NATURAL RED WINES FOR FALL
It is funny how our brains work isn’t it? When it’s Summer and the Sun is out from when you wake up until past 7pm all you want to drink is bright, crisp, and refreshing Rose and White wines. Now that it is the beginning of Fall, the sun is going down earlier and when we get home, we’re looking for something a little fuller and richer. A bottle of wine that can keep you cozy on these long dark nights to come.
It might seem like a joke, but it is 100% true. Between mid-September into early October we notice it with our regular customers. The person who would come in for a few bottles of Rose to hangout with their neighbors or to take to a friend’s house are now coming in for a bottle or two of Red wine. People who come in to buy a case of their favorite light White wine are now switching over to their go to Red. Even Orange wine drinkers are looking for something a little more warming this time of year. So allow me to suggest a handful of Red wines that you can enjoy during this Fall and Winter.
2021 Skull Wines Red, California. $18.99 per bottle.
This label might look spooky, but the wine is a real crowd pleaser! A blend of 30% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah, 20% Mission, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Alicante Bouschet, there is a soft acidity throughout the wine that helps keep the flavors in balance. Juicy red fruits (cherries, strawberries and red plums) bring a richness to the flavor profile. Delicate tannins lightly dry up the juiciness, but also allow a ripeness to the fruit to come out that wasn’t present before.
2021 Stirm Wine Co. Benitoite Red Table Wine, San Benito County. $23.99 per bottle.
A blend of Cabernet Pfeffer, Negrette and Zinfandel, with some vines as old as 120 years old. Fresh vegetal notes up front lead to roasted dark fruit characteristics. Notes of plums and figs along with the roasted fruit give the wine some weight and body but does lead to a dry finish. Soft violets on the finish.
2022 Cluricaun Red, Portugal. $17.99 per bottle.
Rich notes of plums and figs coat the palate creating a very easy entry point. Soft notes of violets and hints of vegetal stem lighten the mouthfeel a touch while also adding tannic structure to the wine. While the tannins dry the tastebuds, it also allows black fruit to come out on the finish.
Vinovore by Coly Den Haan Sssupermoon Red, Italy. $19.99 per bottle
Made at Azienda Agricola Randi in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, this wine is 100% Centesimino. While the wine is dry on the finish, there is a lot of fruit and richness to it as well. Rich notes of black cherries and boysenberries coat the palate. Floral rose petal characteristics help the profile stay light. Hints of coco add some richness, but since it is more of a coco powder flavor profile, actually dries the palate a bit.
2019 Guerila Winery, Retro Red, Vipava Valley, Slovenia. $33.99 per bottle.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Barbera (60/20/20), this is a nice red wine with lighter characteristics. Slight funk on the nose leads to notes of white pepper and light red fruit on the palate. Subtle tannins make way for flavors similar to rose petals, tobacco leaves and hints of leather.