Autumn Wines

You mean wines are seasonal? You bet. A big Cabernet on a hot, humid day is no fun. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc when it's below freezing loses something. So besides worrying about matching your wine with your meal you want to consider the weather. I bet you thought choosing a wine would be easy.

The weather is finally cooling off. It's refreshing even. We tend to cook heavier food and cook  indoors rather than on the grill. What should we be drinking? My summer go-to Pinot Noirs change over to Zinfandels and Cabernets.

Whites

This ...

This might be time for those heavier Chardonnays -- the higher viscosity, oily, buttery, oaky ones. Don't serve them cold; a cellar temp is best. It's a good time for a Rhone-style such as Viognier.

Reds

As it cools off and the foods get more robust so do the wines.

... Calls for something like this

Zinfandel - This is where autumn starts! Something like homemade spaghetti and meatballs with a great Zinfandel.

The Bordeaux Grapes - When the crisp weather arrives you can finally break into an easier-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon (save the heavier ones for winter) along with Cab Franc, Malbec, and Merlot. As the cool weather foods get beefier so should the wines.

Having the first fire in the fireplace? Break out the Port to celebrate!