Wines for Early Fall

Thu, Sep 05, 24

Early Fall (or late Summer, depending on your POV) is a fantastic time for wine lovers because the pairing possibilities are almost endless. The days are warm and the nights are cool, both the grill and the slow cooker are fair game for dinner, and with vacation over and school back in session it seems like there’s an almost endless supply of opportunity for gatherings and celebrations. I’ve put together a fun list of ideas for wines that are perfectly suited to this transitional time of year!

Dolcetto – Dolcetto is grown almost exclusively in the hills of Piedmont, Italy, and the wines are generally the lightest and brightest of the major wines produced there. They are driven by red fruit and a lightly floral lift, with understated tannins and balanced acidity that makes it a versatile player at the dinner table. Although typically a lighter style wine meant to be enjoyed young, the Dolcettos of an area in Piedmont called Dogliani are usually much more rounded and robust, with several producers, such as San Fereolo, even producing Dolcetto wines capable of aging for many years in the cellar and bottle.
We love: Brezza Dolcetto d’Alba, $17.99 Organic

Robust Rosé – I’ll say it until I’m pink in the face – rosé is not just for Summer by the pool! Although we certainly love a light, crispy Cotes de Provence rosé, there are many other regions that produce significantly more substantial styles that have some structure, tannin, and pair well with grilled fish or chicken. For example, Bandol, an area of Provence known for its ageworthy, robust reds, makes equally powerful rosés that can even withstand some time in the cellar! Other areas to keep an eye out for are Piedmont in Northern Italy, whose Nebbiolo-based rosés can pack a punch; as well as Tavel, located in the Southern Rhone – these rosés carry the same power as those of Bandol, at a much more approachable price point!
We love: Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Rose, $25.

Lambrusco – Lambrusco is back, baby! Wine trends come and go, and in this instance we are a far cry from the mass-produced Riunite craze of the 70’s and 80’s. This effervescent red wine hails from Emilia-Romania, and the grape family of the same name has a handful of varietals (Grasparossa and Sorbara being the two to watch for) that can be blended or vinified on their own – cultivation dating all the way back to the time of the Etruscans. Good Lambrusco can be quite dry, with earthy red fruit and savory undertones that make it perfect for a cool evening around the firepit with friends and charcuterie.
We love: Lini Lambrusco, $19.99 Sustainable

Chablis – I don’t know about you, but once September hits, I start craving heartier Fall fare, particularly from the point at which Sunday dinners move from the grill to the oven…Mom’s roast chicken comes to mind. Cozy and filling, but not as hearty as the rich stews and roasts we will see towards the holiday season, a nice roast chicken with some potatoes and the last of the garden carrots is about as good as it can get. Chablis is a fantastic partner for this, as it has more body and substance than the coastal whites we’ve been drinking all summer, but isn’t as intimidating as its counterparts in Chassagne or Puligny Montrachet.
We love: Bachelier Chablis Vieilles Vignes, $45.

Remember, we’re New Englanders – make sure you’ve got plenty of options on hand for all of the curveballs September can throw our way!

By Meghan Elwell