5 Wines to Make the Transition to Fall

The first leaves are turning on the trees, and suddenly that Pinot Grigio you are holding seems a little out of place. Then you see the first signs at the local coffee shop announcing that all things pumpkin spice are back. That’s when you know: it’s time to make the transition to fall.

The transition can be daunting. But don’t worry--for wine, we have you covered. Here is a list of the best types of seasonal fall wine to fill up your glass (we suggest the Prestige Stemless Wine Glass) and ease you into the autumn season.

Pinot Noir

One of the more versatile wines, Pinot Noir can easily transition even the most studied palate into the fall season. Though light-bodied, this dry red is relatively acidic when compared with other lower-tannin wines. It is complex and fresh, tasting of light berries, like strawberries and bright cherries, combined with earthy and spicy notes like mushroom, leather, and cinnamon. Pinot Noir is the perfect wine to transition from summer to fall.

If you need a suggestion for a great Pinot Noir, check out one of our favorites:

Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2017

From the Bourgogne region in France, this Burgundy-style red is light, dry, and smooth with a medium acidic finish. Notes of cherry, oak, and caramel decorate the nose, while strawberry, raspberry, and licorice flavors dance on the palate.  This wine pairs well with beef, veal, and poultry. It’s guaranteed to be a favorite for early fall.

Price: $23

Malbec

Fall means colder weather, so you’ll want something to drink that will keep you warm. Malbec is the perfect fall wine for that. It has a relatively high alcohol content (between 13 and 14 percent) and heavy tannins that yield a dry mouthfeel. It will definitely provide you with that extra blanket you need for the colder weather to come. This wine has a dark, inky color and a deep jammy taste which includes flavors like coffee, molasses, and leather. It’s perfect for pairing with lean meats like dark poultry.

Care to try a dark, complex wine? Here’s a suggestion for your next bottle:

Alamos Malbec, 2018

This Argentinian red is bold, smooth, and dry with aromas of crushed berries and black fruit on the nose. It tastes of dark chocolate and oak mixed with rich cherry crème brûlée flavors. With a high-acid finish, this wine pairs well with red meat, lamb, and dark meat poultry.

Price: $10

Syrah

 Fall invites rich flavors to keep our taste buds rustling like leaves in the wind. There is no better time to explore the deep complex flavors found in Syrah wines. You’ll know this wine by its dense and full-bodied flavor, powerful and smooth. It's deep, almost purple color comes from the peppery and dark fruit flavors of its grapes. Blackberry, boysenberry, and blueberry notes play with licorice and chocolate flavors to engage our palates as the days grow longer and the nights grow colder. As you would expect, this wine pairs well with heavier meats like prime rib and braised lamb chops.

Getting bored with the lighter reds of summer? Try this suggestion to take that first step into fall:

D.V. Catena Syrah, 2003

This bold Syrah has notes of oak, vanilla, and tobacco on the nose. The dry, slightly tannic body tastes of black fruit like blackberries and plum combined with razor-sharp pepper and licorice that chase earthy leather flavors. Its smooth and balanced finish gives this Argentinian red a dark and stormy feel. It pairs perfectly with grilled pork chops, seared ribeye steak, and even well-braised game meat.

Price: $25

Gewurztraminer

For the transition to fall, you will need more than just red wine. With this off-dry to dry white originating from the Alsace region of France, you will meet a wine with a strong fruity aroma that delivers a full-bodied taste and moderate to low acidity. For fall, the drier Gewurztraminer’s ripe finish and high alcohol content will keep you warm in the brisk weather. Bundle up and pair it with waffles for brunch or a spicy dinner to even out the complex flavors.

If Gewurztraminer sounds like the perfect white wine to make the transition to fall, here is our highly recommended suggestion:

Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer, 2017

This Gewurztraminer blend is made in the Columbia Valley region of Washington state. With notes of tree fruit like pear, apple, and peach on the nose, this dry white wine has a medium-bold body and a medium-soft finish. You’ll taste citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit as well as lychee and pineapple, all followed by light honey and stone mineral flavors. Pair it with spicy foods, rich fish, or mild and soft cheeses for a complex experience.

Price: $24

Rosé

With fall comes gatherings with massive amounts of food, and a lighter rosé is not what you want. Since we’re looking for a wine that can stand up to the robust flavors that come with fall, we want full-bodied grapes. Stick to rosés made from Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These will pair particularly well with the turkey you have planned for Thanksgiving.

For the slow transition to colder weather, you want to hold onto those warmer memories of summer for as long as you can. Don’t worry. We have a rosé that will be perfect for your early fall:

Lavau Tavel Rosé, 2017

Made entirely from grapes grown in the Rhone region in France, this dry wine is composed of 50 percent Grenache, 45 percent Cinsault, and 5 percent Syrah. It smells of red currants, raspberry, fresh nuts, and roses. Its rich minerality follows through on the palate featuring fresh and balanced flavors complete with a high-acidity finish. Deep pink with traces of blood orange, this rosé will pair perfectly with fall’s best barbeque dishes.

Price: $19

Ah, here comes fall. Now, kick back with a perfect glass of wine and watch the leaves turn.

What kinds of wine would you suggest for fall?

Feeling inspired? Let us know in our comments. Post a picture of one of the drinks you try or tell us about your own favorite fall cocktail. Check out our unique wine decanters.

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