How to Pick the Perfect Wine for any Fall Occasion

As the leaves change, so do we. It is time to fall into aromatic wines that warm your spirits. This season is all about cozying up on the couch, a glass of wine in hand after a long day, with your delicious-smelling dinner cooking in the kitchen. We have just the wine list for you to enjoy this Fall.

Reds

One of the most popular wines for Fall is Pinot Noir. Light-bodied reds fit the season because their acidity balances the fats and sweet foods that fall brings. Pinot Noirs captures the season with its notes of red berries and earthiness. Also, its medium to high acidity pairs well with various fall flavors. We recommend unscrewing a Companion Wines Lodi Pinot Noir 2020 bottle at your seasonal dinner parties. This wine possesses a fully balanced structure with a smooth, soft tannin. There is strong evidence of blackberry, followed by soft tobacco notes that will have you feeling in the spirit of the season. It easily pairs with meats like chicken, duck, steak, and lamb. We suggest pairing it with the Lamb Loin Chops with Pan Sauce with Cumin and Chiles. The richness of this lamb recipe will contrast the acidity and notes of fruit in the pinot noir, making it a perfect seasonal pairing.

Full-bodied reds are served better in the cooler temperatures with the crisp breeze. Cabernet Sauvignon is a staple choice to ring in the fall season. Our recommended best wine for that transition is our Companion Wines Companion Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. With its subtle oak, slight pepper notes, and smooth finish, this aged wine will pair well with big and bold desserts like Red Wine Chocolate Cake. Nothing is better than melting into a warm dessert accompanied by a glass of wine at night. This recipe is made with a cup of Cabernet Sauvignon to taste even better with a sip of our wine after a bite. Both chocolate cake and Cabernet Sauvignon are famous for entertaining friends and family, giving the pairing a seasonal versatility that is perfect for Fall. 

The ideal companion going into Fall is a glass of Malbec; its rich character and robust flavor capture the season's essence. With hints of spice and black pepper and a long, intense fruit finish, we recommend Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Mendoza Malbec 2019. Its deep aromas of cherries, plum, cloves, and vanilla encapsulate the feeling of Fall. This wine is well-rounded and warm, balancing both fruit and spice. Malbec's bold flavor and smooth tannins complement pork dishes' natural sweetness and richness; we suggest the Pork Cutlets with Piccalilli and Lentil Salad. This recipe will bring out the wine's fruity flavors of berry and plum. Pork is a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties and feeding many people; it would be a great asset in the Fall, especially paired with wine.

Whites

Fuller-bodied whites are a Fall must-have; like an oaked Chardonnay, they have a powerfully rich buttery taste that complements the season’s crisp, cool air. The oak barrel taste can give hints of autumn spices like vanilla and cloves, making it perfect for a glass to cozy up with. We recommend Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022, which has fruity characteristics that pair well with holiday foods. The aromas of ripe golden apple, white peach, and light oak are balanced by its fresh acidity. With a clean finish, this wine is excellent with creamy apple pie, Thanksgiving turkey, and creamy pastas, such as Michelle’s Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe would be perfect for serving at a fall gathering or as a side on Thanksgiving.

White wines that give you a warm feel are necessary this Fall season, and The Four Graces Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2022 Blanc has that liquid sunshine taste that reflects its warm vintage. It is full of juicy and ripe aromas of cantaloupe and honeydew with a fragrant, heady honeysuckle that lures the senses. This wine will be a fan favorite among your friends and family, pairing well with the favorable Mezzi Paccheri with Lemon Olive Oil. The lightness of the pasta will balance out the full-bodied Pinot Gris while matching those lemon notes. Fuller-bodied whites and light to creamy pasta are an excellent way to transition into those rich dishes and flavors that come as a staple in the colder temperatures.

Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice to pair with various rich to freshly flavored dishes since it can hit those citrus notes and deep aromas. The Twomey Napa Valley-Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2019 balances the delicate line between being vibrantly floral and rich with texture. We recommend pairing this wine with Chicken Under a Brick. Both the dish and the wine match in versatility, while the wine’s zestiness complements the subtle flavors of poultry. This pairing will be great for entertaining over the holidays.