I adore summer and it’s wines. The Rose, the Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewurtztraminer. They are my summer loves. But it’s clear they need to be retired for the next eight months. I ease into my fall wines with Pinot Noir and Beaujolais. As of yesterday I broke out the big guns. 

Wines I love for this time of year include Melville Syrah. Since my fella and I found this wine on a wine tasting trip to Santa Barbara, it has been our Thanksgiving wine. It pairs so perfectly with the turkey and all the trimmings. And, trust me, no one complains when we pour this wine, even the ones who “don’t drink red wine”. But honestly I never listen to anyone who starts a sentence with “I don’t drink”.  It just means they have not found the one they enjoy yet. 

Aglianico is always a favorite of mine. I actually love this varietal so much that I once named a dog Aglianico….true story. They tend to be complex and rich. I get sensation of walking through a bramble bush. Dry, delightfully dusty with juice dark red fruit. 

Speaking of Italy, the first red wine I ever drank was an Amarone and I fell in love instantly. Amarone smells and taste as the inside of a red raisin box smells, the ones my mom used to try and pawn off as dessert when we were growing up. (Side note to my mom….we knew they weren’t dessert. We just trying to be nice by not telling you but we all threw them out when you packed them in our lunches. XOXO) 

Last but certainly not least the Blend. Those delicious wine varietals mixed together to bring out the best that each grape has to offer. I’ve lately been enjoying a wine I found locally made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah and Petite Verdot.  They can be labeled as meritage, table wine, or just red wine. I usually try to find the blends that include my favorite grapes. 

Hope you enjoy these suggestions as the weather gets chilly and the leaves start to turn. 

Cheers!

J Mac