What wines are seasonally appropriate for the fall?
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Dear Dr. Vinny,
I would like to conduct a wine tasting that features some wines that might be good transitional wine styles from “summer wines” to “winter wines.” What would you suggest for “fall wines”? I know you can drink all wines at any time, but what would you say are the best bottles to drink during that season of change?
—Laurie L., Seneca Falls, N.Y.
Dear Laurie,
What a lovely idea! Yes, you’re right that wine is an all-seasons beverage, but if you’re eating seasonally, it would make sense to be drinking seasonally, too. I certainly drink more whites and rosés in warmer weather and more robust reds in colder weather.
Without knowing what your specific “summer” or “winter” choices are, a few things come to mind off the top of my head. For reds, Syrah- and Grenache-based wines and Pinot Noirs strike me as particularly autumnal. Of course, so does Beaujolais. These reds are light- to medium-bodied and have a range of spicy flavors that I believe will pair well with autumn fare.
For whites, I’d suggest Viognier, Roussanne (or a Northern Rhône blend) and Chardonnay. These tend to have fuller bodies and rich flavors that can stand up to heartier dishes.
And don’t forget the most versatile year-round wines of all, Champagne and other sparkling wines. When in doubt, it never hurts to pop some bubbles!
—Dr. Vinny
