Fall Wine Picks

The things I love most about fall like the changing weather, the turning leaves, the embracing of all things pumpkin, and of course an excuse to sit in front of a fire wrapped in a blanket at all hours of the day- are all great reasons to open the perfect bottle of wine. For me the autumn season (although every season if I’m being honest) is all about reds.

Don’t get me wrong. On Thanksgiving you will absolutely see me sipping a Gewurztraminer because, in my opinion, nothing goes better with Thanksgiving food- BUT I am dedicating this selection solely to my red wine picks. (Once we get closer to Thanksgiving, you bet I’ll whip out some of my other recommendations.)

So let’s dive right into the red wines I’ve been really digging this fall. I went for a more diverse selection for this post in hopes that I might inspire you to try a new wine or a new producer this season. So let’s venture out of Napa a bit (save for one selection) and try something new!!

EL ENEMIGO CABERNET FRANC, 2015

Let’s start out with all the spice for the season that celebrates spice with an Argentinian wine from none other than Mendoza. Usually when you think Mendoza you think Malbec but this Cabernet Franc is worth getting excited about. With a mix of fresh fruit and big herb qualities this makes for a perfect pairing with beef or pork.

CHATEAU D’ARMAILHAC PAUILLAC, 2016

Okay look- this wine is a little pricey but it’s well worth the splurge. Anything from the Pauiillac AOC is usually a winner for me. From the AOC that brings us Rothschild, comes this fantastic full-bodied and powerful wine. Buy for a special occasion (like a Tuesday), you won’t regret it!

G.D. VAJRA BARBERA D’ALBA SUPERIORE, 2016

Big and juicy because, well, it’s Barbera from Piedmont that’s why! If you like Barbera this is such a classic expression of it- with a whole lot of power and balance.

GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU MERLOT, 2016

I’ve been talking about this wine on my IG account a lot lately because I recently found it at Costco for a fantastic price and I wanted to make sure everyone knew. That said I will make this brief. It’s great, its well priced- BUY IT!

DOMAINE LA BOUTINIERE CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, 2016

My favorite wine word? Chateauneuf-du-Pape! Its fun to say, easy to drink, and a crowd pleaser. This bad boy hails from the Southern Rhone and would be fantastic with some lamb and good company.

QUINTA DO CRASTO FLOR DE CRASTO RED, 2016

This is definitely the most budget-friendly option I’ve included on the list but you wouldn’t know it from taste. This Portugal red blend is well done and a perfect bottle to bring with you to a gathering when you want something good but not something too crazy.

ELVIO COGNO MANDORLO DOLCETTO D’ALBA, 2017

Another reasonably priced daily drinker that you’d never suspect was a bargain. Tons of fruit, full-bodied, and fresh goes great with a lot of dishes but you’ll find me sipping this with a good old bolognese and fresh pasta at our house.