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With so many different varieties of wine on the market, it can be hard to decide which ones are best for specific seasons. Especially, if you are not working with a wine director or sommelier. These professionals can help you build the best wine pairings in accordance with your restaurant’s concept and the food menu you have curated. However, with enough helpful tips and knowledge, you will be able to do your own wine list curation for fall.
Autumn wine is a great way to start changing up your beverage menu for the upcoming colder months. There are plenty of bottles you probably already have in your beverage inventory, but we are sure you will find some inspiration for new additions here. Below we have listed ideas for the autumn wine you can serve that will bring the spirit of the holidays closer. Let’s dive deeper into this and see what types of wine would make dining at your restaurant this autumn season even better!
Autumn Wine to Include in Your Wine List This Year
As the weather cools down and the autumn settles in, it’s time to update your wine list to reflect the flavors of the season. Fall calls for wine that offers warmth, complexity, and some spice. These types of wines are perfect for cozy gatherings and paired with hearty meals. Here are the must-have wines you should include in your fall wine list, which will capture perfectly the essence of this time of year:
1. Oaked Chardonnay
Oaked Chardonnay works great for the fall weather as it offers rich and creamy textures with notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. These flavors complement the autumn palate. This autumn wine pairs beautifully with fall dishes, like roasted turkey, butternut squash, and creamy pastas. The best regions to get the oaked Chardonnay are California, Burgundy (France), and Australia.
Key Takeaway: If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to add more autumn wine to your wine list. These wines complement perfectly the warm, hearty dishes typically for this time of year. They will help you create amazing pairings and will boost customer satisfaction, which will help your business grow, as well as your profit.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
This autumn wine is known for its full-bodied structure and flavors of dark fruit, cedar, and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for hearty autumn meals like grilled meats and stews. Its boldness matches the intensity of seasonal flavors and can warm up any chilly night. The regions to get the best Cabernet Sauvignon are Napa Valley, Bordeaux (France), and Washington State.
3. Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah, which is known as Shiraz in Australia, is deeply flavored with notes of black pepper, plum, and smoky undertones. It has the complexity to complement autumn’s savory flavors, pairing well with roasted lamb, braised meats, and grilled mushrooms. The best places to source Syrah from are Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia), and California.
4. Pinot Noir
With its earthy undertones and flavors of cranberry and cherry, Pinot Noir is a perfect bridge between summer’s light wines and winter’s heavier reds. It pairs elegantly with roasted chicken, wild mushrooms, and a variety of root vegetables. You can get the best Pinot Noir from Oregon, Burgundy (France), and California.
5. Zinfandel
Zinfandel offers bold fruit flavors and a touch of spice, perfect for fall. This autumn wine pairs well with barbecue dishes, sausages, and spiced desserts like apple pie, making it a great choice for a seasonal wine list. The suggested regions for sourcing this type of wine include California and Southern Italy (where it’s known as Primitivo).
6. Grenache/Garnacha
Grenache or Garnacha is a versatile red wine with fruity and spice notes that make it a lovely fall choice. Its subtle spice and red fruit flavors make it a great match for lighter autumn fare like pork, poultry, and spiced squash. The best regions to get Grenache from are Spain, Rhône Valley (France), and California.
7. Malbec
Malbec is an autumn wine known for its velvety tannins and flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and a hint of smoke. This wine is excellent for rich fall dishes, from roasted meats to hearty stews, and its approachable nature makes it a crowd-pleaser. The suggested regions to get Malbec from are Argentina, Cahors (France), and California.
8. Tempranillo
Tempranillo’s dark berry and dried fig flavors, along with subtle tobacco and leather notes, are perfectly suited for autumn. It’s a great choice for pairing with tapas, grilled meats, and smoky flavors. The regions where you can get the best Tempranillo are Rioja (Spain), Ribera del Duero (Spain), and Texas.
9. Chenin Blanc (Off-Dry)
An off-dry Chenin Blanc with a hint of honey and stone fruit can pair wonderfully with fall flavors. It’s ideal for dishes with caramelized onions, roasted squash, or lighter fall cheeses. As for the regions, focus on Loire Valley (France), South Africa, and California.
10. Sangiovese
Sangiovese has bright acidity and savory, earthy undertones that pair well with fall flavors, like roasted tomatoes, wild game, and aged cheeses. Its flavors of red cherry, dried herbs, and hint of spice bring warmth to any autumn meal. Sangiovese should be sourced from regions like Tuscany (Italy) and California.
Adding these autumnal wines to your top wine list can create a rich, seasonal menu that appeals to the shifting tastes and moods of autumn. From bold reds to complex whites, these selections will complement seasonal flavors and make your wine list feel perfectly suited for cozy, fall evenings.
When the fall evenings begin to change into winter ones, it will be time to bring out the holiday wines, too. Don’t worry about it because we have covered that topic as well! In our blog section you can find plenty of information and inspiration regarding different wines, so don’t miss out on that.
Frequently Asked Questions about Autumn Wine
If you want to know more about autumn wine and curating your wine list for this time of the year, read these frequently asked questions we have listed below!
What Makes a Wine Ideal for Autumn?
Wines that are full-bodied, complex, and rich in spice, fruit, and earthy flavors are typically favored in autumn. They should pair well with seasonal dishes and offer a sense of warmth and comfort, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
Can White Wines Work for Fall?
Absolutely! Full-bodied white wines like oaked Chardonnay and Viognier offer warmth and depth, making them great for cooler weather. Off-dry whites like Chenin Blanc also complement fall flavors like root vegetables and apple-based dishes.
Are There Any Unique Autumn Wines to Try?
Yes! Wines like Grenache and Tempranillo bring a unique, fruity-spicy profile that’s ideal for fall. Additionally, aged rosés, orange wines, and lighter reds, such as Gamay, provide a creative twist on seasonal pairings.
What Are Some Classic Food and Wine Pairings for Autumn?
Autumn classics include Cabernet Sauvignon with braised short ribs, Pinot Noir with mushroom dishes, oaked Chardonnay with roasted turkey, and Syrah with lamb or game meats. Spicy Zinfandel pairs nicely with barbecue and smoky dishes, while Sangiovese works well with pasta in savory tomato-based sauces.