Part of what makes autumn so special is its distinctive characteristics: colorful leaves, crisp air, and cozy fabrics are synonymous with fall. As summer fades and the leaves begin to change, so too should your wine cabinet. While summertime warrants light-bodied wines and can be chilled for added refreshment, autumn calls for warm flavor notes helping take the chill out of the air. Discover these five fall wines recommended by Columbia Distributing’s Wine & Spirits Team.
Charles and Charles Double Trouble Red Blend (Washington; ABV: 14.2%)
Double Trouble Red Blend is made of 58% Syrah and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon; with the Cabernet Sauvignon fermented whole berry, and the Syrah fermented largely whole cluster (with stems). It has notes of blackberry, white pepper, black licorice, and cocoa with hints of smoked meat.
This red blend is sustainably farmed and naturally produced by Charles Bieler and Charles Smith, who believe wine should be equal parts edgy and traditional. The fermentation process adds complexity and depth, making this wine an ideal choice for the autumn season.
DAOU Pessimist (California, ABV: 13.7%)
Pessimist is made of 60% Petite Sirah, 22% Zinfandel, 16% Syrah, 2% Lagrein; and aged for 10 months in 50% new French oak barrel. An intensely aromatic nose begins with fragrances of blueberry, boysenberry and black plum. Deeper layers reveal lavender, truffle, cocoa and tamarind spice with hints of cherry pipe tobacco, leather, mint and smoked meats.
This wine boasts a delightful mix of flavors, allowing it to pair effortlessly with several dishes commonly enjoyed during autumn or while enjoying last bits of summer on the patio with friends. Much like the fall, it is a powerhouse gradually, yet deliberately, revealing itself; and finishes smoothly with leisure and length.
Del Rio Pinot Noir (Oregon; ABV: 13.6%)
This Pinot Noir is medium ruby in color with an expressive nose of strawberry, cherry, cassis, rose, and orange peel. Mouthwatering tanginess layered with a soft touch of toasty oak, driving home the lingering finish of this Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noir
As one of the top wine producers in the PNW, Del Rio Vineyard Estates sits at the northern end of the Rogue Valley. It grows 12 grape varieties and boasts 530 acres, making it the largest single vineyard in Southern Oregon. With a state-of-the-art winemaking facility in its iconic red barn, the vineyard produces fruit, juice, and wine for many wineries throughout the United States.
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon(California, ABV: 13.5%)
815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid-palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.
Joel Gott Wines sources the best fruit from growing regions in California, Oregon, and Washington to create balanced, clean, complex, elegant, and food-friendly wines.
Primarius Sans Soufre Pinot Noir(Oregon, ABV: 13.56%)
Primarius Sans Soufre Pinot Noir is a true representation of the state of Oregon; lush bramble fruit and bright bing cherries aromas accented by subtle notes of cinnamon and clove.
Primarius is crafted Sarah Cabot, a revered winemaker not just in Oregon but throughout nation. . An overall cool-climate growing region, Oregon boasts warm sunny days during the peak growing season, with mild winters, and long – often rainy – spring and fall seasons, ideal conditions for fully ripened Pinot Noir grapes.
Pairing Fall Wines with Food
Rest easy. The above wines will pair beautifully with fall-inspired charcuterie boards and favorites like pork chops, grilled salmon, mellow and spicy curries, comforting soups and chilis, and pasta dishes.
Learn More with Columbia Distributing’s Team
As fall approaches, update your wine selection and provide your customers with options that pair well with the season. Interested in reviewing your wine offerings in time for fall? If you’re an individual looking for a great wine to bring to an friend’s gathering, follow us on your favorite social media platform for ideas. If you’re a licensed beverage retailer in Oregon and Washington, contact us today to learn more about our selection.