I can’t wait to discover more great seasonal pairings, and wish you the same! QCBN
By Val Jeffries
For more tips, tricks or wine buying advice, visit the Raven Cafe in downtown Prescott.Valerye Jeffries is the wine manager at the Raven Café and all-around wine geek. For private tastings or questions, contact her at valerye@ravencafe.com.
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