The wines you serve should change with the seasons. Cool weather calls for crisp wines that make you think of changing leaves and cool, clear nights. Embrace autumn with these delicious fall reds, whites and sparkling wines, each for less than $20.
Autumn red wines
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 ($7)
Don’t let the low price tag give you the illusion that this is a substandard wine; Georges Duboeuf is one of the most popular Beaujolais producers in the world. Exuding the aroma of bananas
and tasting of red berries, pomegranates and plums, this wine’s freshness and light tannins make it a lovely go-to wine for fall.
Tudal Family Winery Flatbed Red Zinfandel 2004 ($15)
Red zin has gotten a bad rap over the years, but the Tudal family’s wine is a great example of the many delicious qualities a red zinfandel really has to offer. With notes of cherry and
allspice as well as chocolate and blackberry, this full-flavored red from Napa Valley is just the red to transition you from summer into fall.
Alamos Malbec 2007 ($10)
Malbec may be an unknown varietal to some, but it is definitely worth trying. This particular red from Argentina is medium bodied, with the aroma of ripe blackberry and the taste of spice and black
pepper. This is an impressive fall wine that is appropriate even into winter.
Autumn white wines
NV Ferrari Fratelli Lunelli Brut Metdo Classico Trento ($18)
This clean, bright chardonnay has a hint of fresh apples with a floral nose. Although chardonnay is associated with summer, this wine’s hint of apple makes it an enjoyable autumn wine.
Herman J Weimer Frost Cuvee 2008 ($13)
With a combination of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Cuvee of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this very crisp white wine is not dry and delivers a hit of sweetness. Coming from the Finger Lakes region, this
is a great domestic wine that offers a unique taste with each vintage.
2006 Trimbach Pinot Blanc ($15)
Made from fruit harvested in the fall, this white has a clean finish and a slight acidity. With hints of citrus and red grapes, Pinot Blanc is a great option for a light white that imparts a warm
feeling.
Autumn Sparkling Wines
Hill of Content Sparkling Shiraz NV ($18)
Sparkling red wines are unique to begin with, but this shiraz, with its luscious red fruit flavors and dark crimson color, is a fun wine to sip with or without food. Serve this this bubbly
Australian red at your next fall party for a change from the usual Champagne.
Cristalino Brut Cava NV ($8)
A Spanish sparkling white wine, this delivers apple flavors with a dry finish. The bright yellow color reminds us of the changing leaves, and its smoothness and fresh nose go perfectly with the
cool autumn air.
2006 Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Tete de Cuvee ($18)
With the lovely flavor of apples and nuts, this sparkling wine works well as a dessert wine. It is crisp with the perfect amount of acidity, and can be paired with apple or pumpkin pie for the
holidays, with impressive results.
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