We love this time of year when we are waking up to brisk mornings, anticipating the fall folliage and soaking in the last rays of summer. It's with this seasonality in mind that we've put together a pack that best captures these shifting moods: a charming sparkler and orange for the sunny days, textural whites and a light red as dusk approaches and a warming red for those forthcoming hoodie nights. We've assembled wines that perfectly pair to these transitional times and also serve as a nice accompaniment for the comforting foods that we are beginning to crave.
2019 Frasinelli 'Rive Di San Pietro' Prosecco Superiore Brut - Veneto, Italy Impressions: A sophisticated monovarietal prosecco perfect for any end of summer occasions. Aromas of Granny-Smith apples, lemon peels, and nectarine, rest gracefully atop subtle tones of elderflower. The palate is introduced to a dynamic acidity under a fine mousse that dances with a creamy texture before descending into a dry, crisp, refreshing, medium finish.
2022 Domaine Chavet Menetou-Salon Blanc - Loire Valley, France
Impressions: While Menetou-Salon doesn’t hold as much star power as neighboring Sancerre, its unique terroir produces some amazing expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas or grapefruit pith, gooseberries, lemongrass, nasturtium and white peach hover above an elusive note of flint. On the palate, balanced acidity dances towards a mineral lift leading to a dry and refreshing finish.
2022 Paitin 'Elisa' Roero Arneis - Piemonte, Italy
Impressions: As summer comes to an end and fall approaches, it’s time to introduce more concentrated whites to the mix. Aromas of Bartlett pear, yellow apple, and white peach, drift from the glass as nutmeg, allspice, and raw almond evolve closely behind. Moderate acidity hits the palate that mingles with a medium body before a bone-dry finish takes over with lasting notes of orchard fruit and chamomile. Pairs best with seared scallops in a butter-based sauce with cool herbs and citrus or try with a vegetable frittata.
2022 Serodes & Kovac 'Cazot Orange' - Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Impressions: Skin contact/orange wines can present themselves in a variety of expressions; this one drinks almost like a rosé with its lean body and refreshing finish. Immaculate notes of tangerine, orange peel, and pomelo leap from the glass. The palate is lean with balanced acidity lending to a fabulous lift. An elegant midpalate plays with whispers of tannins before descending into a crisp finish with subtle tones of underripe persimmons. Pair with a salad with Manchego or Comte, alternatively try with a variety of raw seafood crudos.
2016 Mahonia Vineyards Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, United States
Impressions: A vivacious Pinot Noir with some age from a vineyard that might be familiar to fans of Evesham Wood. An absolute crowd please that opens with bing cherries, raspberries, and cranberries envelope the glass; tones of hibiscus, button mushrooms, and forest floor rest gently underneath. The palate is met with an energetic acidity that twirls with supple tannins lending itself to a dry, earthy and spicy finsih. This cuvee can be paired with a variety of dishes. Try with your favorite duck dish or roasted vegetables.
2021 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto Dogliani - Piemonte, Italy
Impressions: Dolcetto is one of our go-to varietals for pizza night. Aromas of wild blackberries, ripe plum, and black cherry hover above subtle notes or black pepper and violet. A bright acidity introduces delicate, velvet-like tannins that lends its way to a supple and slightly herbal finish.. A very quaffable cuvee that can be enjoyed on its own, but pairs brilliantly with meat based red sauces.