Ah, fall…the season of pumpkin spice. As we transition into cooler weather and eating heartier foods, our wines also need a seasonal transition to help us stay cozy during this season. Often times, you’ll hear that white wines are for the spring/summer and reds are for the fall/winter. While that might be a rule-of-thumb, I personally find that too restrictive. However, I do believe that the refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is so last season but we might not be ready for the robust Cabernet Sauvignon yet. Luckily, there’s still a whole spectrum of reds and whites that we can explore this fall. My recommendations here will focus on the full-bodied whites and the light- to medium-bodied reds, all while staying under $30!
BUT! Before we dive in, I want to put out there that sparkling wines are a fit for every season because there’s always something worth celebrating that calls for a little bubbly. 🍾🥂
Ok, now let’s get started.
White Wines
I’ll admit, I’m personally not a fan of full-body white wines. Specifically, I’m not a huge a fan of the oakiness and creaminess that you’ll often find in many of the warmer-climate Chardonnays (like those from California). If this is your jam, here are some solid options for you to try along with a couple of Viogniers, which are similar to Chardonnay in that they’re often oak-aged, rich, and creamy. You can expect to find notes of butter, vanilla, and almond in the following Chardonnays and Viogniers.
- Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Chardonnay
- La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
- Domaine de Montine Viognier Rhône Valley
Red Wines
Light- to medium-bodied red wines are perfect for the fall. Wines like Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Beaujolais are full of freshness and red fruit flavors that pair well with the autumn fare. These wines tend to be low in tannins and medium in acidity. Some of the best Pinot Noirs I’ve had are from the Burgundy region in France, which produces some of the most sought-after bottles. Grenache (or Garnacha) originated from Spain and even though it is now widely grown in southern France, California, and Australia, it is one of the more underrated wines in my opinion. (Fun fact, Grenache is one of the main varietals used to make rosés from Provence in southern France). Lastly, Beaujolais is another wine from the Burgundy region and it’s made with Gamay grapes, similar in taste to Pinot Noir, and is also light in body. Even better than Pinot Noir, you can find high-quality Gamay at a much lower price point.
- Artesa Los Carneros Pinot Noir
- Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir
- Meiomi Pinot Noir
- Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais
- Dubost Beaujolais-Villages
- Comando G La Bruja de Rozas Garnacha
- Paxton AAA Shiraz-Grenache Australia
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