As far as beverages go, most people associate fall with pumpkin spiced lattes and apple ciders. Don’t get me wrong, I love both but nothing compares to sipping a glass of fall wine in front of the fire. Obviously, fall puts us in a very different mood than the sparkling rose we all enjoyed drinking on the patio during the summer. With that said, I have some suggestions as to what wines work best for your autumn palette!

Whether you’re a fan of white, red, or somewhere in between, look no further! 

 

Chardonnay

Generally, when we think of fall wines, we think of rich, full-bodied reds. Let me tell you though, a good Chardonnay can stand its own ground! With a rich, buttery flavor, it is heavier and broader than the typical white or rose wines. It also works well in your spiced, fall recipes, giving them a nice lift. 

Champagne

Break out the bubbly for some amazing fall and winter wines! Champagne is another great choice. I suggest staying away from sweets, as the flavor can come off a bit bitter, but it’s an excellent option to pair with your favorite autumn foods.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir typically includes notes of fresh red or blackberries, baking spices such as cloves and cinnamon, and hints of black or white tea. That makes it the perfect fall wine for autumn favorites like pumpkin and apple dishes. It also works well with warm root vegetables and heavy winter meats like pork chops and beef. Pinot Noir brings sweetness and spiciness that coincides lovely with the flavors of the season.

Pinot Gris

Not as full-bodied as a Pinot Noir, its relative Pinot Gris, still manages to pair wonderfully with all your autumnal favorites. Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio), come in a wide variety of flavors but the most common notes include apples, pears, and even woodsmoke. They’re usually lacking in oak character but the best are among the sweetest wines in Europe, making them an amazing dessert wine. Pinot Grigio wines, the Italian counterpart of Pinot Gris, tends to be crisper and lighter than the French, but they are essentially the same wine in different varieties.

Merlot

If you’ve been drinking Rose all summer, fall is the perfect time to transition to a rich, dark Merlot. Merlot is a smooth and accessible wine pairing well with your autumn feast, thanks to its low tannins. Its versatility means it can complement a variety of dishes and is sure to please the Thanksgiving crowd.

Cheers to the season of cozy knit sweaters, the smells of warm spices, hearty autumn dishes, and rich fall wine!