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The Ultimate Fall Wine Guide

The fall season is favorite time of year, not only because of the changing colors of the leaves but also for the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are harvested. Although, I love being outdoors, I also love enjoying delicious food paired with equally as delicious wine.

I have compiled a list of the wines that are perfect to accompany any fall feast, from a romantic dinner for two, to a bountiful Thanksgiving day meal.

2020 Ultimate Fall Wine Guide

Chateau Malescasse 2017 (SRP $22) - This Bordeaux blend, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel is the perfect start-of-fall wine with blackcurrant and light oak notes. The velvet tannins and deep purple colour provide the perfect warmth for chilly fall nights.

Gary Farrell 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Selection (SRP $45) - This elegant Pinot Noir opens with alluring aromas of Bing cherry, pomegranate, boysenberry syrup and preserved raspberries. Flavors of Cremini mushrooms and cherry cola with hints of white pepper and clove unfold on the palate. The supple tannins develop into a soft, silky finish complimented with abundant acidity on the finish.

Trentodoc Ferrari Sparkling Rosé (SRP $20) - Straight from the Dolomite mountains of Trentodoc in northern Italy, this bubbly is the perfect evening counterpart to the infamous pumpkin spice latte. It's pink colour and delicate perlage complement its red fruit nose and hazelnutty orange jam notes.

Frescobaldi Pomino Bianco (SRP $20) - Ideal for savoring the last few outdoor nights, this perfumed wine's nose leads into pear and lime flavors with a soft oak and flinty finish.

La Bernarde Rosé (SRP $19) - Feel free to also simply keep pretending it’s summer with a deep chilled bottle of La Bernarde. This organic wine complements all picnic board foods with its stone fruit and citrus aromas, while its gooseberry flavours and perfect acidity will transport you back to warm weather vibes.

Trapiche’s Medalla Malbec (SRP $20-25) - Hailing from high altitude (3,500 - 4,000 feet) vineyards in the Uco Valley and showing intense red fruit aromas, richness on the palate, and notes of smoky wood, Trapiche’s classic hearty 100% Malbec is one of the overlooked gems of the Argentina aisle. Most recent vintages have been consistently scoring 91-95 points from major publications like Decanter and James Suckling, helping to prove why South American Malbec is my total go-to for value wines that over-deliver on quality—while also providing maximum familiarity and comfort during tough times.

Enate Tempranillo 2018 (SRP $9) - Nuances of strawberry sweets and liquorish mingle playfully with red berries and cherries. The fusion of flavoursome tannins and fresh acidity brings about a smooth and well-rounded texture, which in turns leads to a creamy finish on the palate. An expressive and versatile wine that stands up well to a wide range of food. Full of the freshness of youth.

2017 St. Paul's Passion Pinot Nero (SRP $26) - Dark red in color, pleasant and intricate nose, hints of cherry, forest berries and cloves. Strong silky tannin flavor. Rich content, very mellow, final version is smooth and of impressive length.

2018 Cantina Bolzano Kerner (SRP $21.99) - Kerner is a hybrid of Schiava Grossa and Riesling which was first cultivated in Weinsberg, Germany around 1930. The variety does best on very light, gravelly and sandy soils at higher elevations of the middle reaches of the Isarco Valley, which is a very sunny location. The full-flavored dry wine gives off an intensive, light note of nutmeg, coupled with notes of peach, apricot and mandarin orange.

2018 Quinta de Santiago (SRP $21) - Elegant and complex, with notes of citrus fruit, lychee, and orange blossom. Somehow both full-bodied and fresh with mineral characteristics, typical of the Alvarinho varietal. Pair with shellfish, white meats, cheeses, and Asian cuisine.

Paloma Rose Secco Spumante (SRP $18) – A delicious and unique “Rosé Prosecco” is 95% organic Glera (Prosecco) and 5% organic Raboso. It is a bright steely amber color with fruity aromas and flavors of raspberry, white peach, ripe pear, moss, and shale. It has a round, crisp, effervescent, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length Greek yogurt, lemon curd, rich honey, and elderflower finish. Lively fruits and a creamy mouthfeel give an impression of decadence in this friendly sparkler. Wonderful with appetizers or to enjoy over great conversation.

Pizzolato Prosecco Spumante M*USE (SRP $18) - Aromas of white flower, beeswax and pear. Juicy, elegant palate with green apple, lemon and hazelnut. Bright acidity and refined, persistent perlage. Smooth, fresh, well-balanced and lively with a creamy mouth feel and an elegant aftertaste. This Prosecco has 5.1 bars of atmosphere/pressure, creating vibrant and long-lasting bubbles. Perfect for special occasions and everyday celebrations.

2019 Biokult Naken (SRP $20) - Pink-hued and funky, this skin-contact orange wine brims with clementine, and orange peel notes on the nose, supported by an overtone of honeysuckle. The light palate has a texture reminiscent of citrus pith and tingles with freshness, while clementine and white pepper notes are highlighted by the bone-dry nature. It is compelling and wonderfully light. 2019 Vintage 92 Points, Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast. Native yeast spontaneous fermentation, Dry Farmed, unfiltered and slightly effervescent. Naken's acidity works alongside lighter entrees, while its tannic structure stands up to bolder dishes. Fish, noodles, rice, poultry and meat dishes.

Broletto Lambrusco (SRP $13) - Intense red ruby color with black-purple notes. Intense scent of violet and berry fruits. Characteristic and fresh taste but also full bodied and harmonic. A high-quality Lambrusco to pair with a variety of foods throughout the fall, including pasta, cheese and even Thanksgiving dinner!

Lorenz Riesling (SRP $19.99) - Bright pale straw color. Aromas of green apple, lemon, nectarine, and almond with a crisp, dry medium body and a medium-length, and fennel finish. A nuanced, elegant Riesling. Wonderful with fish, pizza, pasta, cheese and appetizers.

Umberto Cesari Liano Bianco Rubicone IGT (SRP $26) - Produced by Umberto Cesari, one of Emilia Romagna’s leading producers, this 70% Chardonnay and 30% Sauvignon blanc blend is rich in personality, showing aromas of pear and apricot on the nose which evolves into tertiary notes of vanilla and wood with final hints of lavender and peach blossoms. On the palate it is intense, enfolding, and elegant, with a near-endless finish. It is perfect with grilled white fish or wild salmon with garlic and herbs, shellfish and lighter meats.

Tenuta L'Impostino Montecucco Rosso Riserva DOC 2014 (SRP $19) - Of an intense ruby color, this Montecucco Rosso Riserva strikes for the intensity of the aromas rich in notes of red-fleshed fruits (well-ripe cherry and blackberry). Warm notes of spices follow, and a wooden tip to broaden its profile. In the mouth it enters warm, soft, full-bodied and with a remarkable balance, in which the freshness and tannins well balance the alcohol content. Long and highly satisfying finish.

Podere Montale Montecucco Sangiovese 2015 DOCG (SRP $35) - The wine is obtained from the Sangiovese vineyard located in the higher part of the estate with south/west sun-exposure. Deep ruby red color verging on garnet; intense scent reminding red fruits well integrated with the tertiary aromas of wood spice originated in refining. The taste reflects the smell sensation, well balanced, very persistent with a fine tannin level.

Molo 8 Lambrusco Mantovano DOC (SRP $13) - The sparkling red Lambrusco is a great Italian food-friendly wine, this one coming from the area of Mantova, in the Lombardy region. The bouquet is persistent and fragrant with hints of black cherries and wild berries. On the palate the wine is aromatic, fruity and pleasantly sweet. Ideal for cheese, ham, salami, pork, cold cuts, pizza and most dishes.

Gary Farrell 2016 Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard, Russian River Valley (SRP $55) -

Lush aromas of dark cherry, currants, and cola naturally follow the deep ruby hue of this wine in glass. Dried mushrooms, black tea, and an array of fresh violets, rose petals, and a hint of peppermint provide complexity and intrigue. Exceptional palate weight coupled with a tremendous concentration of fruit flavors and zesty acidity deliver a balanced package of power and finesse.