7 Wines To Fall For This Season

The warm days of summer are dwindling down, and fall is making its appearance. It is a magical time of year - colorful leaves, crisp air, cozy fireside gatherings, as well as some warm comforting food. Naturally, the new season calls for some new wines to match. While it doesn't mean you have to abandon your favorite poolside Rosé, it might be a good idea to add some warm Reds to your wine routine.

As the temperatures are dropping and fireplaces are crackling, we’re in need of comfort - there’s nothing I want more than to cozy up with a glass of...Pietradolce Vigna Barbagalli Etna Rosso! 100% Nerello Mascalese from the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Vigna Barbagalli is just sensational. 100-year-old vines which are the very finest you can get from Etna. Rich bouquet ranging from blueberry to eucalyptus to wild rose notes. Full-bodied, with a profound depth of fruit but gorgeous minerality and freshness.

Pietradolce 'Vigna Barbagalli' Etna Rosso 2010

Tenuta Argentiera is situated in Bolgheri, overlooking the Tyrrhenian coastline (it is neighbors to some of the biggest names including Guado al Tasso and Sassicaia). The name Argentiera is derived from the silver ("argento") mines that once existed scattered throughout the landscape here. A 200-meter altitude creates a favorable microclimate, allowing sea breezes to penetrate the canopy and reduce the risk of various mildew diseases. In a powerful vintage like 2015, this wine will age for decades if you so choose, but it is pretty tough to resist now...Delightful nose of mixed spices, violet, olive, and ripe black fruits, super polished tannins, with a long, cohesive finish.

Tenuta Argentiera 'Argentiera' Bolgheri Superiore 2015

This bottle of Carpineto Chianti Classico 2019 is ruby in color, abundantly aromatic with notes of sappy cherry and ripe plum, tangled with violets and earthy hints, lifted by some mixed-spice notes. Aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and Slavonian oak barrels for 4 to 6 months, then bottled aged an additional 4 to 6 months. Medium-plus bodied with vibrant acidity and a dry, intense, well-rounded finish. Various dishes can work well: rich roasted meats, cured sausages, pasta Bolognese, as well as hard cheeses. Thanks to its acidity, it can match well with fattier meats also. Mmm, maybe even a mushroom risotto!

When I'm not going out on the weekend I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, cooking a dish that requires hours that I do not have on weekdays. This weekend I made slow-roasted lamb chops, paired with the 1993 Chateau Haut-Brion, wow! Quite a surprise in a difficult vintage, this wine was both powerful and elegant, very well-structured and balanced, with surprising ripeness and richness under fine tannins. We opened the bottle in the morning to let it breathe while preparing the meal. When the dish hit the plate, the wine was revealing beautifully as well - no decanting.

Château Nénin is a producer in Pomerol. While Pomerol is part of Bordeaux, it differs in climate and geology from the Médoc. Here the predominant varietal is Merlot and cabernet franc plays an important supporting role. Its relatively small vineyards produce premium quality wines which are constantly sought after. Unlike other wine areas of Bordeaux, Pomerol has no official classification, yet the winemaking standards are extremely high throughout. This 2000 is full-bodied and powerful, with notes of blackberry, chocolate, and plum. Subtle hints of fresh mint, chocolate and cedar. Ripe tannins, long and caressing finish, beautiful structure - drink now or hold.

Bierzo is a wine region in the northwest of Castilla y Leon, Spain. It was accorded DO status in 1989 and has experienced a surge in popularity in the past few years. Raúl Pérez is a pioneer of both the Bierzo region as well as the Mencía grape variety. He makes a wide range though mostly in tiny quantities. The wines under the Ultreia banner – mostly reds based on Mencia – form the core of his personal portfolio. This Ultreia La Cova de la Raposa 2018 is a young Bierzo full of power and grace, with notes of cherry, fig, wild berries, and fresh bouquet. The luscious fruit intensity holds cool within its tannic structure - incredibly balanced and harmonious!

Raul Perez Bierzo Ultreia La Cova de la Raposa 2018

Chateau Tour Saint Christophe is located on the Saint Emilion Grand Cru appellation and is partly planted on narrow terraces where the vineyard is tended in tight rows grouped by five. This micro landscape extends into the slope overlooking the St Laurent valley. This 2018 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cab Franc: a sensual bouquet of black cherry, spice and chocolate notes. Full-bodied, polished with fantastic texture and length. Vibrant with ripe, rounded tannins, freshness, and savory finishing. Approachable already but cellaring it for a couple of years is necessary to let it bloom and appreciate it at its fullest potential!

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7 Wines To Fall For This Season

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