A Taste of Wine
Wines For the Fall
In every October there comes a day when you
must reacquaint yourself with your oven. The
outdoor grill is left to gather cobwebs, not so
Nancy Biggs
much from neglect, but because being in the
kitchen, near the feel and smell of warming
things, suddenly seems like a very welcome idea. It’s as if we
all have a built-in cozy meter that kicks in as the temperature
dips and the harvest moon rises. Stewpots and roasting pans are
unearthed from cupboards and like long familiar shadows; the
red wines of fall are pulled back into rotation. There is a type of
red that seems ideal for this early-autumn feeling, a wine that
provides warmth through cool nights yet nimbly manages late
harvest fare. This wine reflects the tastes and feel of the season,
possessing savory accents on fruit - wood smoke, fallen leaves,
wild mushrooms, and forest floor - as if the wines have put on
an extra layer to ward off the chill.
First Batch of Chili - The pot’s been simmering all day, filling
the house with mouthwatering anticipation. When the dinner
bell rings, pair it with a 2013 Alamos, Malbec from Mendoza,
Argentina. Alamos is made by one of Argentina’s iconic
producers, Catena, so this wine is a lesson in value. Medium in
body with a lush finish, this Malbec boasts notes of blackberry
jam, cocoa, and baking spices. It will add even more nuance to
this king of comfort food
Coldest Night of the Year – Imagine the trees clinging to their
last few leaves and a crispness in the air. Throw another log on
the fire and pop the cork on a 2012 MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir
from Trader Joe’s. Pinot Noir paired with home-made meatloaf
is absolute perfection. It’s a classic. The textures complement
each other, the flavors marry cohesively, and the wine’s body and
acidity encourage repeat bites. This ripe vintage, laced with silky
tannins, delivers a rich mouth-feel with notes of pomegranates,
cola, sour cherries, and green tea.
Zucchini Soup – Enjoy a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and
Mourvedre in a bottle of 2011 Famille Perrin, Côtes du Rhône,
France. The wine is bold and depending on your palette can vary
from fresh and fruity to herbaceous and earthy. With notes of
cracked pepper, dried herbs, baking spices, and raspberry jam,
this savory blend complements the soul touching soup.
Happy tasting!
-Nancy Biggs, Wine Aficionado
22 October 2015
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